Sunset view over lush Gamay grape vineyards in Beaujolais, with a rustic stone building in the background.

GAMAY

Crafted Complexity In Every Glass

Red Blends bring together multiple grape varieties to create wines with balance, depth, and character. They offer winemakers a canvas for creativity—layering structure, fruit, spice, and texture to suit every style, from everyday comfort to cellar-worthy sophistication.

Key Characteristics

Red Blends vary widely by region and grape composition, but typically offer a mix of bold fruit, spice, tannin, and smoothness. Some are plush and approachable, others structured and age-worthy.

Style
Still, red

Body
Medium to full

Acidity
Medium

Primary Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Tempranillo (varies by blend and region)

Typical Flavors
Dark cherry, blackberry, plum, baking spices, mocha, tobacco

Origin & History

Blending has long been part of winemaking tradition—think Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Rioja. The goal: to make a wine that’s more balanced and complex than any single grape could provide. Today, red blends are also wildly popular in the U.S. and beyond, ranging from classic regional styles to modern, winemaker-driven creations.

How It’s Made

After each grape variety is harvested and vinified separately, the wines are blended to taste—either before or after barrel aging. The blend might include two or many grapes, with proportions adjusted to balance fruit, tannin, acidity, and mouthfeel.

Notable Regions

Red Blends are made all over the world, with both traditional and innovative expressions.

France
Bordeaux & Rhône

The original blended reds: structured, earthy, and age-worthy

Spain
Rioja & Priorat

Tempranillo-led blends with spice, oak, and power

United States
California

Popular “Meritage” and proprietary blends, often lush and fruit-forward

Italy
Tuscany & Veneto

Sangiovese blends, Super Tuscans, and regional classics

Food Pairings

Thanks to their layered profiles, Red Blends pair easily with a range of hearty, flavorful dishes.

Appetizers
Meatballs, mushroom crostini, grilled sausages

Meats
Roast lamb, steak, barbecue chicken

Cheeses
Aged cheddar, manchego, pecorino

Desserts
Dark chocolate with sea salt, cherry compote, spiced nuts

How to Serve It

Glassware
Large red wine glass to enhance aromatics and texture

Temperature
60–65°F (16–18°C)

Storage
Store on its side in a cool, dark place; decant if young and bold

Fun Fact

In Bordeaux, red blends are so ingrained that wines are rarely labeled by grape, only by region and château. The artistry is in the blend.

Recommended Producers

These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Cru Beaujolais, highlighting the depth, structure, and elegance of Gamay from its finest villages.

Albert Bichot
A respected Burgundy house producing structured, terroir-driven Moulin-à-Vent that bridges finesse and power.

Domaine des Rosiers
A dedicated Cru Beaujolais producer known for age-worthy Moulin-à-Vent with concentration and typicity.

Domaine Mee Godard
A rising star in Morgon crafting bold, complex wines from Côte du Py with intensity and cellar potential.

Georges Duboeuf
A legendary ambassador for Beaujolais, offering accessible yet expressive Cru wines that showcase the region’s character.

Recommended Pours

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Cabernet Sauvignon

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Grenache / Garnacha