Mix It Up! Follow the Blend Trend
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Blended wines have always had a bit of an identity problem, and honestly, that's part of their charm. Pick up a bottle from the great wine regions of the world, and there's a good chance what's inside is far more interesting than the label lets on.
That classic Bordeaux? A blend. The Champagne you crack for celebrations? Also a blend. Even Penfolds Grange, Australia's most revered red, is a seamless marriage of Shiraz and Cabernet sourced from multiple regions. Blending isn't a shortcut. In the best hands, it's where the real magic happens.
Every grape variety brings something to the party, but no single variety has it all. Shiraz delivers bold fruit and spice but can sometimes lack the perfumed lift that makes a wine truly sing. A small addition of Viognier threads exotic florals and stone fruit through the red in a way that feels almost alchemical. Cabernet Sauvignon has wonderful structure and longevity, but Merlot softens its firm tannins and adds a plummy richness that makes it far more approachable. The blend isn't a compromise. It's a conversation between varieties, and when the winemaker gets the balance right, the result is something none of them could achieve alone.
Here in the Hunter Valley, that conversation has been going on for a long time. Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is the region's best-loved white blend. The zesty, herbaceous lift of Sauvignon Blanc plays beautifully against the fuller texture and natural acidity of Semillon, a combination that feels made for a long, lazy lunch, handling everything from fresh oysters to a punchy green curry with ease. But that classic pairing is really just the beginning of what Hunter Valley winemakers are doing with blends right now.
Across the region's cellar doors, there's a genuine spirit of experimentation in the air. Mediterranean varieties like Tempranillo, Touriga, Vermentino, and Fiano are finding their way into more and more bottles, giving local winemakers exciting new tools to play with. These aren't novelty wines; they're genuinely delicious, and they're one of the best reasons to venture off the beaten track on your next cellar door run.
If you've been sticking to familiar labels, the blended wines sitting right alongside them might just be the most interesting bottles you haven't tried yet. Ask the team what they're blending, and why. Your new favourite might well be hiding in a variety you've never even heard of. Cheers to that.
Our Top Picks
Latitude 32 Wines
The Bro’s – Shiraz Pinot Noir
Two varieties. Two personalities. Usually doing their own thing. Once a much-loved Hunter Valley blend, this is our modern take on a local tradition.
TASTING Bright, lifted aromatics of red cherry, plum and wild berries lead the way, layered with subtle spice and a touch of earthiness. It strikes that perfect balance, juicy fruit up front, fine savoury notes through the mid-palate, and soft, well-integrated tannins.
FOOD MATCH Think chargrilled, vegetables, lamb cutlets or steak. For something more relaxed, lean into gourmet burgers, woodfired pizza, or slow-cooked pork.
CELLARING A modern blend that drinks effortlessly now, but rewards a little time in bottle.
PRICE $45.
Tranquil Vale
2022 Shiraz Cabernet
This wine is a bold blend of Estate Grown Shiraz with a carefully selected parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon from the prestigious South Australian region of Langhome Creek.
TASTING The nose is complex and full, showing notes of cassis, black cherry, earth, cigar box, capsicum, orange zest, cocoa and nutmeg. This richness continues on the palate with dark stone fruits, cassis, blood orange, spice and vanilla on
the finish.
FOOD MATCH Moussaka, lamb or anything cooked over fire.
CELLARING The lovely fruit flavours in this wine make it delightful for drinking now, but it will continue to develop for the next 5 years.
PRICE $35.
De Iuliis Wines
2022 Special Release Shiraz Mourvèdre
The synergy of two premium New South Wales wine regions is identified with this striking blend. Pristine Hunter Valley Shiraz sourced from family vineyards is unified with brightly perfumed Hilltops Mourvèdre. Enjoy this Special Release wine as a reflection of our ongoing commitment to winemaking.
TASTING The medium-bodied Shiraz offers elegant red currant flavours and a lively, crunchy acidity, while the aromatic Mourvèdre weaves in delicate rose petal notes and savoury spice.
FOOD MATCH Grilled lamb cutlets marinated in rosemary and garlic, served with a side of roasted root vegetables.
CELLARING Enjoy this wine now or cellar it over the next 5 to 10 years for more savoury notes.
PRICE $35.
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Wine Lovers ‘Super T’
Super T is a bold organic blend built around Cabernet Sauvignon. Sangiovese steps in beautifully, adding savoury richness and generosity through the centre. The result is a layered, balanced and seriously food-friendly red with a rich, lingering finish.
TASTING Colour is deep red core with intense purple rim. Bouquet from ripe blackcurrants and dark berries with a fragrant dill lift and toasty oak. Palate is generous and supple, with fine silky tannins framing a rich, lingering finish.
FOOD MATCH Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with blackcurrant jus, dill-roasted carrots and creamy polenta.
CELLARING Best enjoyed within 2-4 years from the vintage.
PRICE $25.
