The Auswine Forum

i have a mate who reckons it is far safer buying multi varietal blends under $15. i think he is right on the money most times. any thoughts on this? it seems the higher up the wine totem pole you go the more people rave about pure shiraz or Cab Sav etc... is this single varietal single vineyard thing a little over-hyped in Australia?

i guess with the budget single varietal wines many are blended from different regions anyway, and this can sure make a big difference.
Wolf Blass would have to rate as one of the progressive blenders.
Look at Lindmanns mega-successful cheapo chardy.
Look at Grange. Its a blend!

ok then, [said the vicar to the call girl]... be gentle with me!

Two things here.

Firstly, blends, even ones with small amounts can often be better than a single varietal, it's all about adding complexity and complimenting each other. Cabernet adding structure to Shiraz, Shiraz or Merlot adding middle palate to Cabernet, Viognier adding....well not sure about this one any more! Grange uses Cabernet for those reasons.

Secondly, there's an awful lot of varietals on the market that have undeclared (under the 85% rule) additions anyway but for marketing reasons they don't indiate such on the label.

Big volume cheap ends could have anything in them but who cares what or where or when, just drink them for enjoyment.