Merlot and Cabernet Franc Around the World, Wednesday 15th May 2024

Continuing our highly popular varietal series, this tasting will showcase Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The former is known as the prized variety of Bordeaux’s Right Bank in Pomerol and St Emilion, while the latter is the basis of the intriguing reds of the Loire Valley. Both possess the potential to yield remarkably complex wines, characterized by lush black fruits and leafy overtones.

Over the course of two hours, we will explore wines from the long-established “homes” of these varieties in Bordeaux and the Loire, as well as from regions that are beginning to explore their potential such as Bolgheri in Tuscany and Stellenbosch in South Africa. Our tasting will investigate various factors including climate, geology, winemaking techniques and maturity, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of how they influence these varieties and their diverse expressions from around the world. 

Wines to be tasted: 

Apéritif: Berry Bros. & Rudd Champagne by Mailly, Grand Cru, Brut
2020 Chinon, Clos de Chêne Vert, Charles Joguet, Loire
2020 La Gravette de Certan, Pomerol, Bordeaux
2020 Saumur-Champigny, Les Coudraies, Domaine des Closiers, Loire
2017 Keermont, Cabernet Franc, Pondok Rug, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2017 Paleo, Le Macchiole, Tuscany, Italy
2021 Massetino, Masseto, Tuscany, Italy
2020 Château Guillot Clauzel, Pomerol, Bordeaux
2016 Château Canon, St Emilion, Bordeaux
2009 Chinon, Les Roches, Alain & Jérôme Lenoir, Loire
2013 Vérité, Le Désir, Sonoma County, California, USA
2010 Château Angélus, St Emilion, Bordeaux 

Dress code: smart casual