The Art of Blending | Blended Wines
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- May 14
- 5 min read
While single varietal wines have long enjoyed the spotlight, Hunter Valley winemakers are increasingly turning to the ancient art of blending to create wines of remarkable complexity, balance, and character. Far from being a new trend, wine blending is a centuries-old practice now experiencing a vibrant renaissance in our backyard.
The Blend Tradition
Blending wines has been practised for hundreds of years. The technique involves combining different wine varietals to create a rounded, flavourful, and distinctive wine that is superior to any of the individual wines on their own.
What many wine enthusiasts don't realise is that some of the world's most celebrated wines are actually masterful blends. The iconic reds of Bordeaux, the legendary Super Tuscans of Italy, and even Australia's own Penfolds Grange – a seamless marriage of Shiraz and Cabernet sourced from multiple regions – all demonstrate the magic that can happen when complementary grape varieties join forces.
Even Champagne, that most celebratory of beverages, is typically a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Each varietal brings unique characteristics to the final product – a symphony greater than the sum of its parts.
Hunter Valley's Blending Canvas
The Hunter Valley's signature varietals offer winemakers a rich palette from which to create. Semillon, Chardonnay, and Verdelho among whites; Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot among reds – these form the
foundation of the region's blending tradition.
One of the most beloved Australian white wine blends is Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc. The zesty, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the richer, more rounded Semillon – a perfect pairing for the region's fresh seafood or aromatic Thai dishes.
Shiraz, the versatile chameleon of the wine world, forms partnerships with numerous varietals. When blended with peppery Grenache or savoury Sangiovese, it creates wines of remarkable depth. Perhaps most intriguing is the marriage of Shiraz with white Viognier – a seemingly unconventional pairing that results in a rich, velvety red enhanced with exotic florals and stone fruit notes.
The Winemaker's Craft
Blending is much like conducting an orchestra. Each grape variety brings its distinctive voice, and the winemaker's job is to ensure they all harmonise perfectly.
The art lies in achieving the perfect balance and interplay between fruit flavours, tannins, acid, and alcohol. Winemakers might blend different grape varieties, the same variety from different vineyards, or even multiple vintages to achieve their desired result.
For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon often partners with Merlot to soften its tannins, while sometimes incorporating smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or Petit Verdot. Each supporting varietal contributes unique characteristics: Merlot adds richness and plum notes; Cabernet Franc provides an aromatic lift and spice; Malbec contributes weight and dark fruit; while Petit Verdot delivers fragrance and intensity.
New Frontiers in Blending
Today's Hunter Valley winemakers are pushing boundaries further than ever before. Beyond traditional combinations, they're experimenting with Mediterranean varieties like Tempranillo, Touriga, Vermentino, and Fiano – creating exciting new flavour profiles ideally suited to Australia's climate and cuisine.
Perfect Partners for Food
Beyond their complexity in the glass, blended wines excel at the table. Their multifaceted nature makes them exceptionally versatile food companions. A robust Cabernet blend stands up beautifully to a hearty steak or earthy mushroom dish, while an easy-drinking Shiraz blend harmonises perfectly with barbecued fare.
White blends are equally accommodating – that chilled Semillon Sauvignon Blanc isn't just refreshing on a warm Hunter afternoon; it's the ideal companion for summer salads and seafood platters.
Time for Adventure
Next time you're exploring the Hunter Valley's cellar doors, venture beyond familiar single varietals and embrace the blend trend. That Shiraz Viognier, Cabernet Merlot, or Arneis, Vermentino, Viognier might just reveal new dimensions of flavour you never expected.
After all, in wine as in life, sometimes the most beautiful things emerge when different elements come together. The Hunter Valley's winemakers are proving that when it comes to crafting exceptional wines, the whole can indeed be greater than the sum of its parts.
Wandin Estate
2023 Wandin Estate Red Blend
This wine is a blend of 2 grapes sourced direct from the Wandin property in Lovedale. Using 70% Shiraz and 30% Malbec, a lovely medium bodied red wine is produced that is ready to be enjoyed in its youth.
TASTING Dark cherry and plum with a hint of spice.
FOOD MATCH Pan seared duck with a cherry glaze and roasted beets.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.
PRICE $35
Latitude 32 Wines
2023 Latitude 32 ‘The Bro’s’ Shiraz/Pinot Noir
The two grape varietals, Shiraz and Pinot Noir, combine to make this classic Hunter Valley traditional blend, previously known as “Hunter Burgundy”. When two brothers with different personalities unite, they make a formidable team...and an excellent wine!
TASTING Notes of sweet raspberries, soft cherries, and a hint of violets and vanilla. A wine with great
harmony between brightness, freshness, and fragrant allure.
FOOD MATCH In colder months, this wine pairs well with anything and everything roasted.
CELLARING Now to 2030.
PRICE $45
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
2023 Wine Lovers Full House
Cabernet Sauvignon as the backbone that brings out structure and weight, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc bring fragrance and energy, Merlot and Shiraz bring out juicy fruit and flesh. Bright cedar cassis, tobacco leaf and fresh vanilla oak. Fruit curated from selected organic Orange vineyards to capture each component at its best.
TASTING Bright cedar cassis, tobacco leaf and fresh vanilla oak. Generous and intense, full and fleshy. A mouthful of flavour with soft tannins.
FOOD MATCH Scotch fillet steak or grilled compressed tofu with barbecue seasoning.
CELLARING Drink now, or store away to enjoy in 5-8 years from vintage.
PRICE $25
The Garden Cellars
Cabernet Merlot
The Garden Cellars Cabernet Merlot is a delicious blended red wine perfect for any meal or just to have a nice relaxed afternoon with a beautiful glass of red with a few friends.
TASTING Mulberry and plum aromas with hints of chocolate and spicy oak. Jammy red berry fruit fills the palate.
FOOD MATCH Pairs well with roasted vegetables. You can even pair harder-to-match veggies such as tomatoes. The best proteins to match are in the middle-weight category. Think roast duck, turkey, and lean cuts of beef.
CELLARING Ready to drink now.
PRICE $30
Savannah Estate
2023 Hunter Valley Arneis, Vermentino, Viognier
Savannah Estate Wines are produced from small select parcels of premium fruit grown in renowned viticulture
regions throughout Australia. With challenging vintages, Savannah and the Winemakers get to experiment
with fun blends. This A.V.V is sure to make your afternoon in the autumn sun.
TASTING This dynamic blend brings you a symphony of flavours: ripe peaches mingling with zesty citrus on the nose balanced with quince, and grapefruit, all wrapped up in a bow of lychee and apricot with that round and textural palate.
FOOD MATCH Blue swimmer crab spaghetti in a lemon and chive sauce, sprinkled with garlic pangrattato.
CELLARING Drink now to up to 5 years.
PRICE $30 OR $25.50 Members
Tranquil Vale
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 Langhorne 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 $30
