Red blends: No rules, just delicious wine

Red blends rule the landscape in Washington, and they may contain pretty much any grape the winemaker desires. (Photo by Andy Perdue/Great Northwest Wine)

In the Old World, there are general rules. And sometimes specific rules.

For example, in Bordeaux, winemakers may use up to six different red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère. No Syrah, no Tempranillo, no Grenache, no Sangiovese.

In Chianti Classico, a Chianti isn’t a Chianti if it has Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon in it (then it’s a Super Tuscan).

Here in the New World, winemakers must abide by no such restrictions. A Cabernet Sauvignon may include Mourvèdre, Dolcetto, Montepulciano, Petite Sirah or anything else that the winemaker thinks will make it a better wine.

Of course, many winemakers stick by the Old World rules, particularly Bordeaux blends. You won’t find a bit of Syrah in these wines.

But it is their choice, not the law.

Here are a dozen delicious Washington red blends we’ve tasted in recent weeks.

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