If you have a particular taste for wine, the terms blend and varietal are not at all unfamiliar to you. However, it's not always easy to distinguish between these nomenclatures and their particularities.
To get to grips with the use of these two terms, we have to go back in time. There were times in history when wines were classified by their DOC (Denominations of Controlled Origin) regions and the name of the estate. At that stage, identifying the type of grapes from which a wine was made was of little importance.
However, with the evolution of the times, it became essential that, when tasting a wine, it was possible to determine the type of grapes or variety of grapes that were at the origin of that nectar. It was this decision that led to the creation of blend wines or varietal wines.
And how can you tell a blend wine from a varietal wine?Â
With this focus on grape varieties, the labels now include information on the grape varieties used in each unit. This made the division between blends and varietals very clear.
Thus, a varietal wine is composed mainly of one quality of grape, with monovarietals representing 100% of a single variety.
In turn, a blend wine is the result of combining several grape varieties. In these cases, the experience and savoir faire of a winemaker can make all the difference! Like an art or a game of balance, the professional works on the symbiosis between acidity, freshness, fruitiness and other important characteristics for each wine, until perfection is achieved!
However, in comparative terms, none of the options is more authentic or of higher quality. They are just different strains that add value and diversity to your tasting. It will always depend very much on the particular taste of each wine lover!
The green wines of Quinta da Raza
Quinta da Raza is steeped in the tradition of Portuguese wines. With a unique terroir and a wealth of unique grape varieties, the result is a vast portfolio of wines.
In this region, where vinho verde reigns supreme, you can find a wide range of blends and monovarietal options - solely dedicated to one grape variety. In a territory with these characteristics, the real wealth lies in being able to show the genuineness of each reference, be it a wine blend or a varietal wine.
With this diversity, it's possible to get a more precise understanding of the authentic flavors of each grape variety! And there's nothing better than testing your palate and defining your personal preference.
