The 1976 Judgment of Paris

TO: Waitstaff
FROM: Joseph Smith, Manager
DATE: October 5, 2015
SUBJECT: Understanding the 1976 Judgment of Paris

    The 1976 Judgment of Paris was a wine tasting event that made a defining statement for the American wine industry (Schmid, 2013). The event was held in Paris where ten French and California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines were judged. The winners were both from the United States, beating the French components.

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     The winning wines were Warren Winiarski's Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap and Mike Grigich's Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena (Schmid, 2013).     Warren Winiarski's grapes are overseen in Napa Valley. They are grown under their impeccable canopy until perfectly ripened. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Cabernet Sauvignon is selling for about $150 a bottle. (Emert, 2004).

    Mike Grigich's Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena was originally crafted in 1973. He owns 366 acres of naturally raised grapes. No artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. The taste of Mike's Chardonnay displays tastes such as tart apple, honeysuckle and tropical fruits.  According to Grgich Hills offical website2, Mike Grigich's Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena retails for about $91 a bottle. (Wine Business, 2014).

References

Emert, Carol. (2004). SFGate: THE WINIARSKI WAY / In 1976, Warren Winiarski's Cabernet bested Bordeaux, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars became famous. At age 76, he's still in control. Retrieved from: http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/THE-WINIARSKI-WAY-In-1976-Warren-Winiarski-s-2800232.php

Schmid, Albert W. A., and Laloganes, John P. (2013). The Beverage Manager's Guide to Wines, Berrs, and Spirits. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Wine Business. (2014).  1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Crafted by Milijenko “Mike” Grgich Named to Smithsonian's “101 Objects That Made America”. Retrieved from: www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=130926