Club Vinissimus Selection July 2022

The art of coupage

Undoubtedly many of the world's greatest wines are single-varietal ones, produced from a single type of grape. The combination of a specific variety, a soil type and its local climate is considered to be behind the creation of some of the purest expressions of wines embodying the character of their landscape. However, it is also true that there is a degree of risk in producing single-varietal wines as the winery places all its eggs in one basket. If it is a bad year for that particular variety for whatever reason, the character and quality of the wine will also be affected. Blending different varieties to produce a wine can reduce this risk and open the door to more chances of creating a successful final product.

The art of coupage is similar to the art of cooking. Combining grapes to develop or boost their qualities or to balance out any weak points is akin to following a recipe to create a dish with a multitude of ingredients. There are over 10,000 different grape varieties in the world, each with its own special character. Some grapes are more aromatic, some less so; some provide more colour to the wine, while others produce a higher alcohol content more easily. Tannins, ability to create sparkling wines, resistance to oxidation, ageing potential... there are an almost infinite number of factors and qualities to bear in mind when looking at the range of grape varieties used to produce wine. This incredible richness of features and nuances is what oenologists must understand and work with to create wonderfully balanced wines.

Great coupages are behind some of the most successful and widely-admired wines. For example, the well-known GSM blend of Grenache, Syrah and Monastrell combines the pleasantness and strawberry aromas of Grenache, with spicy Syrah tones, and the black fruit and herbal fragrances of Monastrell. But this is not the only blend to discover, obviously. Among other treasures, think of classic Champagnes or Cavas, wines from Bordeaux or Priorat, all the result of the delicate art of coupage.