
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 des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Mon Aieul 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Papet 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge 2007Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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- W&S
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Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard 2007Rhone Red Blends from Adelaida District, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Cristia Cuvee Renaissance Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Saxum James Berry Vineyard 2007Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Domaine de la Mordoree Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Quet 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Grand Veneur Clos de Sixte Lirac 2007Rhone Red Blends from Rhone, France
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Domaine St. Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades 2007Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
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Sanguis Backseat Betty 2007Rhone Red Blends from Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Saxum James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2007Rhone Red Blends from Central Coast, California
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Saxum Broken Stones 2007Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Domaine St. Damien Gigondas La Louisiane 2007Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
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Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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La Ferme du Mont Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cotes Capelan 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chene Bleu Abelard 2007Rhone Red Blends from Rhone, France
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Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige 2007Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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