There’s nothing quite like a glass of wine to unwind and savor the moment. And when it comes to finding that perfect balance between sweet and bold, a red blend is often the way to go!
Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just starting your journey into the world of vino, there’s no denying that a good sweet red blend can steal your heart with its rich flavors and aromas.
So come on in, grab a seat, and let’s dive into all things sweet red blend wine – from what makes it so special to how to pair it with your favorite dishes.
Red Blend Wine Meaning.
Red blend wine, also known as a red wine blend, is a type of wine made from a combination of two or more red grape varieties. Winemakers blend different grape varieties to achieve a desired flavor profile, balance, and complexity in the wine.
Red blends can come from various regions and countries around the world, and the specific grape varieties used can vary depending on the winemaker’s preference and the region’s regulations.
Some common grape varieties used in red blends include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec, and Pinot Noir.
The blending process allows winemakers to create unique flavor profiles that can’t be achieved with a single grape variety.
By combining different grape varieties, winemakers can create wines with a range of flavors and aromas, from fruit-forward and spicy to earthy and complex.
Red blends can be found in a range of styles, from lighter-bodied and easy-drinking to full-bodied and rich. The tannins, acidity, and alcohol content of red blends can also vary depending on the grape varieties used and the winemaking techniques employed.
Overall, red blend wines offer a wide range of flavor profiles and styles, making them a popular choice for both casual and more serious wine drinkers.
Sweet Red Blend Wine.
Sweet red blend wine is a type of red wine made from a blend of different grape varieties that are typically known for their fruity, sweet flavors. The specific grape varieties used in a sweet red blend can vary depending on the winemaker’s preference and the region’s regulations.
Some common grape varieties used in sweet red blends include Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. These grapes are known for their ripe, fruity flavors and can contribute to the sweetness and richness of the wine.
The sweetness of a sweet red blend wine can vary, but it is typically achieved by leaving some residual sugar in the wine after fermentation.
This residual sugar can contribute to the wine’s fruitiness and make it an enjoyable option for those who prefer sweeter wines.
Sweet red blend wines can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of foods. They can be a great pairing for spicy or savory dishes, as the sweetness can help to balance out the heat or saltiness of the food.
They can also be a good pairing with desserts, such as chocolate or fruit-based desserts.
Overall, sweet red blend wines offer a fruity, sweet flavor profile that can be enjoyed by those who prefer sweeter wines or who are looking for a lighter-bodied, easy-drinking option.
12 Best Bottles of Sweet Red Blend Wine.
Stella Rosa Rosso.
This sweet red blend hails from Italy’s Piedmont region and is known for its bright berry flavors and low alcohol content of 5.5%. It is an easy-drinking wine with a slight effervescence and a slightly sweet finish.
It pairs well with fruit-based desserts and spicy dishes. The price point for this wine is around $12-$15 per bottle.
Sutter Home Sweet Red.
This sweet red blend comes from California’s Napa Valley region and is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. It has a fruity, jammy flavor profile with hints of vanilla and spice. It pairs well with BBQ, roasted meats, and chocolate-based desserts.
The price point for this wine is around $7-$9 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 12%.
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz.
This sweet red blend comes from South Africa’s Western Cape region and is a blend of Shiraz and a small amount of Viognier. It has a rich, fruit-forward flavor profile with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and spice.
It pairs well with grilled meats, chocolate, and spicy dishes. The price point for this wine is around $10-$12 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 12.5%.
Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet.
This sweet red blend comes from California’s Central Coast region and is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. It has a rich, velvety texture with flavors of dark chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla.
It pairs well with grilled meats, pizza, and chocolate-based desserts. The price point for this wine is around $10-$12 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 13.5%.
Apothic Red.
This sweet red blend comes from California’s Central Valley region and is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot. It has a rich, jammy flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and spice.
It pairs well with grilled meats, pizza, and chocolate-based desserts. The price point for this wine is around $8-$10 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 13.5%.
Beringer Main & Vine Red Moscato.
This sweet red blend comes from California’s Central Valley region and is a blend of Moscato, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah. It has a sweet, fruity flavor profile with notes of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry.
It pairs well with spicy dishes, fruit-based desserts, and cheese. The price point for this wine is around $5-$7 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 9%.
Barefoot Sweet Red Blend.
This sweet red blend comes from California’s Central Valley region and is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Barbera. It has a sweet profile with notes of cherry, raspberry, and vanilla.
It pairs well with BBQ, pizza, and chocolate-based desserts. The price point for this wine is around $6-$8 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 9%.
Yellow Tail Sweet Red Roo.
