
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.
- Bordeaux Red Blends170
- Sangiovese154
- Nebbiolo135
- Cabernet Sauvignon59
- Other Red Blends47
- Tempranillo46
- Tuscan Blends29
- Malbec27
- Pinot Noir11
- Merlot10
- Syrah/Shiraz9
- Barbera6
- Nero d'Avola6
- Cabernet Franc5
- Carmenere5
- Aglianico3
- Rhône Blends2
- Corvina2
- Montepulciano2
- Other Red Wine2
- Petit Verdot2
- Petite Sirah2
- Carignan1
- Dolcetto1
- Lagrein1
- Mourvedre1
- Pinotage1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Sagrantino1
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Cesari Amarone della Valpolicella Bosan Riserva 2011Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- JS
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Vina Maipo Gran Devocion Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2011Other Red Blends from Maule Valley, Chile
- JS
- RP
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Guardiola 2011Other Red Blends from Sicily, Italy
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Il Palagio Message in a Bottle 2011Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2011Other Red Blends from Sicily, Italy
- RP
- JS
- WS
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La Antigua Clasico Crianza 2011Other Red Blends from Rioja, Spain
- JS
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Montevetrano Colli di Salerno 2011Other Red Blends from Campania, Italy
- RP
- WS
- JS
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Emiliana Ge (Certified Biodynamic) 2011Other Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- JS
- WE
- RP
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Agricola Punica Barrua Isola dei Nuraghi 2011Other Red Blends from Sardinia, Italy
- JS
- RP
- WS
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Flaherty Aconcagua Red 2011Other Red Blends from Aconcagua Valley, Chile
- JS
- RP
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Belguardo Serrata Maremma 2011Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- WS
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Chilensis Lazuli 2011Other Red Blends from Maule Valley, Chile
- JS
- W&S
- WE
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Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore 2011Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- D
- JS
- RP
- W&S
- WS
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Pietradolce Archineri Etna Rosso 2011Other Red Blends from Sicily, Italy
- JS
- D
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Quinta do Vallado Douro Tinto 2011Other Red Blends from Portugal
- JS
- W&S
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Marques de Grinon Caliza Red Blend 2011Other Red Blends from Spain
- JS
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Cesari Il Bosco Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- WS
- JS
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Bastianich Vespa Rosso 2011Other Red Blends from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
- JS
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Villa Pillo Toscana Borgoforte 2011Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Tenuta La Badiola 642 Maremma Toscana Rosso 2011Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Viticcio Toscana Bere 2011Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Podernuovo a Palazzone Therra 2011Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Masi Brolo di Campofiorin Oro 2011Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
- JS
- WS
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Vina Ventisquero Vertice 2011Other Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- W&S
- JS
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Allegrini Amarone 2011Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
- WS
- WE
- JS