This weeks flight is showcasing three completely different takes on the Red Blend category. So many of the classic blends of the world are based in long tradition. Many of these blends come from the classic regions of France, Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec), or the Rhone (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvedre, Cinsault). You will find the influence of these classic blends all over the world often combined with unique varietals from those particular regions. This weeks flight is starting with a beautiful, crisp and refreshing white to prime the palate before our stop in California for the OPR Zinfandel based blend from Trentadue. Zinfandel a very American grape, is blended with some of the classic Rhone varietals to keep it softer, juicy a more fruit forward. Argentina frequently embraces Malbec, a classic Bordeaux varietal, frequently blended with the other classic varietals of Bordeaux. In the third wine from La Posta they break from that tradition, blending it with an indigenous varietal, Bonarda and then softened with a bit of Syrah instead of a fuller bodied grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon. Our last blend from Spain is mainly Garnacha and Syrah a classic Rhone blend, but here we see the use of Cabernet Sauvignon push it to a more full-bodied style.
Compare these different takes by grabbing a flight for only $5!
Featured Wines:
1) Le Hameau Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Charentes, France; $9.99
This week is all about the red blends, but this Sauvignon Blanc will be the perfect amuse-bouche to prime the palate. The 2020 release is incredibly fresh and just arrived in Cincinnati this past month. The name “Le Hameau”, or Hamlet represents the small independent growers that come together in this community to make this wine. Crisp with a mouthwatering acidity. Lots of pear and tart green apple, with those classic Sauv. Blanc citrus notes. - Sample $1.00
2) Trentadue Old Patch Red 2019
Sonoma, California; $12.99 / Was $14.99 / Save $2!
Zinfandel / Petite Sirah / Carignane / Sangiovese
A Rhone inspired blend from Trentadue Winery in Geyserville, CA. The Trentadue Family purchased their undesirable, cheap land in the 1950s in Alexander Valley… long before the explosion of wine production in this region. The property was mainly fruit orchards originally, but has some vines dating back to the 1880s. OPR is a field blend of very old, low yield vines that produce very concentrated wines. The Zinfandel dominates with lots of jammy plum and boysenberry flavors. Roasted coffee and vanilla with a touch of black pepper in the finish. - Sample $1.25
3) La Posta Tinto 2019
Mendoza, Argentina; $13.99
Malbec / Bonarda / Syrah
La Posta is hands down one of my favorite Malbec producers… They work with small families throughout the Uco Valley sourcing extremely high-quality fruit. The grapes of the Tinto Red come from ungrafted vines in La Consulta-Altamira, Vista Flores and Rivadavia. Blended, and then aged nearly two years before release.
“Spicy red and dark plums with currants, cassis and violets. The Palate has a sleek, juicy feel with purple fruit and chocolate to close.” 91pts James Suckling - Sample $1.25
4) Borsao Berola 2017
Campo de Borja, Spain; $16.99
Garnacha / Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon
A grape co-operative of 375 different grape growers; named Borsao, a historic name for the region in which they are located. Considered “The Empire of Garnacha”, Campo de Borja is home to some of the oldest Garnacha vines in the world, and are known for producing very rich fuller styles. Lots of dense, velvety cherry from the Garnacha, the Syrah adds some depth, darker fruit and body, and the Cabernet brings tannin and structure. Aged 14 months in a combination of French and American oak to soften and add hints of cassis, chocolate, nutmeg, and balsamic. - Sample $1.50