What You Should Know About The 15 Top
Red blends make up a massive category in the wine industry for a few reasons: Most importantly, theyre fairly inexpensive, and appeal to a range of audiences. Bottles below $15 tend to be sweeter and richer wines that are juicy and easy-drinking. Above $15, bottles tend to have more structure and less residual sugar, appealing to wine drinkers looking for accessible, yet more serious wines.
According to the data firm Nielsen, red blend table wine has grown to nearly $2 billion in off-premise sales in the U.S. over the last year, from almost $1.7 billion just four years ago. Its a bigger category than sparkling wine, which is at $1.75 billion, and rosé, at $576 million. VinePairs own internal data confirms that consumers are deeply interested in the category. Per VinePair Audience Insights, consumer interest in red blends is quickly rising, with drinkers searching for the term as if it were a variety. Red blends were the third most popular variety in VinePairs wine rankings in 2019, up from ninth place in 2017. shows similar findings.
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To get a sense of the wines leading the red blend category, we looked to Total Wine, one of the countrys largest wine retailers, for its top customer-ranked bottles. Heres what to know about the biggest red blend brands and bottles.
What Kind Of Wine Is Radius Merlot
Radius Merlot is an incredible Washington state red wine that is tremendously fruity and exceptional for everyday pleasure. The wine is sweet but has enough bite and complexity, from the tannins, to satisfy any Merlot lover. Aromas of ripe cherries, chocolate, and marshmallow-y vanilla are sure to draw wine lovers in, while lush red fruit flavors add so much to the general wines character.
Washington State is known for producing seductive Merlots blessed with red plum, blackberry, cocoa, coffee, and earthy flavors. These wines are delicious and velvety, just like Radius Merlot. And even if Washington wines might not be as fruit-forward and elaborate as their counterparts from Californias Napa Valley, they still exhibit Merlots structural components and characteristics. Ultimately, Radius Merlot is a brilliant example of East Coast winemaking, as it combines Washington summer temperatures with the sharp coolness of the regions climate.
Best Pinot Noir: Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2017
Courtesy of BevMo
Region: California, Mendocino | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Black cherry, Clove, Blood orange, Brown spices
Any time youre in the mood for a good pinot noir, you can always bank on a bottle from Californias Anderson Valley. Though not as popular as its neighbors to the south, Napa and Sonoma, the Anderson Valley region boasts some of the states coolest climates. This means its the perfect place for growing the sensitive, thin-skinned and finicky pinot noir variety. This 2017 vintage of Goldeneye, under the illustrious and iconic Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio, is an excellent way to get the true taste of an Anderson Valley pinot noir.
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Best Italian Zinfandel: Coppi Senatore Primitivo 2017
Courtesy of Vivino
Region: Italy, Gioia del Colle | ABV: 13.5% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Oak, Plum.
Primitivo is one of Italys most beloved wine grapes, and fun fact: Its the same grape as the zinfandel. But whether you call it primitivo or zinfandel, the Italian take on the variety from the world-renowned Coppi Winery will turn you into a fan. Its Senatore wine gets its distinct flavor from the vineyards warm summers, refreshing breezy air off the Adriatic coast, and the kind of intimate care you can depend on from small-parcel harvests.
Best Overall: Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel 2017
Courtesy of Wine
Region: California, Central Coast, Paso Robles | ABV: 15.1% | Tasting Notes: Blueberry, Black cherry, Blackberry, Currant.
Winemaker Paul Draper is an icon of mythic proportions. In over 50 years as chief winemaker at Ridge Vineyards, he fought valiantly against French competitors at the Judgment of Paris wine tasting in 1976, earned several prestigious honors, and almost single-handedly brought fame to the California zinfandel. So if youre serious about venturing into the wonderful world of wine, start with this 2017 bottle of zinfandel from one of the worlds wonderful winemakers that transformed the varietal into a beacon of greatness. This bottle is fruity, spicy and irresistible.
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How Much Does Radius Merlot Cost
Purchasing Radius Merlot does not have significant cost-considerations. The wine is not cheap, but its name is also not printed on the most expensive labels. Furthermore, its intense red berry aromas and candy flavor make it a perfect gift choice that will be appreciated by anyone, whether the boss in the office or that neighbor that you desperately need to catch up with. Radius Merlot price ranges from $9 to $15 per 750ml bottle, and it is priced accordingly to its deliciousness, smoothness, and premium quality.
Best Sweet: Grahams Six Grapes Reserve Port
Courtesy of Wine
Region: Portugal, Douro | ABV: 19.5% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, Chocolate, Raisin, Red plum.
If youre going to go with something sweet, the best place to go to is Portugals Douro Valley, home of its world-famous national treasure, Port wine. Not only is Grahams Six Grapes Reserve super tasty, but its also an excellent example of the heights Port wine can reach. Tip for beginners: In part due to the sugar content, a little Port goes a long way, and it retains its flavor for a couple of months after popping the cork. Just store it in a cool place. Its a great wine to savor over time.
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Best Blend: Trefethen Dragons Tooth Red Blend 2017
courtesy of wine
Region: California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District | ABV: 14.7% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Vanilla, Blackberry, Violet.
With so many red grape varietals to choose from, sometimes its better to try them all at once. Trefethen brings three generations of experience working land in Napas Oak Knoll District, and its 2017 vintage of the Dragons Tooth Red Blend is a tasty sample of Napa malbec, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot. So many of the worlds greatest wines rely on a blend of grapes, and the thing to know is that blends happen in both the vineyard and the winery. There, now you really have something to Google.
Best Budget: Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee 2018
Courtesy of Wine
Region: California, Sonoma | ABV: 14.2% | Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Spice.
Gundlach Bundschu is an iconic Sonoma brand with six generations and 160 years of winemaking under its belt. Wine beginners will want to acquaint themselves with the GunBun wine portfolioand also, after the pandemic ends, its annual Huichica Music Festival. This event combines GunBuns great wine with a lineup of excellent music and is arguably the less-crowded antithesis of Outside Lands. Its 2018 Mountain Cuvee is a mostly merlot blend with fantastic flavor and a surprisingly low price tag.
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Where To Buy Radius Red Wine
This wine is perfect for any occasion and goes well with a variety of foods. A deep, dark red wine with ripe cherry and plum fruit aromas and a hint of light vanilla oak, according to the winemaker. The wine is round and well-balanced, with supple tannins and lingering fruit on the finish.
How Many Calories Does Radius Merlot Have
Radius Merlot is a highly suitable dietary option. The wine consists of just 24 calories per 1 fluid ounce of the beverage or a total of 125 calories per serving. Consequently, Radius Merlot calories are not an obstacle to the daily enjoyment of the wine. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Radius Merlot alcohol content sits at 13,5% per 750ml bottle, which is about right for an everyday red wine from Washington.
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How To Serve Radius Merlot
Radius Merlot is best served at room temperature, approximately 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit . It could also chill in the fridge for 20 minutes at the longest
As a dry red wine, a larger-sized wine glass would help considerably to allow the air to come into contain with the wine surface and realize its aromatic and flavor intensity. Plus, I would also recommend a balloon-shaped glass. Apart from looking sexy, its massive size will give Radius Merlot additional space for breathing, allowing it to reveal its raspberry and chocolate nature in all of its glory. Decanting is a good option as well, as it would benefit the wine with extra aeration.
Best Grenache: Clos Figueras Serras Del Priorat 2018
Courtesy of Vivino
Region: Spain, Priorat | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Cassis.
The Priorat region of Catalonia experienced a new revitalization in the past 30 years after going dark as a center for wine production. This was an unfortunate oversight, but youll be glad its made a comeback because the area is a hotbed for some of the best grenache-based wines in Spain. To sweeten the appeal, many of its wines offer an incredible bargain. If you want to get acquainted with the Mediterranean zip of Priorat, this 2018 bottle from Clos Figueras is a great place to start.
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Radius Wine Is Not Vegan Friendly
| 1910 Fairview Avenue East, Suite 400Seattle, Washington, 98102 |
| Jo, A, Susan, Devin, Lisa, Kathy, Tanya, Brooklyn, Blue, Joy |
| Added: |
Company email re Madame Liberté:
Our wine does use egg whites as a fining agent during the fermentation process.
Company email re Pendulum Cab:Our pendulum cab does not contain any animal byproducts in production or fining of the wine.
Company email re House Wine:Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that all of our products are vegan. Many of our cans do not use animal products during production or in the fining process, however they are produced in facilities which may use them in other products. Our winemakers and vineyards have committed to prioritizing the highest quality of wine produced, so a lot of our processes also change from year to year. For these reasons, we are unable to label any of our products as vegan.
Company email re Red Theory Wines:Unfortunately, our wines like most wines are produced in facilities that practice non-vegan friendly methods. A good amount of our fining methods use animal byproducts so we cannot guarantee that any of our wines are completely vegan.
Company email re: Provisions:Provisions wines are not vegan. Though we do not use egg fining or other practices in the wine-making process of some varietals, all Provisions wines are produced in a facility that is not vegan-certified or regulated as such.
Company email :Most of their wines use egg white to remove tannins in their red wine.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Courtesy of Wine
Region: California, Napa Valley, Oakville | ABV: 14.3% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, Date, Chocolate, Red currant.
Do you want to spend more than $100 on a bottle of wine? No, you dont. But do you want to try a true rock-star Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon that will blow your mind? Well, yes, yes you do. What gives the Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cab an edge is its iconic Oakville AVA, which is home to other winemakers, such as the coveted mailing list-only Screaming Eagle, as well as Harlan and Dalla Valle. Compared with these names, Nickel & Nickel is a bargain worth saving your nickels for.