This sweet red blend comes from Australia’s South Eastern region and is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
It has fruity flavors with notes of cherry, plum, and spice. It pairs well with spicy dishes, BBQ, and chocolate-based desserts.
Roscato Rosso Dolce.
This sweet red blend comes from Italy’s Lombardy region and is a blend of Moscato, Merlot, and Croatian. It has flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry.
It pairs well with fruit-based desserts, spicy dishes, and cheese. The price point for this wine is around $10-$12 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 7.5%.
Riunite Lambrusco.
This sweet red blend comes from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and is a blend of Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Maestri, and Ancellotta.
It has a sweet, fizzy flavor profile with notes of black cherry, raspberry, and violet. It pairs well with spicy dishes, pizza, and cheese. The price point for this wine is around $7-$9 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 8.5%.
Rosso Dolce Sweet Red.
This sweet red blend comes from California’s Central Valley region and is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Merlot. It notes of cherry, raspberry, and vanilla.
It pairs well with grilled meats, pizza, and chocolate-based desserts. The price point for this wine is around $8-$10 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 9%.
Jacob’s Creek Sweet Red.
This sweet red blend comes from Australia’s Barossa Valley region and is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a sweet profile with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and plum.
It pairs well with spicy dishes, BBQ, and chocolate-based desserts. The price point for this wine is around $9-$11 per bottle, and the alcohol content is around 13%.
Food Pairings with Sweet Red Blend Wine.
Sweet red blend wine are versatile wines that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions:
Chocolate desserts: Sweet red blends go well with chocolate-based desserts, such as chocolate cake, brownies, or truffles.
Spicy dishes: The sweetness of the wine can balance out the heat of spicy dishes, such as Indian curries or Thai stir-fries.
Cheese: Sweet red blends pair well with strong-flavored cheeses, such as blue cheese or aged cheddar.
Grilled meats: The sweetness of the wine can complement the smokiness of grilled meats, such as steak or burgers.
Pizza: Sweet red blends can pair well with pizza, especially those with tomato-based sauces and meat toppings.
Fruit-based desserts: Sweet red blends can pair well with fruit-based desserts, such as apple pie or fruit tarts.
BBQ: The sweetness of the wine can complement the smoky flavors of BBQ, such as ribs or pulled pork.
Overall, sweet red blends are great wines to pair with bold, flavorful dishes.
Sweet Red Blend Wines For — Different Price Points.
Under $20.
Barefoot Sweet Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and other varieties. It has a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of raspberry and pomegranate. Alcohol content is around 9%. Price is around $6-$8.
Apothic Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot. It has a sweet, jammy flavor with notes of black cherry and vanilla. Alcohol content is around 13.5%. Price is around $8-$10.
Sutter Home Sweet Red.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It has a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of blackberry and raspberry. Alcohol content is around 10%. Price is around $6-$8.
Under $50:
Ménage à Trois Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a sweet, jammy flavor with notes of black cherry and vanilla. Alcohol content is around 13.8%. Price is around $12-$15.
Hot to Trot Smooth Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, and other varieties. It has a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of cherry and plum. Alcohol content is around 13.5%. Price is around $10-$12.
Cupcake Red Velvet.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. It has a sweet, velvety flavor with notes of chocolate and black cherry. Alcohol content is around 13.5%. Price is around $9-$11.
Under $100:
Bogle Phantom Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a sweet, spicy flavor with notes of blackberry and clove. Alcohol content is around 14.5%. Price is around $20-$25.
The Prisoner Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It has a sweet, bold flavor with notes of black cherry and vanilla. Alcohol content is around 15.2%. Price is around $45-$50.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Hands of Time Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. It has a sweet, fruit-forward flavor with notes of black cherry and mocha. Alcohol content is around 14.5%. Price is around $35-$40.
Sterling Vineyards Platinum Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. It has a sweet, rich flavor with notes of dark fruit and spice. Alcohol content is around 15%. Price is around $80-$90.
Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel.
This wine is a blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. It has a sweet, spicy flavor with notes of blackberry and vanilla. Alcohol content is around 15.9%. Price is around $35-$40.
Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages Red Blend.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It has a sweet, rich flavor with notes of blackberry and cassis. Alcohol content is around 14.5%. Price is around $80
Conclusion.
Sweet red blend wines can be a delightful way to switch up your wine routine and experience something new. With the right knowledge, you can find the perfect sweet red blend for any occasion or season.
Whether you’re looking for a fruity summertime sipper or a cozy winter treat, there’s sure to be a sweet red blend that fits the bill.
So, why not give it a try? You never know what delicious flavors are hidden in these unique blends until you taste them yourself.
