Spain against the Rest of the World.: A Blind Tasting Challenge
Inspired by the historic Judgment of Paris of 1976, the famous experiment organized by wine merchant Steven Spurrier in which a panel of French judges blindly compared French wines with Californian wines, this event was born from a context of clear cultural imbalance. France was widely regarded as the unquestioned center of the wine world, with a tradition and prestige that seemed to guarantee its superiority, while American wines were often viewed with skepticism and a certain degree of condescension. Determined to challenge this perception and prove that quality knows no borders or reputations, California’s winemakers entered their wines into a tasting that, on paper, was never expected to disrupt the established order.
The result changed wine history forever: Californian wines won both the white and red wine categories, outperforming several of France’s most prestigious châteaux. The initial shock led to a profound transformation of the industry. The symbolic monopoly of French prestige was broken, New World wines gained international recognition, new markets opened, and the very definition of wine excellence was reshaped.
In tribute to that landmark moment, Catas Divertidas presents the “Judgment of Salamanca”, a concept featuring two separate and independent events, each with its own blind tasting and final verdict:
- Verdict of Salamanca – Wines
- Verdict of Salamanca – Beers
In each event, five Spanish selections compete against five international selections from different countries, carefully matched in style and price range to ensure a fair comparison.
Participants taste each sample blind, without knowing its origin, and vote on whether they believe the Spanish or the international entry is superior. At the end of each event, the votes are counted independently to determine the final verdict.
An experience designed to challenge assumptions, put your palate to the test, and discover whether origin really matters when flavor is the only thing speaking.
Join us for this unique adventure with Catas Divertidas.
