In simple terms, blending wine means mixing or combining two or more wines and creating something new. It is done for various reasons like
- To get a better color
- To improve or enhance the aroma.
- To adjust sweetness, wine pH or tannin levels
- For adjusting the acidity level of alcohol.
- To reduce oak flavor and obtain wine flavor.
Once the reason for the mix is known, there are some simple rules to follow. Mainly, the objective of the mix has to be fixed. The combination can be done for fun or to get a new one that can be reproduced in large numbers for commercial purposes. The tips to follow while merging are simple.
- Wines of a similar type should be combined. For example, a red wine has to be combined with a red and a white with white.
- Don’t use a bad wine to combine with a good wine to make it tolerable. The result would be disappointing and, moreover, the good wine would be wasted.
- It is advisable to try with a very small amount so that the waste is minimal. Until the desired result is obtained, use wines in small quantities.
- It is better to mix wines made in the same year, which will allow it a certain shelf life.
- As you experiment with various mixes, it’s good to take notes to avoid repeating combinations that have already been tried and tested.
- One can take the help of a friend to judge the result.
- Care should be taken to mix them in well-lit rooms that are free from any other odours.
In fact, the pairing of wines also has a scientific approach. It is a very simple process that can be easily learned. It is called Pearson’s square and by following the instructions you can easily obtain the desired mixture. There is a set method for any type of mix adjustment that needs to be done.
It is best to blend the wines before the aging process begins so that the two separate wines that were blended age together. It’s the right mix that gives it a delicious taste.
As there are various reasons to combine, there are also various types.
Vintage wine blend is a type commonly used for champagne. It is made from different grapes grown in the same vintage or year. For a bottle of cava to have a vintage label, it must be made with grapes from the same year and vintage. Champagne made from different grapes or years is marked “NV” and costs less.
Bordeaux mixture; is the famous French wine where only certain varieties of grapes should be used. If other grapes are used, the resulting wine cannot be called Bordeaux. As a practice, use two or three of the approved varieties to make a delicious spread.
Meritage is the type of wine that is similar to Bordeaux, but only wines made in Bordeaux can be called that. There are regulations for labeling a bottle as Meritage. Wineries should have obtained approval from the Meritage association to use the name.
Red wine blends are found in large quantities on the market. Of them, the most famous is the Super Tuscan, which was born in the 1970s. Italy has very strict rules for winemaking, which were broken by the manufacturer of Super Tuscan. They created the new wine from grapes of their own choice.
Summary
There are many aspects to making wine and then blending it. Combining wines becomes easy once the purpose of doing so is known. There are certain rules and tips to reach the desired goal. It also has a scientific approach that is as easy as adding and subtracting.
More information on wine blending