
Rhône Blends
Learn about Rhône Blends — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, red Rhône blends originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley. Grenache, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre typically form the base of the blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. With some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in Priorat, Washington, Australia and California.
Tasting Notes for Rhône Blends
A Rhône blend is a dry, red wine and will vary according to its individual components, as each variety brings something different to the glass. Grenache is the lightest in color but contributes plenty of ripe red fruit and a plush texture. Syrah supplies dark fruit flavors, along with savory, spicy and earthy notes. Mourvèdre is responsible for a floral perfume and earthy flavor as well as structure and a healthy dose of color. New World examples tend to be fruit-forward in style, while those from the Old World will often have more earth, structure and herbal components on top of ripe red and blue fruit.
Perfect Food Pairings for Rhône Blends
Rhône Blends work with a wide variety of meat-based dishes, playing equally well with beef, pork, lamb or game. Braised beef cheeks, grilled steak or sausages, roasted pork and squab are all fine pairings.
Sommelier Secrets for Rhône Blends
Some regions like to put their own local spin on the red Rhône blend—for example, in Australia’s Barossa Valley, Shiraz is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure, tannin and a long finish. Grenache-based blends from Priorat often include Carignan (known locally as Cariñena) and Syrah, but also international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, anything goes, and it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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Saxum James Berry Vineyard 2009Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Saxum Broken Stones 2009Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WS
- JS
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Clos Saint-Jean Deus Ex Machina Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Favia Rompecabezas 2009Rhone Red Blends from Amador, Sierra Foothills, California
- WS
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Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (scuffed label) 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2009Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Paul Autard Cote Ronde Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Chene Bleu Heloise 2009Rhone Red Blends from Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Ode to Brothers 2009Rhone Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
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La Ferme du Mont Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cotes Capelan 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine La Milliere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (half-bottle) 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Chene Bleu Abelard 2009Rhone Red Blends from Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Les Clefs d'Or Les Craus Centenaires 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Force Majeure Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series III 2009Rhone Red Blends from Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
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Langmeil Three Gardens SMG 2009Rhone Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
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Domaine La Milliere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (scuffed labels) 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Beaucastel Hommage Jacques Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides 2009Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas le Claux 2009Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Saxum Booker Vineyard 2009Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WS
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Tardieu-Laurent Chateaneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (torn labels) 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- JD
- RP
- WE
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Chateau de Beaucastel Hommage Jacques Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
- D