Old stone tower on the edge of a rhone valley vineyard

30th May 2018 | Cork Talk

The Art of Blending in the Rhône

By Virgin Wines

After a long growing season at the mercy of nature, and an abundance of critical decisions are made in the winery turning the fruits of labour into wine, the winemaker embarks on the most creative element of the wine-making journey. At this point they will have a selection of quality individual wines each with their own personality, whether they be resting in oak barrels, or from different terroirs of the estate, or different grape varieties. This is where the real artistry of wine comes into play and gives the winemaker the final and most important decision to make – how to blend these component parts together to make the best possible wine.

Vineyard in the Rhone

The appellation system in France (a number of strict rules around production) was originally set up to maintain quality and regional authenticity in wine. Most consumers will know to expect a soft, approachable red when buying ‘Cotes-du-Rhone’. This consistency in style is achieved by blending, using more of the softer components in the winery to recreate that style.

In the Rhone the appellation system permits the use of 15 red grape varieties and 12 white, each with their own individuality and character. These provide a diverse palette from which the winemaker can work towards the wine in their mind, creating something unique and impressive every vintage.

Vines growing in the Rhone Valley

 

Within the parameters set by the appellation system, there still remains a huge amount of flexibility for the winemaker to create a wine that can express the vintage conditions and its origin. By the use of blending, the winemaker can give centre stage to varietal character that is particularly attractive in certain years, or grapes that really express the uniqueness of particular vineyard sites.

Vineyard in the Rhone with stone wall

 

It’s an art form that simultaneously works to meet our expectations yet provides us with an element of surprise from vintage to vintage, and keeps us coming back for more!