White Blends

While red blends are popular all over the world, white wine blends remain under-the-radar for many wine drinkers. That's a shame given that some of the finest white wines like white Bordeaux, white Rioja, and Rhone Valley whites are actually blends of several different grape varieties.

Key Regions For White Blends

Prestigious wine regions for white blends include the Graves region of Bordeaux where it is traditional to combine Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon as well as a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris. Other important French white blends include the whites of the Southern Rhone which typically feature a combination of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, Clairette, and Picpoul Blanc. Over in Spain white Rioja can be made from seven permitted varieties which includes Viura, Malvasia, Verdejo, and Garnacha Blanca.

Food Pairings For White Blends

The best white wine blends are made in a range of styles, offering something for every palate and type of cuisine. Lighter, higher acidity white blends such as some white Bordeaux from Graves pair well with fresh seafood, grilled fish, and creamy cheeses. Heavier oaked white blends like those from Rioja are suited to roast chicken, rich pasta dishes, or risottos. There are also sweet white wine blends such as Sauternes wines from Bordeaux that are great served alongside fruit-based desserts or blue cheese.