One of my students recently asked me, “Are blended wines better than mono-varietals?” And my answer was… it depends!
Historically, blending was a necessity, particularly in cooler climates or in challenging vintages where grapes struggled to reach optimal ripeness. Winemakers would vinify each variety separately, then discover that combining them produced a better, more balanced wine.
Historically, blending was a necessity, particularly in cooler climates or in challenging vintages where grapes struggled to reach optimal ripeness. Winemakers would vinify each variety separately, then discover that combining them produced a better, more balanced wine.
Take Bordeaux as an example: Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, muscle, and tannins; Merlot adds plump fruitiness; Petit Verdot contributes elegant perfume. The sum of the parts truly enhances the whole. This “Bordeaux recipe” became so successful that it spread worldwide—if a wine needed more structure or tannin, the solution was often to add a touch of Cabernet. In other regions, winemakers even added white grapes to red blends to boost acidity or aromatic lift, as in the Northern Rhône.
But in the New World, many mono-varietal wines can stand beautifully on their own. Much depends on the grape variety and how it interacts with its location—its soil, climate, and overall environment—what the French call terroir. It also depends on the winemaker’s intentions: their vision, their style preferences, and the qualities they want the wine to express.
And of course, it depends on you—your palate and what you’re willing to buy at the store!
So, my dear winos, before you commit to one style, taste broadly. There is enormous pleasure to be found in both blends and mono-varietals.
Some Recommendations to Explore
Cabernet: Blends vs. Mono-Varietal
Blends:
Château Meyney 2016 – $35
Château Gloria 2016 – $45
Château Simard (Merlot + Cab Franc) 2010 – $30
100% Cabernet Sauvignon:
Château St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley 2013 – $25
Louis Martini Napa Cabernet 2014 – $35
Clos du Val Napa Cabernet 2015 – $45
Blends:
Château Meyney 2016 – $35
Château Gloria 2016 – $45
Château Simard (Merlot + Cab Franc) 2010 – $30
100% Cabernet Sauvignon:
Château St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley 2013 – $25
Louis Martini Napa Cabernet 2014 – $35
Clos du Val Napa Cabernet 2015 – $45
Tempranillo: Blends vs. Mono-Varietal
Blend:
Marqués de Riscal Reserva (Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo) 2012 – $18
100% Tempranillo:
Barón de Ley 2012 – $22
Blend:
Marqués de Riscal Reserva (Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo) 2012 – $18
100% Tempranillo:
Barón de Ley 2012 – $22
Syrah/Shiraz: Blend vs. Mono-Varietal
Blends:
Jaboulet Domaine de Roure 2015 – $45
Domaine de Montine Côtes du Rhône Villages “Caprices” 2016 – $15
100% Syrah/Shiraz:
Penfolds Kalimna Shiraz 2015 – $30
Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2014 – $25
Thomas Goss Shiraz 2016 – $15
Blends:
Jaboulet Domaine de Roure 2015 – $45
Domaine de Montine Côtes du Rhône Villages “Caprices” 2016 – $15
100% Syrah/Shiraz:
Penfolds Kalimna Shiraz 2015 – $30
Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2014 – $25
Thomas Goss Shiraz 2016 – $15
Sangiovese: Blends vs. Mono-Varietal
Blends:
Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina 2016 – $15
Luaiano Chianti Classico 2016 – $20
100% Sangiovese:
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2012 – $50
Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico 2014 – $28
Blends:
Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina 2016 – $15
Luaiano Chianti Classico 2016 – $20
100% Sangiovese:
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2012 – $50
Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico 2014 – $28
Malbec: Blends vs. Mono-Varietal
Blend:
Clos de Los Siete 2015 – $20
100% Malbec:
Trivento Malbec Reserve 2017 – $11
Familia Zuccardi Q Malbec 2017 – $20
Blend:
Clos de Los Siete 2015 – $20
100% Malbec:
Trivento Malbec Reserve 2017 – $11
Familia Zuccardi Q Malbec 2017 – $20
Give some of these wines a try and let me know what you think.
Cheers! Silvina
#thoughtsoflawina #blends #wineblends #drinkupamerica
Cheers! Silvina
#thoughtsoflawina #blends #wineblends #drinkupamerica
