Answer by: Becky Sue Epstein
A "Bordeaux blend" wine is a based on the major grapes grown in Bordeaux: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and sometimes with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot blended in.
A "Rhone Blend" is based on the four major Rhone grape varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsaut. Sometimes it's mainly a Syrah-based wine.
Bodeaux wines and Rhone wines are typically blended, not predominantly made with only one grape varietal.
About the Expert:Becky Sue Epstein is an experienced lifestyle writer and editor, concentrating on wine and spirits. For the past twenty years she has provided food, wine and spirits coverage for local, regional, and national publications including Art & Antiques, Food & Wine, Luxury Golf & Travel, Wine Spectator and Yankee Magazine.
She began her career as a restaurant reviewer for The Los Angeles Times while working in film and television during the 1980s and early 1990s. Having spent several years living abroad, Epstein also writes about travel and entertaining; she is considered a dessert wine expert as well.
Currently based in New England, Epstein holds the position of Senior Editor, Wine & Spirits for the national lifestyle publication Intermezzo Magazine. She is a contributor to Sante Magazine, Beverage Business and other trade and consumer publications. Visit Becky Sue Epstein's website: Becky Sue Epstein
Answer by: Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
These are blends of grapes that are associated with the two regions, Bordeaux and the Rhone Valley, and these terms are now used widely around the world.
A red Bordeaux blend consists of some combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The blend depends upon the district and property. On the Left Bank (Medoc, Graves), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot comprise the largest portion of most red wines, while on the Right Bank (Pomerol, St Emilion, etc.) Merlot is usually the primary component along with, mainly, Cabernet Franc. A white Bordeaux blend consists of variable proportions of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and, sometimes, Muscadelle.
A red Rhone blend is made up of varying proportions of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and numerous other grapes. Since the Northern Rhone reds such as Hermitate and Cote Rotie are based solely on Syrah (enhanced on occasion by white grapes), a Rhone blend usually refers to the many varieties grown in the Southern Rhone that go into Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and other appellations.
There is a white Rhone blend which, depending on the wine, could be based on Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc and other grapes.
About the Expert:Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade, and he last served as a senior executive with a major national importer. In 2006, he launched Millesima USA, a retail entity affiliated with Europe's leading fine wine mail order company. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993, and he has been very active as an educator and speaker at wine festivals and conferences. He hosts a community television program entitled "Wine's Simple Pleasures," and is currently working on a book of original recipes and wine pairing solutions. Visit Roger C. Bohmrich, MW's website: MILLESIMA USA LLC
| 
Wine Question 
