With red blends, the possibilities and combinations are endless! I used to think red blends were just cheap wine or ways to use leftover grapes (and sometimes they are), but now that I’ve sampled many, wow, there are some good ones! Red blends are a delectable way to balance out flavors of different grapes, especially grapes that may be too intense on their own. You can find good ones in any price range from just about anywhere in the world. Here are a few of my favorite of the best red blends!
Full-bodied, dark, and smooth, Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2019 combines Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%), and Mourvèdre (10%) and consistently takes home top marks. As the winemaker notes, “Aromas of fresh fruits with red berries and spices. Full, round and racy. Rounded and smooth tannins. A full-bodied, rich and intensely aromatic wine. Full with a long finish and plenty of elegance and finesse due to the well balanced tannins and fruit.”
This blend needs stronger, richer fare, and the winemaker suggests serving with meats, game bird, and cheese—perfect for your next charcuterie board! It’s also best if you can wait a couple more years before drinking it.
It’s a fantastic value as it can be found for about $16. For more info, check out Vintus’ post on this vintage and winery.
Consider pairing this rich, smooth wine with books that have rich, smooth leading men (no shortage of those in romance books):
The Chateau Vrai Canon Bouche Canon Fronsac 2019 Bordeaux Blend is a full-bodied, vibrant blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with deep berry notes and minerality.
From the Winemaker: The property is located in Fronsac, close to Saint-Emilion and the estuary. Thus, it benefits from the light of the Atlantic, a surprising altitude, various expositions, and useful wind patterns. The vineyard is 13 hectares in one piece, the terroir is mainly composed of asteriated limestones and clays. A strict uprooting and replanting program has been put into place. Currently, the property is planted with 30% Cabernet Franc and 70% Merlot.
This blend will be at its best 4-12 years after the vintage age, so go ahead and drink this one or wait a little longer. You can find it for around $30.
Pair this quintessential French blend with a book set (at least partly) in France:
If you’re looking for terrific value, this Esteban Martin Garnacha-Syrah-Tempranillo blend from Spain is for you! I found a bottle for $10—definitely worth it. Other Esteban Martin blends are also available for very low prices and full of flavor.
From Wine Enthusiast (92 points): This dark-garnet colored wine has a nose of dark berries and black olive tapenade. It is juicy on the palate, with flavors of black cherry and blackberry joined by notes of thyme, black pepper and roasted fennel bulb. Barely their tannins slowly make their presence known and then dissipate into a finish marked with notes of orange zest and rose petal.
Pair this value wine with a value book from Kindle Unlimited or low price Kindle Edition:
The Prisoner Wine Company produces a number of critically acclaimed wines under various labels, and offers several nice red blends at different price points. The best-selling and newly released 2022 Prisoner Red Blend “is now the most recognized red blend, leading the resurgence of interesting blends by incorporating Zinfandel with the unlikely mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono. Bright aromas of ripe raspberry, vanilla, and coconut give way to flavors of fresh and dried blackberry, pomegranate, and vanilla, which linger harmoniously for a smooth and luscious finish.”
You can get a bottle for $52 from the Prisoner website, or a three-bottle set of different blends for $115. You can also find other vintages, which may have different grapes, on wine.com or totalwine.com.
This wine pairs well with books involving crime or prisoners:
The Dunham Cellars 2019 Trutina blends Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), Malbec (8%), and Petit Verdot (1%) is dark and elegant, and consistently earns high ratings from various experts. According to the Winemaker, “The 2019 Trutina opens with gorgeous aromas of dark cherry, plum, star anise and tobacco leaf. On the palate, dark fruit flavors mingle effortlessly with notes of dried apricot and espresso. Elegant, polished tannins carry the wine through a velvety and delicious finish.”
Plus, Wine Enthusiast remarks that “the aromas immediately grab the attention, with notes of black cherry, sautéed herb, licorice and plentiful baking spices. The flavors are reserved and fresh. Fruit and barrel play well off each other, with plenty of structure around it all.” You can find it on wine.com for $37.
Pair with books that have polished and elegant characters: