What is a Wine Blend?

What is a wine blend? Well, within the world of those that adore all things Dionysian, the topic concerning the blended wine is a hot one.

Some immediately turn up their noses at the thought of a blended wine, while others insist that a talented oenologist can easily create something truly magnificent with a few varieties of grapes. So, what is a wine blend? Well, it is exactly as it sounds – wines that have been created from numerous grapes that have been brought together to form a unique type. If you are under the impression that no reputable region of the world would mix their grapes, think again.

Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc...); Tuscany (Chianti, Sangiovese, Canaiolo...); and the Southern Rhone (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) are all world renowned blending regions. Hardly a person would turn up their nose to a bottle of Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux, though most of them wouldn’t realize that it is, indeed, a mixture of grapes. For some reason, the very term “blend” has gained a lot of bad press, though there is really no reason for such a reputation. Then again, those that prefer a single varietal have their arguments too.

Burgundy (which is made from 100% Pinot Noir or 100% Chardonnay); Riesling from the Rhine and Mosel valleys; and Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon (100% varietal) are all regions that would never dare place two grapes within the same bottle. Of course, wines that come from Bordeaux and Burgundy consist of generations of wine making, which may mean that some newer blends are now quite up to par. Then again, the recent crop of Tocai Friulano and various other Northeastern Italian bottles are making quite an impact within the world. By now, you should know the answer to the earlier question (what is a wine blend?), though you may be slightly torn as to which type of drink to consume.

Well, when it comes to this sweet elixir, you really have to go with your gut instinct. Try as many different bottles as you can find, and decide for yourself. You see, this is one drink that is very personal, so don’t let anyone else tell you which type to choose.

Whether you love those Bordeaux bottles or whether you are a sucker for some of those zanier Californian wines, the choice is really yours to make. What is a wine blend? Something that has gained a poor reputation...though it isn’t necessarily one that should stick.