
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 Noir281
- Cabernet Sauvignon231
- Bordeaux Red Blends211
- Sangiovese143
- Other Red Blends107
- Nebbiolo86
- Syrah/Shiraz71
- Zinfandel48
- Malbec46
- Merlot39
- Tempranillo35
- Rhône Blends26
- Grenache10
- Petite Sirah9
- Other Red Wine8
- Tuscan Blends8
- Gamay5
- Touriga Nacional5
- Aglianico4
- Carmenere4
- Barbera3
- Mourvedre3
- Cabernet Franc2
- Dolcetto2
- Nero d'Avola2
- Primitivo2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Carignan1
- Cinsault1
- Negroamaro1
- Petit Verdot1
- Mencia1
- Sagrantino1
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Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone 2012Rhone Red Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WE
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K Vintners Charlotte 2012Rhone Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
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Gueissard Bandol Rouge 2012Rhone Red Blends from Bandol, Provence, South of France, France
- WE
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Kale Kick Ranch Vineyard Home Run Cuvee 2012Rhone Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- WE
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Mayard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Alex 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Big Basin Grizzly Red Blend 2012Rhone Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
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Dauvergne Ranvier Gigondas Grand Vin 2012Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
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Domaine de la Mordoree Lirac La Dame Rousse Rouge 2012Rhone Red Blends from Lirac, Rhone, France
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Le P'tit Paysan Le P'tit Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Central Coast, California
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John Duval Plexus Red 2012Rhone Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Domaine de Beaurenard Cuvee Boisrenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Sorin Bandol Red 2012Rhone Red Blends from Provence, South of France, France
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Domaine Santa Duc Aux Lieux Dits Gigondas 2012Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
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Larner Elemental GSM 2012Rhone Red Blends from Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Fess Parker The Big Easy 2012Rhone Red Blends from Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes 2012Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Rouge 2012Rhone Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Donelan Cuvee Moriah 2012Rhone Red Blends from Bennett Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WE
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Kale Stagecoach Vineyard Broken Axle 2012Rhone Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Bonterra The Butler Biodynamic Single Vineyard Red 2012Rhone Red Blends from Mendocino, California
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Chateau de Segries Cotes du Rhone 2012Rhone Red Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Langmeil Three Gardens SMG 2012Rhone Red Blends from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Tranche Cellars Slice of Pape Rouge 2012Rhone Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Portal del Montsant Brunus 2012Rhone Red Blends from Montsant, Spain
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