
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.
- Pinot Noir111
- Cabernet Sauvignon87
- Bordeaux Red Blends75
- Sangiovese42
- Nebbiolo29
- Other Red Blends28
- Syrah/Shiraz19
- Tempranillo16
- Zinfandel16
- Rhône Blends15
- Merlot13
- Gamay6
- Malbec5
- Petite Sirah4
- Nerello Mascalese4
- Montepulciano3
- Other Red Wine3
- Tuscan Blends3
- Mencia3
- Aglianico2
- Cabernet Franc2
- Grenache2
- Nero d'Avola2
- Barbera1
- Carignan1
- Carmenere1
- Corvina1
- Petit Verdot1
- Tannat1
- Touriga Nacional1
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2019Rhone Red Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins Cuvee Speciale Cotes du Rhone 2018Rhone Red Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WE
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Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2017Rhone Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WE
- RP
- WS
- JS
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Epoch Veracity Red Blend 2016Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- JD
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant Cuvée Oumuamua 2018Rhone Red Blends from Monterey, Central Coast, California
- WE
- WW
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Torres Grans Muralles 2010Rhone Red Blends from Spain
- JS
- RP
- W&S
- WE
- WS
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Donelan Cuvee Moriah 2015Rhone Red Blends from Bennett Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WE
- RP
- JD
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d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz/Grenache 2016Rhone Red Blends from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- W&S
- JS
- WE
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Bila-Haut by Michel Chapoutier Occultum Lapidem 2016Rhone Red Blends from Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Roussillon, South of France, France
- WS
- WE
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Neyers Sage Canyon Red 2018Rhone Red Blends from California
- WE
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Le P'tit Paysan Le P'tit Pape 2017Rhone Red Blends from Central Coast, California
- WE
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The Withers Ruben GSM 2016Rhone Red Blends from El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California
- WE
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Denner The Dirt Worshipper 2018Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WE
- RP
- WS
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The Withers Mr. Burgess 2016Rhone Red Blends from El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California
- WE
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Domaine de Longue Toque Gigondas Hommage a Gabriel 2016Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- JD
- WE
- RP