Where are your red blends?
Whether it’s your mom, the occasional party guest, or YOU, we all know someone who loves ‘red blends.’ In my experience, not every lover of the blend knows what they prefer blended, but that is the motivation behind this week’s blog. Typically, when a customer shows a preference for red blend, I find they’re looking for a cushy, full-bodied wine with smooth tannins. Some are fruity, some are chocolaty, the wines, not the customers. But for the most part, it’s easy to figure out what they’re looking for. So, I dedicate this list to the blend-lovers among you. Every wine I’ve listed is different from the next, so they’re something for everyone. I hope you find something you like and cozy up to a new bottle this week. Cheers!
Château la Cheze, Côtes de Bordeaux
Region: Côtes de Bordeaux AOC - Bordeaux, France
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Full-bodied and dry. Dark chocolate, a little smoke, and delightful chalky tannins that are long-lasting. An everyday must-try for fall.
Conde Valdemar, Rioja Reserva
Region: Rioja DO - Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano
Round and plummy but it remains quite delicate. This wine exceeds all of our expectations. It is a lovely expression of Rioja.
Babylonstoren, Babel
Region: WO Simonsberg-Paarl - Western Cape, South Africa
Grapes: Grapes: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage
Bright and juicy, this South African blend has something for everyone. A little fruit, a little smoke, perfect with food or on its own. Pair with Boeuf Bourguignon or your favorite Netflix show.
Martha Stoumen Wines, Benchlands
Region: Mendocino County, CA
Grapes: Zinfandel, Nero d'Avola
It's like a cup of English Breakfast and a slice of burnt toast covered in plum preserves. Dry, bold, and so worth a try. If we have any left...
Fausse Piste, Pizza Sauce
Region: Washington State
Grapes: Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir
This is some spicy juice. Inky sour cherries, freshly sharpened pencils, and white pepper. The perfect wine to chill down and drink with... Hmm, let me think…
Domaine des Deux Ânes, Premiers Pas
Region: AOC Corbières - Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Grapes: Carignan, Grenache
Dusty rosemary, pomegranate juice, and dark red plums. Full bodied, perfectly balanced tannins, and a lovely, dry finish.
La Segreta, Freghino
Region: Umbria IGT - Umbria, Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Colorino
Dry, rustic, earthy Sangiovese. A little sun dried tomato wrapped in worn leather. This wine is ripe, subtle, and unforgettable. One of our absolute favorites.
G.D. Vajra, Langhe Rosso
Region: DOC Langhe - Piedmont, Italy
Grapes: Barbera, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Freisa, Pinot Noir, Albarossa
Punchy pomegranates and raspberries. This wine is full of bright acidity with soft tannins on the finish. Simply delightful and a must-try at this price.
Quinta de Saes, Tinto
Region: Dão DOC - Dão, Portugal
Grapes: Equal parts Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Mencilla, & Alfrocheiro
Wild strawberries, brand new leather, and a little meaty. But this wine is incredibly sophisticated. We all need to drink more Portuguese wine.
Giornata, Il Campo Rosso
Region: Paso Robles AVA - California
Grapes: Sangiovese, Aglianico, Barbera, Merlot
Medium-bodied and a little gravely. Clay, Molasses, Cherry Kirsch. This wine has us craving tomatoes and garlic. Don't over-complicate things, make some pasta and let the wine work its magic.
