The Art of Blending Wines
Many wine enthusiasts don’t realize their favorite varietals may actually be blends of several different wines. These composites can bring together grapes from multiple vineyards or different varietals entirely. Producers like AJA invest substantial time every year crafting the ideal blend.
When to Blend
Winemakers use different timing strategies. Some blend at harvest, fermenting the fruit together from the start. Others blend immediately after fermentation, while some wait six, or even fourteen, months after harvest before blending.
Choosing the Right Varietals
Typically, winemakers choose one variety, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, as their base, sometimes making up as much as 74% of the final blend. Additional varietals add complexity and balance, and some contribute as little as two percent while still shaping the final result in a meaningful way.
Development timelines vary considerably. Winemakers may test up to 100 blends, sometimes more, before settling on the one they want. Once it’s chosen, the wines are combined and aged before bottling.
AJA’s Malibu Coast Five Red Wine
Our Malibu Coast Five Red Wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings dark fruit flavors of cherry and black currant. Petit Verdot contributes color and ripe, sweet fruit flavors. Merlot adds raspberry with a slight hint of chocolate. Malbec deepens the dark fruit intensity, and Cabernet Franc balances it all out with red fruit flavors of cranberry and Bing cherry. This wine pairs beautifully with hearty pasta and meat dishes.