Many people
who come in the store look for specific varietals of wine…Cabernet, Chardonnay,
etc. However, many wines are blends of two or more different grapes. The
different grapes contribute different aspects to the flavor profile of the
wine. One grape may add structure, another may supply dark fruits, and another
may add spice. As a result, the wines can be remarkably complex and flavorful.
Many
countries in Europe label their wines by the region where they are grown
(Bordeaux, Chateauneuf du Pape) rather than the type of grape in the bottle,
and these are very often blends of several grapes.
Bordeaux
wines can contain up to five specific grapes—Cabernet Franc, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. (Carmenere is also allowed, but
almost never used). These wines tend to be dry, structured, and complex.
Although some can cost over $1000.00 a bottle, many wonderful examples exist in
the $10.00 to $20.00 range. Look for Chateau
Vrai Caillou, Terrefort Lescalle and St.
Elme.
Meritage (rhymes
with “heritage”) is an American wine that contains a combination of the same
grapes found in Bordeaux wines. Claret is yet another term for the same type of
wine. Newton, Rodney Strong, and Franciscan are a few to look for. Lyeth makes a nice one for under $15.00.
Up to nine
different grapes an be used in Chateauneuf du Pape, though Grenache, Syrah, and
Mouvedre are the most common. These are complex age-worthy wines and can be
very expensive. If you have $80.00 or $90.00 to spend, look for Mas de Boislauzon Quet or Janasse Chaupin from the 2010 vintage. These are magnificent
wines. For $30.00 you can drink a very nice example from Barrot. Chateauneuf du Pape is in the southern Rhone. Lots of
wonderful inexpensive wines from the various villages that comprise the area nestled
at the foothills of the mountains are available. They are usually blends of
Grenache and Syrah with either Mouvedre, Carignan, or Cinsault added to the
mix. They are great wines for a great price. Look for Boisson Cairanne, Chateau
Pesquie, and Gassier Cercius, all
under $20.00 and wonderful.
The blend of
Grenache, Syrah, and Mouvedre has made its way from the Rhone Valley to
Australia and the U.S. and has become so popular that they are referred to as
“GSM” blends. John Duval’s Plexus and
Two Hands Brave Faces are beautiful
examples from “Down Under,” Stump Jump
is a great example at a cheaper price.
In addition
to the GSM formula, California produces many blends, combining Syrah, Merlot,
Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre,
Grenache, Sangiovese, and Barbera—sometimes up to six or more in one wine. I
like to call these “kitchen sink “ wines. Great examples are Orin Swift’s Prisoner at $40.00 and a much cheaper
wine called The Culprit 2010 at $15.00.
Blended
wines offer wonderful complexity and big flavors, often for great prices. Give
them a try!
