4 November 2019

Understanding wine styles : Blend vs Varietal

When we think about wine styles what comes to mind is color white VS rosé VS red , still VS sparkling, sweet VS dry…did you ever think about Blend Vs Varietal and how is it different, why would a winemaker choose to go with either direction, so many decisions and thoughts comes to mind to create the perfect wine, starting from terroir. Here, we unpack the key differences to blends and varietals with delicious examples throughout Bordeaux and Germany

©Favoreat / M. Anglada

What is a Varietal?

Quite simply, a varietal is a singular type of grape used to produce wine. Typically, New World wines are named by their grape varietal, rather than their region. Varietals, however, are the notable components that become a blend.

What is a Blend?

Converse to varietals, a blend is exactly that: a blend of multiple different grapes blended together to produce a wine. While preferring a varietal to a blend is a matter of preference, some wine experts taste more complexity in blended wines, rather than the singular, direct palate of a varietal.

© Favoreat/Katja Hentschel

German & Bordeaux Varietals

While many Bordeaux varietals are primed for blending, there are some standouts that shine on their own, such as Merlot such as Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

Germany boasts several glowing varietals, including Gewürztraminer, a grape that produces a rich and spicy white wine, and most notably, Riesling, which expresses its unique versatility when it comes to tasting notes.

©Favoreat / M. Anglada

German & Bordeaux Blends

The Bordeaux region is a dominant force of blended wines. Most red Bordeaux blends feature a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, while most white Bordeaux blends combine Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon. However, white Bordeaux only makes up 10% of Bordeaux production.

While Germany’s strength lies in varietals, you’ll find a bubbly surprise in Schwarzriesling, which is featured in Sekt (German sparkling wine) blends, as well as into certain rosé wines.

A Toast to Endless Possibilities!

From familiar blends to (perhaps new) varietal wines, whether sparkling to still, wines of Germany and Bordeaux are perfect for holiday celebrations.

What’s in a wine name? It all depends on where the wine and grapes are from.

How many times have you stared at the label on a bottle of wine and thought: Why can’t I understand anything I’m reading? You are not alone! Every country has its own set of rules and regulations, and then some regions have their own rules, too, making it ever-more complicated. Basically, wines are labeled in one of three ways: by grape variety; by the region; or a made-up name. In Germany, for example, most wine labels include the grape variety, while in Bordeaux the majority of wines are named by region. Luckily, we’re going to break it all down for you right here!

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