Bookworms have Clancy, film buffs have Scorsese, I have Pozzan | Phil Your Glass

Finding a good bottle of wine is similar to seeking out a great book or movie, much like bookworms may clamor for Clancy and movie enthusiasts seek Scorsese.

When it comes to wine, Napa Valley winemaker Michael Pozzan is definitely one of my favorites. His wines have been a model of consistent deliciousness since his first vintage in 1991.

Pozzan and his wines are all about family. His wine roots go back to his great-grandfather, who planted grape vines in Piedmont, Italy, in the 1800s. That’s where Barolo wines (also known as "the wine of kings") are produced.

Each of the wine labels in the Pozzan portfolio are named after a family member. Mariana is Michael’s wife, Dante is his son, and Giapoza is named after fifth-generation granddaughter Gianna Pozzan. With each cork pulled, I am constantly amazed at the quality-to-price ratio he delivers.

Annabella, the wine I am featuring today, is named after Pozzan’s grandmother. It’s made from 98% cabernet sauvignon, 1% merlot and 1% petite sirah grapes from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma. It’s a silky smooth $22.45 cab that would easily be priced near $50 had the grapes come from neighboring Napa Valley. Pozzan is masterful at sourcing exceptional fruit. Annabella is a true testament to his greatness.

There’s much to like about this cabernet. It is unbelievably approachable and easy to drink on its own. The raspberry nuances of this wine take me back to my childhood days of picking wild red raspberries and blackberries in the field behind our house.

The versatility of this wine is uncanny. For starters, you can have it with a few slices of Citterio mini mortadella loaf (a new $9 item at Beau’s Market) or a couple of Gorgonzola stuffed green olives. It’s great with Pozzan’s family Bolognese sauce recipe (which I have had and is amazing), as well a carry-out Galley Boy burger from Swenson’s. (Happy 90th anniversary to Swenson's.)

Pozzan likes to have this cab with braised short rib tacos or grilled rosemary chicken. I thought a few delectable Mitiga chocolate-covered dates (available at Heinen's and Market District) and a Nutella biscuit were the perfect way to enjoy a second glass at the end of the evening.

If you are headed out to Napa Valley, stop in for a wine tasting at the new Michael Pozzan tasting room in downtown Napa at 1207 Randolph Street. Call 707-252-9800 for a reservation.

You can also join Chef Beau Schmidt and me from 6-8 p.m. June 27 at Beau’s Market in Copley to sample six of Pozzan’s wines paired with small plates. Cost is $45. For reservations, call 234-466-7720.

You can find this wine at Crave in downtown Akron, Mustard Seed Market in Montrose, Beau’s Market in Copley, Krieger’s Market in Cuyahoga Falls, all Heinen’s stores, North End in Hudson, Montavino Wine Market in Wooster, and at Fishers Foods and Buehler's in Canton.

Email me at [email protected] with any wine questions and follow me on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglas

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Winemaker Michael Pozzan produces affordable Annabella cabernet