
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.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate47
- Wine Spectator22
- Jeb Dunnuck18
- James Suckling5
- Vinous4
- Decanter2
- Wilfred Wong of Wine.com1
- Wine Enthusiast1
- Collectible47
- Boutique29
- Older Vintages20
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5L Magnum) 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5L Magnum) 2016Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- JD
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5L Magnum) 2013Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2014Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Alban Pandora 2009Rhone Red Blends from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
- RP
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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee des Cadettes 2012Rhone 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
- RP
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin (1.5L Magnum) 2011Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Clos Saint-Jean Sanctus Sanctorum (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2016Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Clos Saint-Jean Sanctus Sanctorum (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- JD
- RP
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides 2017Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
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- JS
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Clos Saint-Jean Deus Ex Machina Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 L Magnum) 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JD
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Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aieul (1.5 Liter Magnum - scuffed label) 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin (1.5L Magnum) 2017Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2005Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Alban Pandora 2011Rhone Red Blends from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
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Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Secret des Sabon 2013Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Clos Saint-Jean Deus Ex Machina Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 L Magnum) 2009Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Secret des Sabon 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Saint Prefert Chateauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud 2015Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Booker Vineyard Fulldraw 24 2014Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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