
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 Advocate26
- Wine Spectator17
- Jeb Dunnuck3
- James Suckling1
- Collectible26
- Older Vintages25
- Boutique6
-
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape (stained label) 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JS
- JD
- WS
-
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
Patrick Lesec Chateauneuf-du-Pape Kristial 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
-
Domaine Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
-
Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (stained label) 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee des Cadettes 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
-
Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 2001Rhone Red Blends from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WS
-
Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
Domaine de Beaurenard Cuvee Boisrenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Domaine Bois de Boursan Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Felix 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
-
Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Sixtine 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
-
Domaine de la Mordoree Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
-
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Dom. du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Alexis Establet 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aieul 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JD
- WS
-
Patrick Lesec Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Galets Blonds 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
-
Alban Pandora 2001Rhone Red Blends from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
-
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aieul (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2001Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JD
- WS