The Marathon is part of the Paserene Range, handcrafted for those who prefer and understand the finer things in life. The Marathon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from our parcels of vines in Tulbagh. It is a wine that unifies terroir, cultivar and wisdom into a quality wine that will last for upwards of 20 years. We will take a closer look to understand the Marathon over a series of articles. We’ll highlight the unique character and how it relates to renowned Cabernet Sauvignon regions of the globe, starting with a closer look at the cultivar and region.
This cultivar is one of the noble varietals, with a mysterious origin that was solved in 1996 when it was confirmed as the offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This is believed to have been a chance crossing in the 17th century in Bordeaux, combining the blackcurrant and pencil shavings of Cabernet Franc with the green grassiness of Sauvignon Blanc. It became prominent in the Bordeaux region of France and is now the most widely planted wine grape found around the globe, growing in a shouldered and loose bunch with small thick-skinned berries. Only a few regions produce exceptional quality examples of this cultivar, notably the Bordeaux left-bank, California’s Napa Valley and the Coonawarra in South Australia.
Paserene’s winemaker, Martin Smith, identified Tulbagh as a perfect location to make the Marathon, an exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon to rival those on the world stage. Martin is a third-generation winemaker who studied in Stellenbosch and spent many years in Napa Valley working with many high-profile winemakers, such as Tim Mondavi and Phillipe Melka. Martin combines this wide experience with a vision of creating wines that are truly authentic to its “sense of place and people”.
