Which Bottle of Wine Won the Tasting of Paris?

By Alice Nichols

The Tasting of Paris, also known as the Judgment of Paris, was a wine competition held in 1976. The competition pitted French wines against American wines to determine which was superior. The tasting was conducted by a panel of nine French judges, who were considered the top wine experts in the world at the time.

The competition consisted of two categories: red wines and white wines. In the red wine category, a California Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was declared the winner. In the white wine category, a Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena in California took home the prize.

This was a significant moment in the wine industry, as it challenged long-held beliefs about French wine being superior to all others. The Tasting of Paris helped put American wines on the map as legitimate contenders in the world of fine wine.

Let’s take a closer look at which bottle of wine won the tasting.

The California Cabernet Sauvignon

The winning red wine came from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, located in Napa Valley, California. This Cabernet Sauvignon was produced by winemaker Warren Winiarski and aged for three years before being entered into the competition.

The judges were impressed with its complex flavors and aromas, including black cherry, cassis, and cedar. They also noted its smooth tannins and long finish. It was described as a “classic” Cabernet Sauvignon that could stand up to some of France’s best wines.

The Chardonnay

In the white wine category, a Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena took home top honors. This winery is also located in Napa Valley and is known for producing high-quality Chardonnays and other varietals.

Winemaker Mike Grgich crafted this particular Chardonnay, which was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months before being entered into the competition. The judges were impressed with its balance of fruit and acidity, as well as its subtle oak flavors.

Some of the judges even mistook it for a French wine, which speaks to its quality and complexity. It was described as a “remarkable” Chardonnay that could compete with the best white wines in the world.

Conclusion

The Tasting of Paris was a game-changer for the wine industry. It proved that American wines could hold their own against French wines and helped put California on the map as a top wine-producing region.

The winning wines, a California Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and a Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena, were both exceptional examples of their respective varietals. They showcased the skill and expertise of their winemakers and helped pave the way for American wines to gain acceptance on a global scale.

So next time you’re sipping on a glass of California Cabernet or Chardonnay, remember the Tasting of Paris and how it changed the course of wine history.