Know What You Are Drinking

The art of blending many different wines, each made from one grape, to produce one wine is a time-honored tradition in wine-making. By blending wines made from different grapes, a wine-maker can naturally adjust the body, flavor, balance, nose, etc. of the final wine. However, in my experience, many new wine drinkers are not aware of the fact that many wines are indeed blends, regardless of the fact that one grape is printed on the label. 


Thus, it is important for wine drinkers to understand the wine laws for countries in order to better appreciate the wine. Below are a selection of countries and the correlating wine laws regarding blending. 

• United States of America: At least 75% of the grape listed on the label needs to be of that grape, thus classifying the wine as a "varietal" wine. The remaining 25% can be anything, and does not need to be listed on the label. If at least 75% of the wine is not made from one grape, the wine is then considered a "blend".
• For instance - that 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley that you are enjoying right now could be 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Or, it could be 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Or, it could be any other logical combination. If you are really curious, go on to the website for the winery and see if the site lists the specifications for their wines.

• France: 100% of the grape listed on the label needs to be of that grape. This stems from the French tradition of doing beautiful blends, and the reason why the majority of labels list geographical locations, rather than varietals. So how do you figure out what you are drinking? Study, study, study. The only way to understand French wine is to learn which grapes are grown in which wine regions. However, here are some hints. Of note is that these are only major grapes. There will potentially be many other grapes that will be blended into these wines.
• Burgundy
• Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
• Bordeaux
• Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon (white)
• Alsace
• Riesling
• Loire
• Western: Muscadet (white)
• Central: Cabernet Franc (red), Chenin Blanc (white), Sauvignon Blanc
• Upper: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
• Auvergne: Gamay (red), Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
• Rhône
• Northern: Syrah, Viognier (white)
• Southern: Grenache, Grenache Blanc (white)

• Italy: Like France, 100% of the varietal listed on the label needs to be of that grape. Once again, the reason why so many Italian wines list geographical locations. Here are some more hints.
• Tuscany
• Sangiovese (red), Trebbiano (white), Malvasia (white)
• Vento
• Corvina (red), Garganga (white)
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Frulano (white), Chardonnay
• Trentino-Alto Adige
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Biano (white), Chardonnay, Riesling
• Lombardy
• Bonarda (red), Chardonnay, Moscato (white)
• Piedmont
• Nebbiolo (red), Barbera (red), Cortese (white), Arneis (white)
• Liguria
• Sangiovese (red), Vermentino (white)

• Spain: At least 85% of the varietal listed on the label must be of that grape. 

• Australia: At least 85% of the varietal listed on the label must be of that grape. 

• Argentina: At least 80% of the varietal listed on the label must be of that grape. 

For the Chilly Winter, a Selection of Warming Reds

With the winter season in full swing, it seems like a good idea to partake in drinking some stellar red wines. It seems that at times nothing is more enjoyable than grabbing a glass of red wine, sitting in front of the fire, and relaxing. Here are some of my favorite reds for drinking during the winter.


California, Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Rhone de Robles, 2006, 13.9%

The Robert Hall Rhone de Robles is an incredibly enjoyable wine at an appealing price of $15. A blend of grenache, syrah, and cinsaut counoise, this wine is garnet in color with notes of ruby red, and exhibits wonderful aromas of cherry, blackberry, and cinnamon. On the palate the wine showcases notes of spice, herbs, and dark cocoa, accompanied by a medium-heavy body, high acid, and robust tannins. Finishing with a good balance, complexity, and length, this wine can be enjoyed for another two to three years. 


Rhone de Robles? The name is a play on Paso Robles, where the wine is made, and the infamous Rhône Valley in France. 

Spain, Giné Giné, Priorat, 2006, 14.5%

I adore this wine! With an intriguing color of purple-red, this lovely blend of 50% grenache and 50% carignane, this classic wine has a luscious ruby-red and garnet color. On the nose the wine opens with blackberry, pepper, and cinnamon, then enhances on the palate with notes of earth, toast, and cedar. Medium towards heavy in body with medium tannins and low acid, this wine has a good finish, excellent complexity, and enjoyable length. Drink over the next four years. Reasonably priced at $20. 


South Africa, Kanonkop Kadette, Stellenbosch, 2008, 14%

At around $12, this wine is a steal! A delightful blend of 45% pinotage, 17% merlot, 29% cabernet sauvignon, and 9% cabernet franc, this blend has a delightful purple color and boasts aromas of pepper and smoke on the nose. On the palate the wine opens and expresses wonderful notes of blackberry, dried red fruit, and herbs. Medium in body with good acid and enjoyable tannins, this wine has excellent balance, good intensity, and enjoyable complexity. Enjoy over the next four years. 

California, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Zinfandel, 2008, Temptation Zin, 14.5%

At an amazing price of $12, this zinfandel is superb. With a luscious royal purple color, this zinfandel is juicy, round, and so flavorful. Boysenberries, black cherries, and preserved plums dominate the palate with a finish of slight spice. With gentle acidity, round tannins, and an enjoyable finish, this zinfandel is a perfect "everyday" wine. Capable of lasting another four years, this zinfandel pairs wonderfully with burgers, rich pizzas, and hearty BBQ. A perfect winter warmer!