
Other Red Blends
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from ...
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines. How much does this matter?
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
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Yalumba The Signature Cabernet/Shiraz 2015Other Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- JS
- D
- WE
- RP
- WW
- W&S
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2015Other Red Blends from Sicily, Italy
- WE
- JS
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Pala S'Arai 2015Other Red Blends from Sardinia, Italy
- RP
- WE
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Tasca d'Almerita Rosso del Conte 2015Other Red Blends from Sicily, Italy
- RP
- WE
- W&S
- WS
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Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere/Syrah 2015Other Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- WE
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Heinrich Red 2015Other Red Blends from Neusiedlersee, Austria
- WE
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Quinta de la Rosa Estate Red 2015Other Red Blends from Portugal
- WE
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Leogate Gatecrasher Balmain 2015Other Red Blends from Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia
- WE
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Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2015Other Red Blends from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- D
- JS
- WE
- RP
- W&S
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Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Renegade 2015Other Red Blends from Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- TP
- WE
- RP
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2015Other Red Blends from Sicily, Italy
- JS
- WE
- RP
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Rowen Red Wine 2015Other Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- WW
- WE