Some of the world’s most famous and celebrated wines are blends of multiple varietals that have proven to work beautifully together – Champagne, Bordeaux, Super Tuscans and Chateauneuf du Pape to name a few.
Traditional wine making methods first brought us the field blend, in which vines that grew side-by-side in the field, were picked at the same time and combined into one large vat for fermentation. Over time, winemakers discovered that fermenting varietals in separate barrels allowed for a more consistent recipe. Post fermentation, these wines were blended into what we now know as a winemaker’s cuvée.
Among the many tools a winemaker has, blending can be used to enhance a wine’s aromas, balance acidity, tannin or alcohol level, or add complexity to the wine’s flavors and textures. Join us to celebrate the art of some of our favorite winemakers!