Think Red-on-Red for Easy Entertaining

ST. HELENA, CA--(Marketwire - May 26, 2011) - Crisp whites may traditionally be the color of summer, but this season, spin the color wheel and place all bets on red instead. When you consider the red-on-red pairing of Louis M. Martini Winery's signature Cabernet Sauvignon and the Certified Angus Beef^® brand, you'll agree that red is the new white for warm-weather months.

Whether looking for a casual get-together or a fine dining experience, the Certified Angus Beef^® brand and Louis M. Martini Winery have designed three pairings for varying occasions and price points, making it easy for anyone to see red this season:

Weeknight Grilling
Keeping things casual? Top sirloin steak is lean, flavorful and great on the grill -- and costs less than many classic steakhouse cuts. The juicy steak meets its match with Martini's rich and balanced 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($18), with aromas and flavors of red cherry, blackberry, fresh sage, layered with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Quick tip: Dress this versatile steak up with your favorite spice rub, or cut it into cubes and skewer with vegetables for a quick kabob.

Entertaining Friends
Take things up just a notch with a lean, tender strip steak. The full-flavored steak with a firm "bite" balances well with Martini's velvety 2007 Napa Valley CabernetSauvignon ($30), with its intense ripe cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco aromas. Quick tip: Fresh chives, cilantro or thyme from your herb garden or local market perfectly balance a strip steak's bold, beefy taste.

Black Tie Ball
Sometimes, you have to go all out -- in those cases, only a tender and elegant filet mignon will do. Lean, yet succulent, filet mignon pairs perfectly with Martini's full-bodied 2007 Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon ($145) with flavors of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and toasty sweet oak. Quick tip: Most chefs and beef experts prefer steaks grilled to medium-rare (145°F) for optimal flavor, tenderness and juiciness. Pair a filet with a salad of fresh, delicate greens and juicy seasonal fruit like watermelon, peaches or strawberries. The fruit's subtle sweetness will complement the filet's delicate flavor.

"The flavors and intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect partner for the rich, juicy taste of Certified Angus Beef^® brand steaks," said Michael Martini, third generation winemaker. "And as any match made in heaven, the two are designed to bring out the best qualities in each other."

"No matter the occasion, it's important to choose a wine that complements your meal," said Corporate Chef Scott Popovic with the Certified Angus Beef^® brand. "The rich, balanced flavors of a Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon are a great choice for a premium, generously marbled steak."

About the Certified Angus Beef ^®Brand
There's Angus. Then there's the Certified Angus Beef^® brand. Founded in 1978 by Angus producers, this is the only brand owned by the American Angus Association^® and its more than 30,000 rancher members. An industry leader and world renowned for quality, the brand is enjoyed for its flavor, tenderness and juiciness and is offered by the finest restaurants and retailers around the globe.

Known for its exceptional quality and generous marbling, the Certified Angus Beef^® brand has 10 strict scientific standards that make it a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Only the best Angus beef achieves the brand's premium name. For more information, visit www.CertifiedAngusBeef.com, or look for the brand on Facebook and Twitter.

About Louis M. Martini
For more than 75 years, the Louis M. Martini Winery has crafted award-winning wines from the flagship grape of Napa Valley: Cabernet Sauvignon. With the simple premise that the best grapes make the best wines, Louis M. Martini, founder of the winery, set out to acquire the finest terroir in what is now one of the world's most renowned wine producing regions. In 1977, Michael Martini, third generation winemaker, took the helm; in 2003, merging art and science in the winery, he introduced Cellar 254 an "artist's studio" to experiment with small production, artisan red wines. Today, the winery continues the tradition in which it was established: pursuing the best Cabernet Sauvignon that the region can offer. The Louis M. Martini Winery and tasting room are located on Highway 29 in St. Helena, California. For more information, please visit www.louismartini.com.