
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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Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux Centenaire 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tintot 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee des Cadettes 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Saxum James Berry Vineyard (1.5L Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Saxum G2 Vineyard 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Saxum Terry Hoage Vineyard 2015Rhone Red Blends from Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Booker Vineyard Vertigo 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Saxum James Berry Vineyard 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Saxum Broken Stones 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Clos Saint-Jean Sanctus Sanctorum (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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L'Aventure Chloe (stained labels) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape (375ML half-bottle) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Saxum Rocket Block James Berry Vineyard (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chante Le Merle 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Beaurenard Cuvee Boisrenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Beaurenard Cuvee Boisrenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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