
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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Chateau de Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- JS
- WS
- RP
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Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rouge 2012Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP
- TP
- WS
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Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Chapelle St. Theodoric Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Eric Texier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- TP
- WS
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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- WW
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Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rouge (375ML half-bottle) 2012Rhone Red Blends from Central Coast, California
- RP
- TP
- WS
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Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2012Rhone Red Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape (3 Liter Bottle) 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- TP
- WS
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Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau de Vaudieu Val de Dieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Premices 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Les Granieres 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Domaine les Pallieres Gigondas Les Racines (375ML half-bottle) 2012Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Bodegas Mas Alta Romani La Basseta 2012Rhone Red Blends from Priorat, Spain
- RP
- WS
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Yalumba The Strapper GSM Barossa 2012Rhone Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
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Domaine La Bouissiere Gigondas 2012Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- WS
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Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP