When it comes to blending, France’s Bordeaux region sets the standard. Amid red grapes, Bordeaux allows eight grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère, St. Macaire and Gros Verdot – the last two being obscure varieties that aren’t to our knowledge grown in the Pacific Northwest in any commercial quantity.
Here are a dozen delicious Bordeaux-style red blends – 11 from Washington and one from Idaho – that fit the model that the sum of the parts are greater than any individual grape variety. Ask for them at your favorite wine merchant or contact the wineries directly.
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