Blend grape is a term used to describe a combination of different varieties of grapes used for winemaking. Rather than using a single type of grape, winemakers often opt for a blend to achieve a specific flavour profile or to balance the characteristics of different grape types.
In the artistry of wine-making, blending is a long-established practice, often undertaken to achieve a desired palate of flavours, enhancing the colour, or to increase the complexity of the wine. Although some regions, particularly in Europe, have strict rules about which varieties can be combined and in what proportions, many winemakers around the world are free to experiment and create their own unique blends.
The composition of a blend can vary, even from year to year, depending on the type and quality of grapes harvested. A common example includes Bordeaux blends that often consist of a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. In contrast, other blends may feature a larger number of varieties; traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a noted French wine, can contain a mix of up to 13 different grape variations.
Grapes in a blend may be harvested and fermented together, known as 'field blend', or they may be vinified separately and combined later. The artistry of blending lies in the winemakers' deft abilities to select and combine various grapes in a way that maximises their collective strengths, thereby producing a harmonious final product.
In conclusion, Blend grape wines are the result of thoughtful, calculated artistry in the field of winemaking. A testament to the creativity and innovation in the industry, these wines are famed for the complex and layered flavours they bring to the enthusiasts, thereby enriching the diverse world of wines.
Buy Blend wine below.
