Varietal Focus–Bordeaux Blenders

This session will continue the varietal focus seminar/tastings that have become a tradition at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. This year, the focus will not be on just one unique variety but three–Malbec, Petite Verdot and Cabernet franc, the classic Bordeaux varieties. Three speakers will focus on the viticultural aspects of these varieties in different growing regions, followed by two winemakers who will discuss the use of these varieties in varietal wines as well as their use as blending components and then lead a tasting of these great varieties.

Moderator:
Tom Collins, Foster's Wine Estates Americas, California

Speakers: (listed in order of presentation)
Rhonda Smith, University of California Cooperative Extension, Sonoma County
Hans Walter-Peterson, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York
Casey McClellan, Seven Hills Winery, Washington
Corey Beck, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, California
David Akiyoshi, Lange Twins, California