(YakimaHerald) - It's known throughout the world as "King Cab," and that is so true in Washington.

Cabernet Sauvignon is most famous in France's Bordeaux and California's Napa Valley, but it's quickly risen to the top in Washington's Columbia Valley, where the arid days and cool nights allow Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen to perfection.

In recent years, Cabernet Sauvignon has not only surpassed Merlot as the state's top red wine grape, but it's also risen past Chardonnay and Riesling as Washington's No. 1 wine grape.

And this trend isn't likely to slow anytime soon. Grape growers in such regions as Red Mountain, the Horse Heaven Hills, the Wahluke Slope and the Walla Walla Valley continue to make it the variety of choice based on popular demand.

Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be a big wine, thanks to rich, ripe dark fruit flavors backed by tannins that range from sauve to assertive. Its wines pair beautifully with boldly flavored meals, including grilled and braised meats, mushroom risottos and Italian-themed dishes such as lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs.