New World: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blends
2016 Gold: 1 Silver: 2 Bronze: 1 Commended: 2
2015 Gold: 0 Silver: 2 Bronze: 0 Commended: 2
Not so very long ago, Cab/Shiraz was the bedrock of the UK market, and you’d think it would be a useful tool in the on-trade, too, especially for gastropubs and places looking for an honest glugger.
Except that it doesn’t seem to be the bargain that it once was. Apart from the admirably priced Willunga, this was not a cheap part of the competition. And to add to its Alice in Wonderland topsy-turvy nature our Gold went to a Chilean. Curiouser and curiouser…
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘This is easy to sell… and very nice value for money wines. People much prefer drinking full-bodied reds. And even with fish – things like fish stew or turbot – these could work.’ Adriana Valentini, Massimo Restaurant & Bar
‘We get people who are looking for something robust with steak, and that gives you a window to sell wines like this. But I don’t think anyone ever asks for Cab/Shiraz specifically.’ Giancarlo Cuccuru, Brackenbury Wine Rooms
‘To be honest, people ask more for Shiraz now than Cabernet/Shiraz.’ Piotr Tomaszewski, JKS Restaurants