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Welcome to the wonderful world of red wine blends! Red blends bring together different grape varieties to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts—just like great actors who come together to put on a mesmerizing performance or talented musicians who create an unforgettable symphony. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about red wine blends, from their origins and which grape varieties are typically blended together, to food pairings and much more. So, pour yourself a glass, and let’s dive in.
Quick Facts about Red Wine Blends
- Definition: A red wine blend is crafted by combining two or more grape varieties into a single, balanced, and harmonious wine.
- Regions: Popular regions include Bordeaux (France), Rhône Valley (France), California, and Australia.
- Origin: Red blends have been made for centuries, with Bordeaux being one of the oldest and most famous regions known for blending.
- Taste: A diverse range—depending on region, style, and grape varieties in the blend—ranging from bold and earthy to fruity, spicy, and velvety.
- Sweetness: Typically dry, though sweeter varieties exist.
- Color: Deep shades of red, from ruby to garnet and sometimes even inky purple.
- ABV (Alcohol By Volume): Typically ranges from 12-15%, depending on the region and style.
- Aging: Depends on the grape blend and vinification process, with some red blends aging beautifully for 5 to 15 years.
What is a Red Blend Wine?
A red blend wine is exactly what it sounds like—a melding of two or more grape varieties to create a unique wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. Unlike single varietal wines, which focus on one grape, red blends are all about balance, structure, and depth. Winemakers carefully select different grapes to complement each other, enhancing flavors and aromas in ways that a single grape might not achieve alone. For instance, in classic Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and Merlot adds softness, while small quantities of Malbec or Petit Verdot enhance complexity.
Red wine blending is a tradition that dates back centuries, particularly in regions like Bordeaux, whose blends have set the gold standard worldwide. Whether it’s a bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot or a playful combination of Grenache and Syrah, the possibilities are endless, making every bottle of red blend a new adventure for your palate.
Want to learn more about the fascinating world of red wine? Check out our blog for a deeper dive into red wine types.
The Art of Blending Wine
Creating a red wine blend is both art and science. It’s a process that requires creativity and precision to achieve the perfect balance of aroma, body, texture, and flavor. The choice of grape varieties is key: each grape brings something special to the blend. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and tannins, Merlot contributes softness and fruitiness, and Syrah or Zinfandel might add spiciness or richness. Winemakers strive to achieve a balance of the flavors, acidity, tannins, and alcohol that each of the different varieties contributes to the blend.
Factors like climate and terroir also influence blending decisions. Grapes grown in cooler climates or at higher altitudes might offer higher acidity, while warmer, lower lying regions tend to bring riper, juicier fruit, and more body. Soils also play a role. A grape variety grown in volcanic soil, for example, might have more red fruit notes, while the same variety grown in sedimentary soil will likely have darker fruit characteristics. The goal is to find the perfect harmony among these elements, crafting a wine with layers of complexity and flavor.
Blending is, in essence, a winemaker’s signature—a reflection of their expertise and the story they wish to tell through the wine.
Common Red Wine Varieties in Blends
Here’s a closer look at several grape varieties you’re likely to encounter in a red blend:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: The backbone of many blends, Cabernet Sauvignon adds structured tannins, acidity, and bold dark fruit flavors and herbal notes. Learn more about this grape in our Cabernet Sauvignon 101 guide.
- Merlot: Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot offers softness and body. Cool-climate Merlot typically adds red fruit flavors, while Merlot grown in warmer sites brings dark, lush plum and chocolate flavors and soft tannins.
- Syrah: Full-bodied and rich, Syrah brings peppery spice, dark fruit, and sometimes smoky notes to blends.Zinfandel: Known for its dark jammy fruit flavors with hints of black pepper, Zinfandel adds boldness to blends.
- Grenache: Typically lighter in body but bursting with red fruit flavors like strawberry and raspberry, Grenache adds a juicy, fresh character and subtle spiciness.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profiles
Red wine blends can vary widely in their tasting notes, depending on the grape varieties, region, and winemaking style. Some common characteristics include:
- Flavors & Aromas: Dark fruit (blackberry, plum, cherry, black currant), spices (black pepper, cinnamon, cloves), leather, tobacco, and herbs (mint, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus).
