
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 Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WE
- WS
- JD
- RP
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Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- WE
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d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 1998Rhone Red Blends from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- W&S
- WS
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Jaboulet Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Les Cedres 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Caves des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Les Closiers (bin soiled label) 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux Centenaire 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Rosemount Grenache-Syrah-Mouvedre G.S.M. 1998Rhone Red Blends from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- WS
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Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Paul Autard Cote Ronde Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- JD
- RP
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Joseph Phelps Le Mistral 1998Rhone Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine Brusset Gigondas Le Grand Montmirail (bin soiled label) 1998Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- WS
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Dom. Du Grapillon d'Or Gigondas (bin soiled labels) 1998Rhone Red Blends from Gigondas, Rhone, France
- WS
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Paul Autard Cote Ronde Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5L Magnum) 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee des Cadettes 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- WE
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Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Caves des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Les Closiers 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee (1.5L Magnum) 1998Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP