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 thereâs nothing wrong with that. Thereâs purity in single varietals. We could prattle on and on about our Riesling obsessionâŠđ„±
But wander through some of the great w**e regions of the âOld Worldâ and youâll 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, theyâre 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 thereâs ChĂąteauneuf-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, MourvĂšdre adds savoury depth and tannin, while the other permitted varieties can bring perfume, freshness and nuance.
Here in Australia, weâve certainly embraced the GSM blend, but outside of that, it feels like weâre still a little hesitant to celebrate the blend.
But great w**e isnât necessarily about showcasing one variety. Itâs about putting the right pieces together. Nature + Nurture.
Weâre giving lots of shelf space to the blends, come love them with us.