- Body & Mouthfeel: Red blends are typically medium to full-bodied, with a rich, velvety mouthfeel or texture, and a long, lingering finish with notes of oak, chocolate, or coffee.
Popular Red Wine Blend Regions
Certain regions have earned a global reputation for their red blends. Here are the stars of the show:
- Bordeaux, France: Home to the classic Bordeaux blend, made from up to six permitted grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère. These wines are known for their elegance, structure, and aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in Left Bank Bordeaux blends, while Merlot features most prominently in Right Bank ones.
- Rhône Valley, France: Known for its rich and spicy “GSM” or Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blends. The famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine can include up to 13 possible red grape varieties—imagine the blending challenge for these winemakers!
- California: A hotspot for innovative red blends, with regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Paso Robles producing bold, fruit-forward blends that are both approachable and age-worthy.
- Australia: Famous for its Shiraz-based blends—including Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre (GSM), Australian winemakers also created the country’s famous Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, loved for its rich, spicy flavors.
Food Pairings with Red Wine Blends
Red wine blends are culinary chameleons that pair beautifully with everything from appetizers to dessert, and especially barbecued or grilled meat entrées in between. Here are several tried and true pairings we love:
- Appetizer: Try this Brie with Cranberry Balsamic Chutney – The red blend’s tannins cut through the richness of the cheese, while the soft texture of both complement each other.
- Entrées:
- A bold red blend pairs beautifully with this grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce.
- Red blends and barbecued pork or brisket are a match made in heaven, especially a red blend that has a touch of smokiness. Check out our Best BBQ and Wine Pairings Guide.
- Dessert: For a sweet and savory pairing, try a red blend with our Mixed Berries and Grilled Pound Cake or Red Wine Blueberry Pie.
How to Serve Red Wine Blends
Serving your red blend at the right temperature and in the right glass can make all the difference. Follow the tips below for the optimal sipping experience.
- Temperature: Serve slightly cooler than room temperature, between 60–65°F for optimal enjoyment. If you don’t have a thermometer, the easiest way to do this is put your wine in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before opening.
- Glassware: Use a wide-bowled glass to allow the wine to breathe and release its aromas. Check out our complete guide to wine glassware.
- Decanting: We recommend decanting a younger red blend for 20–30 minutes to soften the tannins and bring out the fruit and spice notes.
Red Wine Blends vs. Single Varietals
So, what’s the difference between red wine blends and single varietal wines? Simply put, a single varietal wine is made using only one type of grape, such as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. These wines showcase the unique traits of that grape, especially how it expresses the site where it is grown.
Red blends, on the other hand, offer a different experience. Blending allows winemakers to combine different grapes with complementary characteristics—creating a complex, layered flavor profile. While single varietals can be beautifully expressive, red blends are often more approachable because they are crafted foremost with the goal of achieving balance in the final wine. Wonderful to sip on their own, red blends also pair well with a wide range of foods—check out our red blend-food pairing ideas below!
Pro tip: Experiment with Kendall-Jackson’s single varietals, such as our bold Cabernet Sauvignon and elegant Pinot Noir alongside our Jackson Estate Winemaker’s Red Blend to experience the wonderful differences between single varietals and red blend wines.
Shop Red Wine Blends from Kendall-Jackson
At Kendall-Jackson, we take pride in creating red wine blends that are balanced, rich, and expressive. Our Jackson Estate Winemaker's Red Blend combines Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot. It has bright red fruit with elegant tannins, reflecting the depth and finesse that comes from artful blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a red wine blend?
A red wine blend is made from two or more grape varieties, each bringing unique characteristics to create a balanced, complex, and flavorful wine.
What is the history behind wine blending?
Wine blending dates back centuries as a way to highlight and balance the strength of different varieties. France’s Bordeaux region is one of the most iconic regions known for its classic, Bordeaux-style blends.
Are red blends sweet or dry?
Most red blends are dry, but sweetness levels can vary depending on the grape varieties and winemaking style.
How do you choose a good red blend?
Look for balance, complexity, and smooth tannins in the description. Consider the regions, grape varieties, and producers whose wines you enjoy, and don’t hesitate to experiment.
What are some common misconceptions about red wine blends?
One common misconception is that blends are lower in quality than single varietals, but in fact, many of the world’s finest wines are blends!
