Understanding Red Blend Wine

Red blend wine is a type of wine that is made by blending two or more grape varieties together. The blending process is done to create a unique flavor profile that cannot be achieved by using a single grape variety. Red blend wines are popular among wine enthusiasts because they offer a wide range of flavors and aromas that can be tailored to suit any taste.

The grape varieties used in red blend wines can vary depending on the winemaker and the region where the wine is produced. Some of the most common grape varieties used in red blend wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Malbec. Each grape variety contributes its own unique flavor and aroma to the wine, which can result in a complex and well-balanced flavor profile. Bastide Miraflors Syrah Grenache is a red wine blend we have written about.

Red blend wines can vary in terms of body and alcohol content. The body of a wine refers to its weight and texture in the mouth. A full-bodied wine will feel heavier and more substantial in the mouth, while a light-bodied wine will feel more delicate and refreshing. The alcohol content of a wine can also vary depending on the grape varieties used and the winemaking process.

Red blend wines exhibit a diverse array of flavors, encompassing fruity, spicy, oaky, and earthy notes. Moreover, the flavor characteristics of these wines can be shaped by factors such as the winemaking techniques employed and the specific grape-growing region.

The Art of Blending

The Role of the Winemaker

A winemaker’s goal is to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. Blending is an essential part of achieving that goal. It allows one to take individual wines and combine them in a way that enhances their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses.

Key Factors in Blending

There are several key factors that I consider when blending wines. These include:

Tannin

Tannin is a natural compound found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. It contributes to the structure and mouthfeel of a wine. When blending, I consider the tannin levels of each wine and how they will work together.

Acidity

Acidity is another important factor in blending. It contributes to the freshness and brightness of a wine. When blending, I consider the acidity levels of each wine and how they will balance each other.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of a wine is determined by several factors, including grape variety, climate, and winemaking techniques. When blending, I consider the flavor profiles of each wine and how they will complement each other.

Predominant Varieties in Red Blends

Merlot

Merlot is a popular grape variety used in red blends due to its soft and fruity nature. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity and balance. Merlot is also used in Bordeaux blends to soften the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a widely planted grape variety used in red blends. It is known for its full-bodied, tannic structure and flavors of blackcurrant and black cherry. Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot, Syrah, or Petit Verdot to add complexity and balance.

Syrah

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a popular grape variety used in red blends. It is known for its bold flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and smoky notes. Syrah is often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre to make GSM blends.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a grape variety commonly used in Spanish red blends. It is known for its flavors of red fruit, leather, and tobacco. Tempranillo is often blended with Garnacha and Mazuelo to make Rioja blends.

Grenache

Grenache, also known as Garnacha, is a grape variety commonly used in red blends. It is known for its fruity flavors of raspberry and strawberry, as well as its spicy and earthy notes. Grenache is often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre to make GSM blends.

Malbec

Malbec is a grape variety commonly used in Argentinean red blends. It is known for its deep color and flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Malbec is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to add complexity and balance.

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a grape variety commonly used in Bordeaux blends. It is known for its dark color and flavors of black fruit, violet, and spice. Petit Verdot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc to add structure and complexity.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a grape variety commonly used in California red blends. It is known for its dark color and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and chocolate. Petite Sirah is often blended with Zinfandel and Syrah to add structure and balance.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a grape variety commonly used in Burgundy blends. It is known for its light color and flavors of red fruit, mushroom, and earthy notes. Pinot Noir is often blended with Gamay to make Beaujolais blends.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a grape variety commonly used in Italian red blends. It is known for its flavors of red fruit, leather, and spice. Sangiovese is often blended with Canaiolo, Colorino, and Cabernet Sauvignon to make Chianti blends.

Aragonez

Aragonez, also known as Tempranillo, is a grape variety commonly used in Portuguese red blends. It is known for its flavors of red fruit, tobacco, and spice. Aragonez is often blended with Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet to make Alentejo blends.

Trincadeira

Trincadeira is a grape variety commonly used in Portuguese red blends. It is known for its flavors of red fruit, floral notes, and spice. Trincadeira is often blended with Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet to make Alentejo blends.

Graciano

Graciano is a grape variety commonly used in Spanish red blends. It is known for its flavors of red fruit, tobacco, and spice. Graciano is often blended with Tempranillo and Garnacha to make Rioja blends.

