Dr Vino's wine blog

Merlot-grenache

I spoke with a cult producer last week who told me that he will release a new wine this fall: a blend of merlot and grenache. Unusual, eh? But thinking about it, the smooth of merlot blended with the sweet of grenache and I’m surprised there isn’t more of this already.

More details in the new wine to follow. But in the meantime, which two regions will the grapes come from? Post your guess in the comments below. The winner will get a link back to his or her blog/site or, if blogless, some form of glorious mention here that trumpets their wine savvy.

UPDATE 9/7: Thanks to all for guessing in the comments and to Whit for guessing the hardest. The answer lies here with Jean-Luc Thunevin of Valandraud.

tags: wine | wine blends

10 Responses to “Merlot-grenache”

1. On August 28th, 2006 at 9:18 pm ,jeff wrote:

   
   

   I’m almost certain it’s been done before, at least in Spain where that kind of blending goes on all the time.

   We blend Tempranillo and Grenache and it works out quite nicely. I would expect this blend to be almost as yummy…;-)

   Which two regions? I’d always pick a Sierra Foothills Grenache, but I’m prejudiced. I’ll go out on a limb and suggest a Central Coast Merlot, just for fun.

   thanks! – j

2. On August 29th, 2006 at 5:57 pm ,Whit Stevens wrote:

   
   

   Jumilia and Yecla.

3. On August 31st, 2006 at 12:49 am ,Salil wrote:

   
   

   I’ll hazard a wild guess that it’s an Aussie wine.

   Grapes from the McLaren Vale and Coonawarra, in that case.

4. On August 31st, 2006 at 10:18 am ,Dr. Vino wrote:

   
   

   Good guesses, all! Keep em coming! (hint: whit is the warmest)

5. On August 31st, 2006 at 3:03 pm ,Chris wrote:

   
   

   Puglia, Sicily.

6. On August 31st, 2006 at 6:14 pm ,jeff wrote:

   
   

   Oh, then Temecula and Baja California?

7. On August 31st, 2006 at 9:49 pm ,Dr. Vino wrote:

   
   

   Hmm, I don’t mean to torture you and drag this out forever, but I promised the producer that I wouldn’t mention the specifics until next week, for reassons that will become obvious then.

   Keep guessing if you want! (Whit still the geographically closest)

   PS it will be worth the wait!

8. On September 5th, 2006 at 12:04 pm ,Whit Stevens wrote:

   
   

   Okay, how about Penedes and Rioja?

9. On September 6th, 2006 at 8:35 am ,Dr. Vino wrote:

   
   

   Whit-
   Getting closer–all will be revealed tomorrow!

10. On September 7th, 2006 at 1:34 am ,Salil wrote:

    
    

    Rioja and Navarra?

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