
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 Blends147
- Cabernet Sauvignon107
- Syrah/Shiraz95
- Nebbiolo77
- Sangiovese60
- Pinot Noir49
- Tempranillo41
- Other Red Blends40
- Rhône Blends28
- Merlot22
- Malbec17
- Tuscan Blends11
- Grenache9
- Zinfandel6
- Cabernet Franc4
- Aglianico2
- Bonarda2
- Carmenere2
- Nero d'Avola2
- Petite Sirah2
- Barbera1
- Corvina1
- Mourvedre1
- Other Red Wine1
- Pinotage1
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Bodegas El Nido Clio 2004Other Red Blends from Spain
- RP
- WS
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Penfolds Bin 60A Cabernet Shiraz 2004Other Red Blends from South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Peter Lehmann Clancy's 2004Other Red Blends from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
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Zenato Cresasso 2004Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Clos Galena 2004Other Red Blends from Priorat, Spain
- RP
- WS
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Nepenthe The Tryst 2004Other Red Blends from Australia
- WS
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Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella 2004Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Castello di Querceto Il Querciolaia Colli della Toscana Centrale 2004Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- W&S
- RP
- WS
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Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le Sette Colombe 2004Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
- WE
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Two Hands The Bull and The Bear Shiraz Cabernet 2004Other Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Tolaini Valdisanti Toscana 2004Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Cellers Fuentes Finca El Puig 2004Other Red Blends from Priorat, Spain
- WS
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tuttobene Toscana Rosso 2004Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Water Wheel Memsie 2004Other Red Blends from Australia
- RP
- WS
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Ramos Pinto Adriano 2004Other Red Blends from Portugal
- WS
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Quinta do Crasto Douro Red Reserva Old Vines 2004Other Red Blends from Portugal
- W&S
- WS
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McLean's Farm Shiraz Cabernet 2004Other Red Blends from Australia
- WS
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Tikal Patriota 2004Other Red Blends from Argentina
- WS
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Piccini Sasso al Poggio 2004Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Beyerskloof Cape Blend 2004Other Red Blends from South Africa
- WS
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Zenato Sergio Zenato Amarone Classico Riserva 2004Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2004Other Red Blends from Italy
- WS
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Yalumba The Signature Cabernet/Shiraz 2004Other Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
- RP
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Redbank Long Paddock Shiraz - Cabernet 2004Other Red Blends from Australia
- WS
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Ampeleia 2004Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS