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Blind Tasting: California Cabernets VS Meritage Blends
Tuesday, February 16, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Can you tell the difference?

As a result of decades of cross-pollination between the wine industries of California and Bordeaux, beginning with the seminal joint venture of Robert Mondavi and the Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1979, styles of California Cabernet Sauvignon have taken two directions: 1) The original 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon; and 2) Meritage blends.

The differences between meritage wines and pure Cabernet Sauvignon are blurred by U. S. labeling regulations. Many wines labeled Cabernet Sauvignon contain small amounts of Merlot or Cabernet Franc. So unless the label specifies that it's made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, we really can't be sure. However, when a Cabernet is seriously blended, the label will often give the percentages of the components.

It's been our experience that California Cabernet Sauvignon can stand on its own only when it's made from the very best fruit. Otherwise, it benefits from artful blending.

Join us for an educational experience as we give your tongue a lesson in detecting the differences, and your VQ a lift in label reading. “Blind Tasting” was the class favorite of our ‘Wine 102’ class.

$45.00 per person
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502

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