Carlos Creek Winery’s guide to wine blends

Wine blends, both red & white, are some of the most popular kids on the block. Learn all about them with Carlos Creek Winery's guide to wine blends.

Think of the brands “The Prisoner” and “Apothic,” both of which produce red & white wine blends. But wine blends are not new. In fact, they’re thousands of years old and began when vineyards were small and shipping was non-existent.

Winemakers blended whatever grapes were produced in their region to obtain enough volume. Most
regions grew small amounts of multiple varieties to ensure a stable harvest. Over time, these wines
became known by their geographic area, with blends like Bordeaux, Rhone and Lambrusco stylistically
copied all over the world.

With modern growing techniques and readily available shipping options, winemakers are no longer
limited to making wines from their regionally grown grapes. Yet blending persists because it allows
winemakers to balance the characteristics of different grape varieties.

At Carlos Creek Winery, wine blends have always been our best selling wines and we produce them in a variety of classic and new-world styles and sweetness levels.

Here’s a guide to our current blends at Carlos Creek Winery, from driest to sweetest.

RED BLENDS

The Cold Climate grapes grown in Minnesota are known for their high-acidity, low tannins and bright
cherry fruit. Grapes from warmer growing regions tend to be the opposite. Blending the two creates brilliant, balanced and complex blends.

TRINITY - A dry, red blend of Zinfandel, Merlot & Malbec grapes, Trinity most closely resembles a “Super
Tuscan” or “Bold California” blend. This dark, full-bodied style is what you’ll most likely catch me
drinking! Ask your server for this, as it’s not on our tasting menu.

CUVÉE - A dry, red blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Franc & Petite Verdot grapes most closely resembles a
“Bordeaux” or “Meritage” blend. Aged in Minnesota oak which adds a distinctive toasty, almond
sweetness.

MINNTERRA RED - An o-dry blend of Petite Sirah, Marquette & Zinfandel is similar to a “Rhone” blend.
The Minnesota Marquette grape adds bright cherry fruit and black pepper while the Petite Sirah
contributes strong tannins and mouthfeel. The bit of Zin adds mysterious notes of black fruit and cloves.

HOT DISH RED - Our best selling wine at Carlos Creek Winery is most comparable to a “Slovenian Santi 4” or “Lambrusco” and is made entirely from Cold Climate grapes like Frontenac, Marquette and Petit Pearl. These grapes produce intense, red, fruity notes and their high acidity beautifully balances the wine’s sweetness. Naturally low in tannins, Hot Dish Red is unoaked, preserving its refreshing fruit prole. Great chilled!

WHITE BLENDS

Minnesota grown white grapes are simply some of the most aromatic grapes in the world. With light to
full-bodied varieties representing a full range of acidity, Minnesota grapes provide our wine makers with all the tools they need for incredible white, wine blends.

MINNTERRA WHITE - Our driest white blend is a complex blend of the Cool & Cold Climate grapes:
Traminette, Front. Gris, Brianna, French Colombard & La Crescent and bears similarity to a “White Rhone” blend.

VINTNER’S BLEND - Cold Climate grapes Itasca & LaCrescent are combined in the tank and co-fermented. The LaCrescent grapes provide fruity aromatics while the Itasca contributes body and texture in a style most resembling an o-dry “White Bordeaux”.

WOBEGON WHITE - Minnesota grown Frontenac Gris grapes are the backbone of our sweetest white
wine. Peach, Pineapple and lemon aromatics deliver full fruitiness on the palate. Baked in brisk acidity
perfectly balances the sweetness of this addictive wine that brings to mind a “Late Harvest White from
Alsace.”

EXCITING NEW WINES AT CARLOS CREEK

All this talk of wine blends really makes us want to spill more on some upcoming exciting new releases at Carlos Creek Winery! Although we can't divulge too much yet, let's just say you will have some new favorites. Hint hint.

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