PREVIOUS TASTING ARCHIVE – NOVEMBER 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most popular red wine variety, but did you know that it is an accidental cross of parents Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc? It first appeared some time in the 17th century in the south of France.
Though it’s hard to believe the structured Cabernet Sauvignon, leafy Cabernet Franc and crisp Sauvignon Blanc share the same bloodline, there are similarities which we will explore as part of this tasting. We’ll be looking at these three varieties, plus another peculiarity: Sauvignon Gris. Not a crossing of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris as some believe, but a mutation of Sauvignon Blanc. Once again, all are part of the same family.
The Wines
We’ll taste a Cabernet Sauvignon to set the scene. From Australia’s Peter Lehmann, ‘Pastor’s Son’ is classic Barossa red, with ripe black fruit and barrel-ageing. We’ll then taste two Cabernet Franc wines. The first comes from its homeland in the Loire Vally and an appellation dedicated to the variety: Saumur-Champigny. We’ll compare it with a wine from Argentina that is also 100% Cabernet Franc, a hidden gem of the Mendoza region and so often overlooked in favour of Malbec.
The first of a pair of Sauvignons Blanc comes from high altitude vineyards in Chile’s remote and cool Elqui Valley, while we turn to Bordeaux for the second, blended with some Semillon and matured in oak barrels. It will offer such an interesting comparison. Completing our line-up is a rare Sauvignon Gris. A pink-skinned mutation of the Blanc, we’ll see if the family resemblance is obvious and discuss how it differs from its better-known cousin.
How does it work?
The tasting is split over two consecutive Thursday evenings. We’ll open three bottles per night, but they’ll drink well through the weekend so nothing will be wasted. And remember: if you cannot join us live for any session, our ‘catch-up’ service allows you to taste along to the recordings at your leisure.
- Tasting tickets and wines are purchased separately
- The ticket price is per household, not per person
- The ticket covers both sessions
- After you purchase your ticket, you’ll see a link to buy the wines
- We’ll make a recording of each session in case you miss one
- You may attend without buying the wines.
- Alta Tierra, Sauvignon Blanc Reserva
- Le Grand Chai, Réserve Blanc
- Peter Lehmann, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Château Le Coin, Sauvignon Gris
- Château de Targé, Le Pavillon
- HJ Fabre, Cabernet Franc Reservado