Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Red Blends
Details
A red blend wine is any red wine made by combining two or more different grape varieties rather than using a single grape.
Key Characteristics
- Common Grapes: Cabernets such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Grenache.
- Flavor Profile: Ranges from bright and fruity to deep, dark-fruited, spicy, or earthy, depending on the region.
- Sweetness: Most are dry with balanced tannins, though some modern styles lean riper and fruit-forward.
- Alcohol Content: Typically ranges from 12% to 15% ABV.
Major Regional Styles
- Bordeaux (France): Classic structure built around Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with dark fruit and oak notes.
- California (USA): Often bold, full-bodied, and rich with ripe blackberry, plum, and spice.
- Rhône Valley & GSM (France/Global): Blends utilizing Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
- Tuscany (Italy): Savory profiles combining Sangiovese with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon ("Super Tuscans")
Due to their versatility, red blends pair with a wide variety of dishes, and choosing a food based on the specific flavor profile of a given wine will lead to the best pairing. In general, red blends are great with pizza, meat-heavy dishes, and pasta with red sauce, as well as charcuterie boards, hearty stews, and juicy burgers.
We have a choice of videos to watch including:
- https://youtu.be/qqIGlk6eo_g?si=91iGbhiWbwzDwAHw - Red Blend Wines Explained! - Tower Beer, Wine and Spirits (4:20)
- https://youtu.be/f_pevkuSZ3k?si=7K36wFd9KQ0gzOG_ - Can you make your own wine blend? - Wine Folly (8:43)
- https://youtu.be/7elk0zFDRlE?si=PYMlftN_CMTIG9_w - Red Blend Wine Basics - Wine Therapy (6:13)
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So, pick up a bottle and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!
Cheers!!