
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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Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Rene Rostaing Cote-Rotie Cuvee Classique 2006Rhone Red Blends from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- JD
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Saxum Broken Stones 2006Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Quet 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Booker Vineyard Vertigo 2006Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WS
- RP
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M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- W&S
- RP
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Domaine de la Mordoree Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Saxum James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock 2006Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Deux Freres 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Paul Autard Juline Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Mas Cal Demoura Terrasses du Larzac L'Infidele 2006Rhone Red Blends from Languedoc, South of France, France
- RP
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Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition (1.5 Liter) 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- JD
- RP
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Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aieul 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (3 Liter Bottle) 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JD
- WS
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Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JD
- WS
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Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tintot 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Tardieu-Laurent Chateaneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- W&S
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Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2006Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP