I don’t drink much wine anymore, but I always preferred the traditional European blended reds…

Posted on August 16, 2026 at 08:06:04 PM by Craig (edited August 16, 2026 at 08:10:04 PM)

Bordeaux, Chianti, Cotes du Rhône, Rioja—to the California single varietal approach that has caught on so widely worldwide. Even in the France and Italy sections of a shop, it seems like you see more single varietals than the traditional blends these days.

Also, don’t sleep on Spanish reds. Some are really outstanding, and they are generally affordable.

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I don’t drink much wine anymore, but I always preferred the traditional European blended reds… - By Craig August 16, 2026 at 08:06:04 PM
- Single varietals have always been popular/traditional in parts of Europe and serious California producers have always made blends. I don’t think Europe has leaned into single varietal due to California* - By harbaughdyssey August 16, 2026 at 09:44:19 PM
  - Right, lots of European wines are single varietal, they just generally aren’t labeled with the name of the grape - By WestSideBlue August 17, 2026 at 08:46:38 AM
- Totally agree. Chianti usually a reasonably safe restaurant default red. - By Lizard August 16, 2026 at 08:27:59 PM
  - my sister talked me out of California wines. Switching to Bordeaux is a nice choice. Rarely order wine though. * - By plug August 16, 2026 at 08:51:10 PM
- Did a Rioja wine tasting tour during my honeymoon and have been a fan of its wines ever since - By michjd August 16, 2026 at 08:23:04 PM

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I don’t drink much wine anymore, but I always preferred the traditional European blended reds…