Garnacha

Garnacha, also known as Grenache, is a grape variety commonly used in Spanish red blends. It is known for its fruity flavors of raspberry and strawberry, as well as its spicy and earthy notes. Garnacha is often blended with Tempranillo and Mazuelo to make Rioja blends.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is a grape variety commonly used in Italian red blends. It is known for its flavors of red fruit, tar, and roses. Nebbiolo is often blended with Barbera and Dolcetto to make Barolo blends.

Notable Red Blend Wines

Bordeaux

Bordeaux red blends are some of the most famous and sought-after wines in the world. These blends are typically made from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec grapes. The exact blend can vary depending on the producer and vintage, but the result is often a complex, full-bodied wine with flavors of black fruit, cedar, and tobacco. Some of the most famous Bordeaux red blends include Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Lafite Rothschild.

Rioja

Rioja red blends are made in the Rioja region of Spain and are typically made from a combination of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes. These blends are known for their rich, fruity flavor profile, with notes of cherry, plum, and vanilla. Rioja red blends are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them a distinctive smoky flavor. Some of the most notable Rioja red blends include Marqués de Riscal Reserva, La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza, and Bodegas Muga Prado Enea.

Chianti

Chianti red blends are made in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy, and are typically made from a combination of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino grapes. These blends are known for their bright acidity and bold, fruity flavors, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and violet. Chianti red blends are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them a subtle vanilla flavor. Some of the most notable Chianti red blends include Castello di Ama Chianti Classico, Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva, and Isole e Olena Chianti Classico.

Meritage

Meritage is an American term for a Bordeaux-style red blend. These blends are typically made from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec grapes. The exact blend can vary depending on the producer and vintage, but the result is often a full-bodied wine with flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and tobacco. Some of the most notable Meritage blends include Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23, Opus One, and Château Montelena Estate.

GSM

GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, which are the three grape varieties used to make this type of red blend. These blends are most commonly found in the Rhône region of France and are known for their spicy, fruity flavors, with notes of blackberry, black pepper, and licorice. Some of the most notable GSM blends include Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Domaine du Pegau Cuvée Réservée Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Vinsobres

Vinsobres is a small appellation in the southern Rhône region of France that produces red blends made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. These blends are known for their full-bodied, fruity flavor profile, with notes of blackberry, black currant, and spice. Vinsobres red blends are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them a subtle vanilla flavor. Some of the most notable Vinsobres red blends include Domaine Jaume Vinsobres, Domaine de Montvac Vinsobres, and Domaine de la Charbonnière Vinsobres.

Tenuta Perano

Tenuta Perano is a winery located in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy that produces a red blend made from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This blend is known for its rich, fruity flavor profile, with notes of cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. Tenuta Perano red blend is often aged in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle smoky flavor.

Field Blends

Field blends are red blends that are made from a combination of different grape varieties that are grown together in the same vineyard. These blends can vary widely in terms of flavor profile, depending on the grape varieties used and the growing conditions. Some of the most notable field blends include Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs, and Bedrock Wine Co. The Bedrock Heritage, and Turley Wine Cellars Hayne Vineyard.

Understanding Appellations

When it comes to red blends, understanding appellations is crucial. Appellations are designated regions where wine is produced, and they can have a significant impact on the quality and characteristics of the wine.

In France, appellations are classified into four tiers, with Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) being the highest level of quality. AOC wines must adhere to strict regulations regarding the grape varieties used, the production methods, and the geographical boundaries of the region. For example, a wine labeled as Bordeaux AOC must come from the Bordeaux region and be made from specific grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Other countries have similar systems in place, with their own specific regulations. For instance, in Italy, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) are the highest quality designations. In Spain, the Denominación de Origen (DO) and Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC) are used.

Understanding appellations can help you choose a red blend that meets your preferences. For example, if you prefer a full-bodied red blend with a lot of tannins, you might look for a wine from the Bordeaux region. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, fruitier red blend, you might look for a wine from the Beaujolais region in France.

Pairing Red Blend Wine

When it comes to pairing red blend wine, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s important to note that red blends can vary greatly in terms of flavor, body, and tannins. This means that the best food pairings for red blends will depend on the specific blend you’re drinking.

One general rule of thumb is to pair heavy red blends with meat dishes, such as steak or lamb. Lighter red blends, on the other hand, can be paired with lighter foods like pasta, mild curries, cheese, and crackers. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are many exceptions to consider.

For example, if you’re drinking a red blend that has a lot of acidity, it may pair well with tomato-based dishes like pizza. On the other hand, if you’re drinking a red blend with a lot of fruitiness, it may pair well with spicy dishes like Indian or Thai cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions