Red wine blends are trending
Wine purists often stick their nose up when it comes to blends, but a wine critic says blends are in
Red wine blends are often thought of as being made from left-over grapes that didn't make the cut.
"Blends were quite green and hard, not much fun to drink," said Anthony Gismondi, wine critic.
But he says the mix of varieties is changing dramatically, making red wine blends much smoother.
"They are more willing to look at blends for one thing," he said of wine makers that are becoming more willing to experiment with the process.
Gismondi says wine blends have been around for as long as grapes were harvested for wine.
"They realized not every year all the grapes would come in perfectly so they would hedge their bets," he said.
Gismondi has a few recommendations for those bold enough to pick up a blend.
Osoyoos Larose
This wine is a Bordeaux-inspired blend by Osoyoos Larose Winery that is barrel aged for 18 to 20 months before being laid down for an additional six months after bottling.
Mission Hill Oculus
Mission Hill winery's signature red blend made its debut in 1997. Since then it has redefined into a Merlot dominant blend.
LeStella Fortissimo
LaStella Winery located in the South Okanagan tries to bring Italian style wines. Fortissimo is a Super Tuscan inspired red blend, it uses Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon mostly.
To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled Red wine blends are becoming better adn more popular on the CBC's Daybreak South.