Malibu Wines
Call it Southern California in a bottle. Perfectly positioned at the crest of the Santa Monica Mount
Cuvee is not exactly a varietal in the same way that Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are varietals. The term "Cuvee", which comes from the French word "cuve" meaning vat or tank, is used in several ways in the wine world.
1. In its simplest sense, Cuvee refers to a specific batch or lot of wine. This usage is most common in the Champagne region of France, where it traditionally refers to the first (and best) grape juice produced from a batch of pressed grapes.
2. It can also be used to denote a blend or mix of wines, especially in Champagne, Burgundy, and other high-end French regions. Here, Cuvee often refers to a winemaker's best or top-tier wine - for example, a champagne house's "prestige cuvee" is their highest-quality, most expensive blend.
3. Outside of France, the term is also used to indicate a wine that is a blend of multiple grape varietals.
In all uses of the term, Cuvee is generally associated with high-quality wine, although it is not legally regulated and thus does not have a strict, universal definition. The flavor, aroma, and other characteristics of a Cuvee wine can vary widely depending on the particular blend or batch of wine, and the winemaker's style.
