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Trending: “Blouge” