
Other Red Blends
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from ...
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines. How much does this matter?
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
- Cabernet Sauvignon692
- Pinot Noir657
- Bordeaux Red Blends578
- Other Red Blends321
- Tempranillo205
- Rhône Blends165
- Syrah/Shiraz145
- Sangiovese144
- Malbec142
- Merlot125
- Zinfandel97
- Nebbiolo76
- Grenache58
- Cabernet Franc52
- Gamay38
- Tuscan Blends34
- Barbera28
- Petite Sirah23
- Carmenere19
- Other Red Wine19
- Mourvedre15
- Montepulciano13
- Mencia12
- Carignan10
- Dolcetto9
- Pinotage9
- Aglianico8
- Nero d'Avola8
- Primitivo7
- Agiorgitiko5
- Nerello Mascalese5
- Bonarda4
- Corvina4
- Cinsault3
- Negroamaro3
- Tannat3
- Touriga Nacional2
- Frappato2
- Sagrantino2
- Zweigelt2
- Petit Verdot1
- Valdiguie1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Freisa1
- Gaglioppo1
- Grignolino1
- Refosco1
- St. Laurent1
- Xinomavro1
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Gia by Gia Coppola Red Blend (1 Liter Bottle) 2019Other Red Blends from California
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Familia Torres Salmos 2017Other Red Blends from Priorat, Spain
- JS
- RP
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Leviathan 2019Other Red Blends from California
- JS
- JD
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The Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner Red Blend (375ML half-bottle) 2019Other Red Blends from California
- WW
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Contino Gran Reserva 2015Other Red Blends from Rioja, Spain
- JS
- WS
- W&S
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Bertani Amarone Classico 2012Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
- JS
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Mas Martinet Bru Priorat 2019Other Red Blends from Priorat, Spain
- RP
- V
- WS
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Ridge Lytton Springs 2019Other Red Blends from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
- JD
- CG
- WE
- WS
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Giuliano Rosati Amarone della Valpolicella 2016Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
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Meiomi Red BlendOther Red Blends from California
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Sean Minor Nicole Marie Red Blend 2019Other Red Blends from North Coast, California
- TP
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Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa 2018Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- V
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The Crane Assembly Disciples 2018Other Red Blends from California
- WW
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Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Red 2019Other Red Blends from Portugal
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Cesari Mara Ripasso 2018Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
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Zeni Valpolicella 2020Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- WW
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Ridge Three Valleys Red 2019Other Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- WS
- JD
- CG
- WE
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Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red Blend 2019Other Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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L'Aventure Optimus 2018Other Red Blends from Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- JD
- JS
- D
- RP
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Dueling Pistols Dry Creek Red Blend 2016Other Red Blends from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
- TP
- JS
- WW
- JD
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Vina Vik Milla Cala 2018Other Red Blends from Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- JS
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Kuleto Estate Native Son Red 2019Other Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Dark Horse Double Down Red BlendOther Red Blends from California
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Big Max Red Blend 2017Other Red Blends from California
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Mosquita Muerta Sapo de Otro Pozo Red Blend 2017Other Red Blends from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- W&S