As some say, the best way to learn about something is by doing it. Bordeaux blends are combinations of the classic red wine grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, or the classic white wine grapes Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Yorkville Cellars offers a full line of single-varietal bottlings of every one of the classic Bordeaux grapes. So, if you’d like to experiment, you could buy a bottle of each wine and make your own blend. In doing so, you can see how Merlot affects Cabernet Sauvignon, and how it changes further with a splash of Malbec or Petit Verdot. You can also experiment and find out how adding different amounts of Semillon affects the flavors and aromas of Sauvignon Blanc. Plus, since you’re not blending the full bottles together (hopefully), you can do plenty of different combinations and experiments.
We had the opportunity to do this at a wine tasting yesterday evening. It was great to sample each of the single varietal wines and then create a blend of our own. Of course, everyone’s blend was different, so we were able to experience different aromas and flavors.
If there’s one downside to this, it’s the cost. To get the full experience of the red Bordeaux blend you’ll need to buy five bottles at roughly $20 each–not inexpensive. But you could, if you want, buy the two white wines and do some good learning at a lower pay out.
There are probably other wineries that produce these single varietal bottlings, so if anyone knows of one, please post it over at the Wine for Newbies Forums so others can find out!
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