07/09/2026
Are we a little too obsessed with single-variety w**es?
Australia has built an extraordinary w**e culture around the idea of varietal purity. Shiraz should taste like Shiraz. Chardonnay should taste like Chardonnay. Riesling should taste like Riesling.
And there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s purity in single varietals. We could prattle on and on about our Riesling obsession…🥱
But wander through some of the great w**e regions of the ‘Old World’ and you’ll find a very different philosophy: sometimes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Take Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, tannin and cassis. Merlot brings flesh, generosity and softness. Cabernet Franc brings perfume and freshness. Petit Verdot adds colour, spice and another layer of tannin. Separately, they’re interesting. Together, they can be profound and complex, and much better for ageing.
Ch*****ne takes blending even further. Not just different varieties, but different vineyards, parcels and often vintages, all brought together to create balance, complexity and a recognisable house style.
Then there’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a whole cast of varieties can contribute to the final w**e. Grenache might provide warmth and fruit, Syrah brings colour, spice and structure, Mourvèdre adds savoury depth and tannin, while the other permitted varieties can bring perfume, freshness and nuance.
Here in Australia, we’ve certainly embraced the GSM blend, but outside of that, it feels like we’re still a little hesitant to celebrate the blend.
But great w**e isn’t necessarily about showcasing one variety. It’s about putting the right pieces together. Nature + Nurture.
We’re giving lots of shelf space to the blends, come love them with us.
