A red blend is a wine made from two or more red grape varieties, combined so that each one adds something the others lack, such as structure, fruit, spice or color. The best red blends are often more balanced and complex than any single grape could be on its own.
If you have ever stared at a wine list wondering what "red blend" really means, here is the short version: it means the winemaker used more than one grape on purpose. Some of the world's most famous wines are blends. Here is how they work and how to pick one you will love.

Why Winemakers Blend

• Balance. One grape may bring firm tannins, another juicy fruit, another aromatic lift.
• Complexity. Each variety adds a layer of flavor, so the finished wine has more to say.
• Consistency. Blending lets a winery keep a recognizable house style from one vintage to the next.

The Two Classic Families

Bordeaux-style blends are built on Cabernet Sauvignon and may include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Napa Valley is famous for them.
Rhône-inspired blends lean on Syrah and its partners. Some wines, like the one below from Paso Robles, mix both traditions.

Four Blends Worth Knowing

Beaulieu Vineyard Madame de Latour (Napa Valley). A Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend. Recent vintages have been roughly two-thirds to 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec making up most of the rest, and the winery describes the wine as built to age.
Sterling Vineyards Winemaker Select (Napa Valley). A Bordeaux-style blend built on Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2015 combined Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Petite Sirah, using fruit from select vineyards around Napa Valley.
DAOU Estate Collection Mayote (Paso Robles). Grown on DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District, Mayote brings together Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. The name is a tribute to the mother of the winery's founding brothers.
Beringer Quantum (Napa Valley). A Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style blend that includes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and other varieties, drawing fruit from Beringer's Napa Valley vineyards.

How to Choose a Red Blend

• Want something easy and food-friendly? Pick a blend with more Merlot or a lower alcohol level, and serve it slightly cool.
• Want something bold? Look for Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends from Napa Valley.
• Want something to age? Check the winery notes for aging guidance. Madame de Latour, for example, is made with the cellar in mind.

What to Eat With a Red Blend

Blends are some of the most versatile wines at the table. Try them with roast chicken, braised short ribs, grilled steak, mushroom dishes and hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Gouda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a red blend? A red wine made from more than one grape variety.
Is a red blend better than a single-grape wine? Not better, just different. Blends often show more balance and complexity, while single-variety wines highlight one grape.
What grapes are in a Bordeaux-style blend? Typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec in varying amounts.
How should I serve a red blend? Slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Decant younger, structured blends for about an hour.
Are red blends good for beginners? Yes. Many are approachable and food-friendly, which makes them a great starting point.