What is a Red Blend Wine?

Red blend wines have become increasingly popular in recent years, but what exactly are they?

In simple terms, a red blend wine is a combination of two or more red grape varietals. Unlike single-varietal wines, which are made from a single type of grape, red blends are a mix of different grapes, which can create unique and complex flavors.

Red blends can come from various regions around the world and can be made from a wide range of grape varietals.

Some of the most common grape varietals used in red blends include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Additionally, winemakers may also use lesser-known varietals to create a unique blend.

The blending process allows winemakers to create wines that are balanced and complex, showcasing the best qualities of each grape varietal. Overall, red blend wines offer a versatile and approachable option for wine lovers looking to try something new.

Understanding Red Blend Wine

Red blend wine refers to any red wine that is not made with one specific variety of grape.

Instead, winemakers blend two or more grape varieties together to create a unique flavor profile that can be tailored to any liking. The combination of different grape varieties allows winemakers to create a complex, well-balanced wine that can be enjoyed by many.

When it comes to specific varieties of red blend wine, there are many to choose from. Some of the most popular traditional red blends include French Bordeaux, “GSM” or blended Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre, and Red Rhone. You might also be familiar with Spanish Rioja, Portuguese Douro Tinto, and Italian Chianti blends.

The specific grape varieties used in red blend wines vary depending on the winemaker’s preference and the region in which the wine is produced. Some of the most common red grape varieties used in red blend wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.

Blending these grape varieties creates a unique flavor profile that can be tailored to any liking. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, full-bodied wine known for its high acidity and strong tannins. When blended with Merlot, which is known for its softer tannins and fruity flavors, the resulting wine is a well-balanced blend that is both complex and easy to drink.

The Winemaking Process

The winemaking process of red blend wine is quite similar to that of other red wines.

The primary difference is that the winemaker blends two or more grape varieties to create a unique flavor profile. The winemaking process involves several steps, including harvesting, crushing, fermentation, and aging.

First, the winemaker harvests the grapes at the perfect ripeness. The grapes are sorted and destemmed to remove any unwanted material. The grapes are then crushed to extract the juice, which is then transferred to a fermentation tank.

During fermentation, yeast is added to the juice to convert the sugar into alcohol. The temperature and duration of fermentation vary depending on the grape variety and the desired flavor profile. Some winemakers may choose to use malolactic fermentation, which converts the harsh malic acid into softer lactic acid, resulting in a smoother wine.

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging. The type of oak and the duration of aging can significantly impact the flavor profile of the wine. Some winemakers may choose to blend different wines together at this stage to create a unique flavor profile.

Once the wine has aged to the desired level, it is bottled and labeled for sale. The winemaker may choose to age the wine further in the bottle to allow it to develop more complex flavors.

Characteristics of Red Blend Wine

Flavor Profile

Red blend wine is a combination of two or more grape varieties, blended together to achieve a complex, well-balanced wine.

The flavor profile of red blends is diverse and can vary significantly depending on the grape varieties used in the blend. Red blends can have a fruity flavor, with notes of red fruit like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry.

They can also have earthy notes, like tobacco, leather, and cedar. Some red blends can also have a hint of vanilla or dill, which comes from the oak barrels used during aging.

Tannins

Tannins are a key component of red wines, and red blends are no exception. Tannins are responsible for the dry, puckering sensation you feel in your mouth when you drink red wine.

Red blends can have varying levels of tannins, depending on the grape varieties used in the blend. Some red blends have low tannins, making them smoother and easier to drink, while others have high tannins, making them more full-bodied and complex.

Acidity

Red blends can have varying levels of acidity, depending on the grape varieties used in the blend. Some red blends have low acidity, making them smoother and easier to drink, while others have high acidity, making them more tart and refreshing.

Aromas

Red blends can have a wide range of aromas, depending on the grape varieties used in the blend. Some red blends have fruity aromas, like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry.

Others have earthy aromas, like tobacco, leather, and cedar. Some red blends can also have a hint of vanilla or dill, which comes from the oak barrels used during aging. The aroma of a red blend can be an important factor in determining its overall profile.

Popular Red Blend Wines

Red blends are some of the most popular wines in the world, and there are many different types of blends available.

Some of the most popular red blend wines include Bordeaux blends, GSM blends, Rhône blends, and Apothic blends.

Bordeaux Blends

Bordeaux blends are a type of red blend that originated in the Bordeaux region of France. These blends are typically made from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec grapes.

Bordeaux blends are known for their full-bodied flavor and complex tannins. Some popular Bordeaux blend wines include Château Margaux and Château Latour.

GSM Blends

GSM blends are a type of red blend that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. These blends are typically made from a combination of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes.

GSM blends are known for their spicy, fruity flavor and smooth finish. Some popular GSM blend wines include Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Rhône Blends

Rhône blends are another type of red blend that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. These blends are typically made from a combination of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes, as well as other varietals like Cinsault and Carignan.

Rhône blends are known for their bold, spicy flavor and high tannin content. Some popular Rhône blend wines include Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.

Apothic Blends

Apothic blends are a type of red blend that originated in California. These blends are typically made from a combination of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Apothic blends are known for their bold, fruit-forward flavor and smooth finish. Some popular Apothic blend wines include Apothic Red and Apothic Crush.

Variations of Red Blend Wine

Red blend wine is a type of wine that is made by blending two or more red grape varietals together.

There are many variations of red blend wine, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile.

Bordeaux Blends

Bordeaux blends are one of the most famous types of red blend wine. They are made using traditional grape varietals from the Bordeaux region of France, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These wines are known for their full-bodied flavor and tannic structure.

Rhône Blends

Rhône blends are another popular type of red blend wine. They are made using grape varietals from the Rhône region of France, including Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. These wines are known for their bold, fruit-forward flavors and spicy finish.

New World Variations

New World variations of red blend wine are made outside of Europe, in countries such as the United States, Australia, and South Africa. These wines often use non-traditional grape varietals and may have a more fruit-forward flavor profile.

Old World Variations

Old World variations of red blend wine are made in traditional wine-producing regions of Europe, such as France, Italy, and Spain. These wines often use traditional grape varietals and have a more structured, tannic flavor profile.

Domestic Wine Variations

Domestic wine variations of red blend wine are made in the United States. These wines may use traditional grape varietals or non-traditional varietals, and may have a wide range of flavor profiles.

White Blends

While red blends are the most common type of blended wine, white blends also exist. These wines are made by blending two or more white grape varietals together and may have a wide range of flavor profiles. White Bordeaux blends are a popular type of white blend wine, made using grape varietals from the Bordeaux region of France.