Winemaking Technique
Blending
Fortification & Blending
Blending combines wines from different tanks, barrels, varieties, or vintages to achieve balance, consistency, or complexity. Bordeaux assemblage and Champagne cuvée blending are archetypes — the sum intended to exceed any single component.
Also known as: Assemblage, Cuvée blending, Wine blending
Purpose
Achieve balance and house style by combining wine components.
Process stage
Finishing
How it works
- Bordeaux blends
- Champagne cuvées
- Consistency
Common wine styles
Common grape varieties
Common regions
Descriptors created
Serving implications
Beginner explanation
Most wines are blends — even 'single varietal' wines may combine tanks or barrels.
FAQ
- Why do winemakers blend?
- To balance acidity, tannin, and fruit; compensate for vintage variation; and create a consistent house style.
Related ontology entities
- Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Style
- Champagne Wine Style
- Syrah / Shiraz Wine Style
- Port Wine Style
- Bordeaux Wine Region
- Champagne Wine Region
- Rhône Valley Wine Region
- Napa Valley Wine Region
- Complex Descriptor
- Balanced Descriptor
- Elegant Descriptor
- Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Variety
- Pinot Noir Grape Variety
- Chardonnay Grape Variety
- Ideal Serving Temperature Serving
- Extended Decant Serving