All the medallists from The Global Cabernet Franc Masters 2026

The Global Cabernet Franc Masters may not be the biggest of our tastings, but it more than makes up for that in quality terms, reports Siobhan Turner MW.

THE DRINKS Business Global Masters series starts each year with Cabernet Franc, and it is a glorious way to begin. A grape variety I adore, made by people who clearly love it at least as much, makes for a fabulous day’s work. It was a smaller tasting than in previous years, with several wines not having reached the office in time to be included on the day.

On the official date of the competition, four of us tasted 25 wines, of which seven received Gold medals and one was crowned our Grand Master. A week later, db editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW and I had the pleasure of tasting a further eight wines, which generated one more Gold and a Master.

In total, we had 33 wines from nine different countries, with Argentina by far the largest contributor (13 wines), followed by Chile with six, France and South Africa with three each, alongside two submissions each from Canada, Brazil and Italy, as well as single entries from Slovenia and Portugal. Only two wines did not receive a medal – one each from France and South Africa, both of these in the £20 to £30 price range.

HIGHLY SKILLED

As ever, the winemaking was generally highly skilled, with no faulty wines and a precision and elegance to the vast majority that makes this particular tasting so special.

Two countries deserve special mentions – both Italy and Canada submitted two beautiful examples, and both nations received a Gold and a Master, with our highest accolade, that of Grand Master, going to the offering from Canada. For those of you who know my bias, I must emphasise that we taste completely blind. Overall, nearly one-third of the wines received either Gold or Master medals, and all but seven earned at least a Silver.

Unlike last year’s competition, both of our Masters were quite high in alcohol (at least 14%), but their balance and poise was noticeable, and despite their power there was an absolute elegance to both that we found truly delicious.

Our Grand Master, Mission Hill Terroir Collection Cabernet Franc, really showed how this grape can shine in Canada’s Okanagan Valley, delivering power and precision, ripe fruit, elegant tannins and bright acidity.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of this 2026 tasting was also the oldest wine, Taylor Fladgate’s Dom Bella 2015 from Dão. A stunning Gold medal winner, this was refreshing, elegant, poised – and the wine I took home for dinner.

Unoaked 100% Cabernet Franc

Oaked 100% Cabernet Franc

Oaked Cabernet Franc Blend

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Global Cabernet Franc Masters provides a chance for your wines to shine. The 2026 competition was judged on 14 January at Alfred Tennyson in London, employing experienced judges. The top entries were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolades – the titles of Cabernet Franc Master or Grand Master. This report features medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information or, to enter future competitions, with a chance to appear in print and online, call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Aston at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com