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The Precept Family: Radius & Pendulum Reds
Instagram pic by jheinecke10
Radius Cab. Sauv. 2011
Upon night two, while I did find this wine smoothed out, I also found it to be quite a bit sweeter. A Cabernet Sauvignon is generally known to be a big, bold red wine I dont see this particular one fitting that description.
Winemakers Notes: The deep, dark nose aligns with layers of intense black currant and blueberry. Dark fruit flavors continue on the palate and married with ripe cherry and blackberry. Fine grained tannins and perfect balance followed by a long lingering finish with hints of oak. Comprised of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 1% Syrah.
Pendulum Red Blend 2010
Winemakers Notes: A wonderful red blend with intense flavors of berry, chocolate and spice artfully blended to achieve a complex and worldly wine. Composed of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 15% Grenache, 14% Mourvedre 3% Malbec.Wine SpectatorHave you tried either of these wines before? Please share your experiences in the comments below!!Until next time, Cheers!!
Wine Review: Radius Merlot
I have a large group of friends and family whose palate much prefers the taste of sweeter wines than anything else. I put forth my best effort to come across wines that help them to transition to other varietals. While shopping for some great deals in Total Wine, I came across a Merlot listed as one of their top bargains. I have only bought a few of their top-bargain wines in the past, but so far I have not been disappointed.
Radius Merlot is a Washington state wine, and a real steal at $9.99 per bottle. With this wine, I instantly think of a big bowl of delicious ripe cherries with just a hint of vanilla. It is just sweet enough to suit the palate of the sweet wine drinkers, but has just enough bite from the tannins to please any Merlot lover. This wine is great for everyday and would pair well with all types of food.
Name: Radius MerlotVarietal: 76% Merlot, 16% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% SangioveseAlcohol: 12.6%Appellation: Washington State
Winemakers Notes: A deep, dark red-colored wine with ripe cherry and plum fruit aromas and a hint of light vanilla oak. Plum, raspberry jam, and tea leaves predominate the palate. The wine has a balanced roundness and supple tannins with lingering fruit on the finish.
Radius is part of the portfolio for Precept Wines. Founded in 2003, Precept is the largest, privately-owned wine company in the Northwest. To learn more about Precept Wines and the other selections in their portfolio, visit their site at www.preceptwine.com.
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Radius Red Blend 750ml Bottle
Bottle size
Our packaging materials are made of 100% recyclable materials. From our cardboard boxes to our biodegradable wrap, everything in our shipments can be recycled .
Our experienced fulfilment team take great care packing every order. As specialists in glass packaging they ensure that your items stay safe and secure in transit.
All orders are shipped with a network of trusted carriers, who will deliver your order securely and on time. In the event of loss or damage in transit, all our shipments are insured.
Where Is Radius Merlot Made
Radius is crafted from the Merlot grape, which is cultivated in the Colombia Valley in Washington, best known for juicy red or crisp white wines. Columbia Valley lies east of the Cascade Mountains in the valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries. Within this area are the smaller but significant Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. In addition, the shadow of the Cascade Mountains makes irrigation challenging in this sun-drenched area.
For this reason, the local river assists in the watering of the crops. Winemakers benefit from the long daylight hours and consistent summer temperatures too. The grapes attain optimal ripeness during sunny days, and the cool nights help them to maintain natural acidity levels. Lastly, the greatest challenge is Washingtons winter freeze, which may reduce crop volumes by half in some years.
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Who Makes Radius Merlot
Radius Merlot is produced by Radius Wines, located in Washington. It is the handiwork of winemaker, Hal Landvoigt, who has more than 30 years experience in the wine industry. Since 2008 and their first vintage, Radius Wines, have celebrated the winemaking process every year. Finally, they are determined to cultivate and collect the best grapes from Washington and California to bring fruit-driven, approachable, and unpretentious wines to the table.
Radius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
The deep, dark nose aligns with layers of intense black currant and blueberry. Dark fruit flavors continue on the palate and marry with ripe cherry and blackberry. Fine grained tannins and perfect balance followed by a long, lingering finish with hints of oak. Pair with Aged cheddar, barbecue pork, pizza with red sauce.
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Become Well Versed In The World Of Reds With These Delicious Essentials
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So you think you want to get into wine? Its not for the faint of heart. There are so many wines out there: amazing wines, confounding wines, perplexing wines wines from many countries, many regions. Any time you think youve learned the names of every grape variety in existence, you havent .
Though the journey is treacherous, there are great rewards to be had when you stumble upon the perfect wine that gives you that invigorating heady kiss that stays with you forever. Merlot did that for the Baby Boomer generation of wine lovers before one guyan actor in a movieruined merlot for every Generation X consumer. I refuse to name the movie . Chris Sawyer is a sommelier based in Sonoma, Calif., a renowned wine judge, and author of The Sommelier Files, a weekly digest. He says, We have the highest-quality merlot on the market than weve ever had. The folks who kept it in the ground care so much for it. And thats exactly the point I want to drive home: The more you care, the more youll learnand the better the world of wine will be.
