Wine
The mix masters
Barry Smith
There’s a renewed enthusiasm among winemakers for blending. Is it the challenge of weaving together the flavours of different grape varieties? Is it the search for something new out of the old? Or could it be because at least two of the wine world’s most prized regions, Champagne and Bordeaux, rely predominantly on blends?
We are seeing increasingly daring feats of blending, such as the five grape wines from South America that feature Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. Even French winemakers are experimenting, with combinations like Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Vermentino. And just as Australian winemakers like Peter Barry of Jim Barry wines, are grappling with Santorini’s famous grape, Assyrtiko, Greek wine makers, who have built a reputation on this grape variety, have started blending it with overseas varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.