Delicious blends: How are they made?
What the essence of a blend is, which varieties are commonly used and under which criteria each component is blended
In an effort to provide a definition for a blend wine, one might say that it is the combination of two or more wines of either similar or opposing profiles, each of which contributes a complementary feature so that the final wine is more balanced and better quality. However, an extended approach to the practice of making blends also includes the mixing of the same variety from different regions, vineyards or even different plots within a vineyard.
On the other hand, a varietal wine is one composed of a single variety. In Argentina, the National Institute of Viticulture –Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura (INV)– stipulates that a varietal must be made with at least 85% of a single grape variety to fit the category.
How are blends designed?
In light of the fact that not only finished wines, but also berries, macerating grape juice or even fermenting musts can be used to create a blend, the mixing possibilities are virtually endless. The art of assemblage allows the winemaker to reveal a level of complexity that is not found in a varietal, but is surely present in the synergy of two or more components.
Traditional red blends are predominantly cabernet sauvignon-based. This variety adds richness, structure and ageworthiness to the mix. Depending on the region, cabernet sauvignon is commonly blended with merlot, cabernet franc or malbec, leading to bolder fruit, more heft and roundness.
Malbec adapts wonderfully to the various terroirs in Argentina, enabling the production of a wide range of styles. It must be noted that malbec-based blends are an interesting strategy when seeking the best varietal expression possible. Furthermore, in Argentina malbec accounts for well over half of a blend composition and interacts with such varieties as cabernet sauvignon, which adds complexity and a longer aging potential to Malbec’s fruit-forward and supple character.
Blends by Rutini Wines
At Rutini Wines we make different types of blends: bivarietals like Trumpeter Malbec Syrah and Colección Rutini Cabernet Malbec, and multi-varietals like Antología 48 and Apartado Gran Blend, in addition to field blends which merge expressions of the same varieties from different regions, vineyards or even plots. These are blend wines thought to achieve seamlessness, coupled with unique flavors and aromas that will undoubtedly please any drinker’s palate.
As to white blends, our portfolio includes Apartado Gran Chardonnay, a field blend from Gualtallary and El Cepillo vineyard in equal parts, Rutini Vin Doux Naturel composed of Semillón and Verdicchio from Gualtallary and Trumpeter Reserve Doux with 85% Gewürztraminer and 15% Riesling from Valle de Uco.