Wine, in its most simplistic form, is fermented grape juice. Yet, the process that turns this humble fruit into a complex, enchanting beverage is nothing short of alchemical magic. One of the most captivating aspects of this transformation is the art of blending wines. But what is wine blending, and how does it work? Let's uncork the mystery.

Wine blending, an ancient art form in the world of winemaking, is as intricate and thought-provoking as a canvas ready for an undiscovered palette. It’s a practice that has stood the test of time, allowing winemakers to create something entirely new – a blend that is more than the sum of its parts. It can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who first noted the benefits of combining different grape varieties. Blending was not only a way to balance and enhance flavors but also a method to preserve and create unique wines that couldn't be achieved from a single varietal. Fast forward to the present day, and the art of blending remains fundamental in the production of premium wines.

Though wine blending is not a simple process, there are three major types of blending that winemakers must consider & choose while creating the final product.

Varietal Blending: A Symphony of Grapes

Varietal blending involves the mixing of two or more single grape varietals to create a new wine, such as the popular Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend. This method is an intricate dance between different grapes, playing upon their strengths to craft a final assemblage that boasts depth and complexity. This method allows winemakers to leverage the unique characteristics of each grape to create a well-rounded and flavorful blend. Varietal blends can result in both red and white wines, each offering a distinctive taste experience. Sometimes, you can even create a mix of both, such as with our Brut Rose Sparkling Wine, a varietal mix of 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Chardonnay.

Regional Blending: The Terroir Connection

Wines are renowned for their unique characteristics, a result of their ‘terroir,' or rather, their environmental factors that form their vines such as soil, climate, and topography. Regional blending takes this a step further by creating a blend that captures the essence and diversity of multiple terroirs in a region. These blends attempt to encapsulate the flavors of the land itself. Our single vineyard wines are a microcosmic examples of this, with each vineyard being a regional blend of that terroir. Our Burnside Road Pinot Noir is a regional blend of Burnside Road, our Sexton Hill Chardonnay is a regional blend of Sexton Hill, and so on. Above them all though, our Russian River Valley is a much more classic regional blend, created from samples from all of our single vineyards, & then some!

Barrel Blending: The Wood Factor

Barrel blending introduces the dimension of wood to the wine, leveraging the distinct flavor profiles of barrels from different forests and barrel-making traditions. If you’ve read our last blog on Barrel Tasting, then you know that other types of woods, such as Acacia or Cherry, can further add complex flavors & drastically change the level of tannins in a wine. From French to American oak, each imparts its own nuances, from the spiciness of French oak to the vanilla notes of American oak. By mixing different samples from different barrels, you can create something entirely new that couldn’t have formed on it’s own.

In essence, blending is a way for winemakers to craft a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.

It is a fascinating process that combines artistry, science, and a bit of magic. It's a testament to the skill and creativity of winemakers who, through blending, can craft wines of remarkable complexity and balance. So, the next time you sip on a blended wine, remember the thoughtful craftsmanship that has gone into each drop.

Cheers to that!