Red Blends & Regionals
Blended reds --- red wines made from more than one grape type --
are some of the finest wines produced. In France, as in some parts
of Italy and Spain, a wine's region of origin is more important than
the grape vareities from which it's made.
Blended reds --- red wines made from more than one grape type --
are some of the finest wines produced. In France, as in some parts
of Italy and Spain, a wine's region of origin is more important than
the grape vareities from which it's made.
Bordeaux Blends (Claret)
centuries of French winemaking expertise. Sometimes called "Claret" in
England and the U.S., Bordeaux blends are made up of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes, with Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot usually playing the leads. The other three act as
supporters that round out the end product. Bordeaux-style blends are also
being made in the U.S., sometimes under the rubric, "Meritage."
Chianti
cheap jug wine and came in a "fiasco" -- a squat bottle inside a wicker basket.
Today Chianti is widely respected, however. It is made in the Chianti region of
Tuscan Italy, usually from Sangiovese grapes, although it may also be blended
with Canaiolo and Malvasia bianca, a white grape. There are three
designations for Chianti quality standards, Chianti, Chianti Reserva and
Chianti Superiore.
Rhône Blends
the Rhône Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, but the major players are Syrah,
Grenache and Mourvèdre. Rhone-style blends are also made outside of the
region, in California, South Africa and Australia. Wines labeled "Rhône blends"
usually have two or more Rhône varietals plus small percentages of
secondary varieties. Australian rhone-style blends will often be labeled "GSM"
for "Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre." The best California rhone-style blends are
made along the Central Coast region.
Rioja
be red white, or rosé. The main grape used in red Rioja is Tempranillo, which
may be blended with Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Like Chiantis,
Riojas are legally classified into four grades: Rioja, Rioja Reserva and Rioja
Gran Reserva. Highly tannic, Riojas make excellent food wines.
Valpolicella Blends
Italy near Verona. It is made from a blend of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and
Molinara grapes, alone these grapes don't amount to much, but blended
properly they yield wines that tend to have good bouquets, be full on the palate
with good fruit, velvety, and with a nice finish. They also tend to be less tannic
than the heartier Sangioveses and Nebbiolos.
- Grown In: Bordeaux, France; California, Washington
- Descriptors: Elegant, sophisticated, dry, full-bodied, spicy
- Popular Pairings: Beef, some chicken dishes, pork, veal, pate,
swordfish or shark steak
centuries of French winemaking expertise. Sometimes called "Claret" in
England and the U.S., Bordeaux blends are made up of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes, with Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot usually playing the leads. The other three act as
supporters that round out the end product. Bordeaux-style blends are also
being made in the U.S., sometimes under the rubric, "Meritage."
- Snob Tip: The English word “Claret” is a corruption of the French clairet,
meaning “pale” or “clear.” Claret is usually pronounced with the “t”
ending uttered -- “claire-ette,” not “claire-ay,” which is most un-French.
Claret should not be confused with Clairet (pronounced "claire-ay"),
which is a Rosé wine also made in Bordeaux.
Chianti
- Grown In: Tuscany, Italy
- Descriptors: Fruity, cherry, vanilla, cinnamon
- Popular Pairings: Red meat grills and roasts, pasta, Pecorino cheese
cheap jug wine and came in a "fiasco" -- a squat bottle inside a wicker basket.
Today Chianti is widely respected, however. It is made in the Chianti region of
Tuscan Italy, usually from Sangiovese grapes, although it may also be blended
with Canaiolo and Malvasia bianca, a white grape. There are three
designations for Chianti quality standards, Chianti, Chianti Reserva and
Chianti Superiore.
Rhône Blends
- Grown In: Rhone, France; Australia; California; South Africa
- Descriptors: Blackberry Gamey, peppery
- Popular Pairings: Game meats, beef, spicy foods
the Rhône Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, but the major players are Syrah,
Grenache and Mourvèdre. Rhone-style blends are also made outside of the
region, in California, South Africa and Australia. Wines labeled "Rhône blends"
usually have two or more Rhône varietals plus small percentages of
secondary varieties. Australian rhone-style blends will often be labeled "GSM"
for "Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre." The best California rhone-style blends are
made along the Central Coast region.
Rioja
- Grown In: Rioja, Spain
- Descriptors: Black currants, cherries, licorice, tar, truffles, smoky
- Popular Pairings: Roasted beef, pork, Spanish faire
be red white, or rosé. The main grape used in red Rioja is Tempranillo, which
may be blended with Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Like Chiantis,
Riojas are legally classified into four grades: Rioja, Rioja Reserva and Rioja
Gran Reserva. Highly tannic, Riojas make excellent food wines.
Valpolicella Blends
- Grown In: Valpolicella, Italy
- Descriptors: Cloves, vanilla, cherry, almonds
- Popular Pairings: Light meats; chicken, game birds
Italy near Verona. It is made from a blend of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and
Molinara grapes, alone these grapes don't amount to much, but blended
properly they yield wines that tend to have good bouquets, be full on the palate
with good fruit, velvety, and with a nice finish. They also tend to be less tannic
than the heartier Sangioveses and Nebbiolos.
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