The Winemaker’s Palette
Winemaking is an artform, with each bottled vintage representing the winemaker’s vision brought to life. Just as a painter blends colours on their palette, an expert winemaker skilfully blends different grape varieties, vineyard plots, and vintage years to craft a harmonious final cuvée. This artistry of blending wines is the cornerstone of many renowned wineries’ signature house styles.
As stated by the late, great Len Evans – the legendary Australian wine critic – “A great wine is a reflection of an environment and a culture. It isn’t just fermented grape juice.” Blending allows the winemaker to merge distinct varietal characteristics and terroir influences into one seamless, cohesive expression.
Crafting Balance and Complexity
Take the famous reds of Bordeaux as an example. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structural backbone and ageing potential, while Merlot contributes plush fruit and roundness on the palate. Smaller portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and others are blended in to layer aromatic nuances and subtle complexities.
Speaking about his craft, renowned Bordeaux winemaker Christian Moueix once remarked, “Blending is trying to find the harmony between all the varieties to make a complete wine.” Often, it’s the judicious blending of vineyard plots that truly sets the finest châteaux apart within the same appellation.
Finding Harmony in the Blend
Over in Spain’s Rioja region, the skill lies in marrying Tempranillo’s bold structure with aromatic Garnacha, creating an enchanting, perfumed synergy. In Tuscany’s hallowed Chianti zone, the famed Sangiovese often benefits from a ‘taming’ portion of Cabernet or Merlot in the blend to soften its rustic edge.
Legendary winemakers like Angelo Gaja in Piedmont forged new blending frontiers by marrying indigenous Italian grapes like Nebbiolo with ‘international’ French varieties. In the 1970s, this practice was considered heresy but is now commonplace – a true testament to the art of creative winemaking and the pursuit of greatness.
The Final Masterpiece
Of course, red blends reign supreme, but the art extends to whites as well. Who could forget Sir Winston Churchill’s lifelong adoration for Champagne’s dazzling union of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier? When describing his devotion, he famously quipped: “In success you deserve it, and in defeat you need it.”
For the consummate blender, crafting the ‘perfect’ final cuvée is akin to a composer scripting a symphonic masterpiece – every component must harmonise seamlessly while adding its own distinctive flair to the ensemble. It’s this deft balance that spellbinds the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Pairings and Recommendations
To experience the magic of blending first-hand, decant a bottle of the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Southern Rhône. Marvel at the celestial interplay of ripe Grenache’s sumptuous berry notes with Syrah’s peppery spice and Mourvèdre’s savoury meatiness. This powerful, age-worthy red blend shines brightest when paired with hearty roast lamb or a rich, truffle-laced risotto.
For those who adore Spain’s noble blends, the 2015 Rioja ‘Viña Tondonia’ Reserva from the respected R. López de Heredia bodega offers remarkable value. With up to six years of cellar ageing, it’s a harmonious melding of Tempranillo’s dark fruit with the lifted violet perfume from the Garnacha, all framed by silky tannins – the perfect pairing for a platter of jamón ibérico.
Whether you’re an avid enthusiast or an aspiring sommelier, delving into the world of blended wines rewards with an appreciation for the art of assemblage and all its delicious complexities. Salud!