What is Blend?
A wine made from two or more grape varieties combined to create a harmonious final product.
Understanding Blend
Blending combines different grape varieties, vineyards, or vintages to create a more complete, balanced wine. Classic blends include Bordeaux (Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc), Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier), and GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). Blending allows winemakers to compensate for weaknesses in individual components. Non-vintage Champagne blends multiple years for consistency. Some "blends" are actually 100% single-variety but from multiple vineyards.
Why It Matters
Many of the world's greatest wines are blends. Understanding blending helps you appreciate winemaking artistry and find wines you enjoy.
Examples
- 1Bordeaux blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot for balance
- 2Champagne blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
- 3Australian GSM combines Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"A wine made from two or more grape varieties combined to create a harmonious final product."
Explore More Wine Terms
Malolactic Fermentation
A secondary fermentation that converts sharp malic acid to softer lactic acid, adding creaminess.
WinemakingOak Aging
The practice of aging wine in oak barrels, imparting flavors like vanilla, spice, and toast.
WinemakingBrix
A measurement of sugar content in grapes, used to determine ripeness and potential alcohol.
WinemakingLees
Dead yeast cells and sediment that settle in wine after fermentation.
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