Blended wines: how the most exquisite blends are made
What defines a blended wine, how the different grape varieties are combined and under what criteria.
If one had to define a blended wine in a simple way, one could say that is the combination of two or more wines, either those with similar characteristics or those with antagonistic characteristics that complement each other, always with the idea of achieving a better and more balanced wine. Also -in an extensive use of the term- it can refer to the combination of wines from different regions and even wines of the same variety but, for example, from different plots.
By contrast, when we speak of a varietal wine, it is one that is made from a single grape variety or grape stock..
En Argentina, el National Institute of Viticulture (INV)establishes that the percentage of the same grape variety that makes up a wine must be at least 85% to be considered varietal.. How is a blended wine designed?
Considering that grapes, fermenting-macerating wines or finished wines can be blended in different proportions, the possibilities of combination are almost infinite.
The art of assemblage allows us to reveal that which is not found in a single varietal, but in the synergy of two or more varieties.
In traditional red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon is generally the base.
It provides complexity, structure and aging capacity.
Depending on the region, it can be blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc or Malbec, achieving greater expression of fruit, fat and fullness in the mouth.
Malbec in Argentina adapts to very diverse places, showing a great variety of styles.
This is, of course, very interesting to work with Malbec blends in search of the best varietal expression.
Moreover, in our region it is normally a fundamental constituent of the blends, interacting with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity and cellaring capacity to its great fruity character and palate friendliness.
Rutini Wines blendsAt Rutini Wines we make different types of blends: from bi-varietals such as the Trumpeter Malbec Syrah y Rutini Cabernet Malbec Collectionor multi-component blends such as the Anthology 48 and the Apartado Gran BlendWe also offer other assemblages that fuse different regions and expressions of the same variety.
Cut wines designed to achieve maximum balance, aromas and unique flavors to be enjoyed.
As for white wines, we produce Gran Chardonnay made from Chardonnay grapes, 50% from Gualtallary and 50% from the El Cepillo estate.
Also the Rutini Vin Doux Naturel, which combines the Semillon and Verdicchio varieties from Gualtallary and Trumpeter Reserve Douxwhich has 85% Gewürztraminer grapes and 15% Riesling from Valle de Uco.
