Cabernet/Shiraz Blends
Certain countries are just associated with certain wine styles: Argentina with Malbec, New Zealand with Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa with Chenin. And Australia with Cab/Shiraz blends.
So what on earth happened here? The Aussies dominated the entries, but their medal count was feeble. In fact, they got utterly hammered by Chile. Yes, Chile. Who knew?
On this evidence, the South Americans have found an interesting little sideline in well-priced, easy-drinking reds. It’s a style that they seem, ironically, to have forgotten how to do with straight Cab, but are smashing out the park once they add in a dash of Syrah. They got as many Golds here as they did with their (much larger) Cabernet category.
It’s not a fluke either. The Survalles Patagon Gran Reserva (Silver here) picked up a Gold last year too.
From The Tasting Teams
‘We had some surprises here. A greener, more refreshing note gives an edge in these wines. The Australian wines were way richer and very similar to one another. I was surprised by the Chilean, and I don’t know if that’s good or bad but gives it a distinctive edge at least.’ Alonso Abed, Trivet
‘These wines were all quite similar, even though they were from all around the world. Lots of fruit, vibrant acidity, really jammy. They weren’t the most exciting, but they were easy-drinking.’ Andres Ituarte, team leader
‘I think this is not a blend people will necessarily look for, but the one I liked was a little more what you expect, more safe.’ Tanguy Martin, Blandford Comptoir
‘These wines have their place in pubs and restaurants and they offer good value for what they are. People like that style.’ Andres Ituarte, team leader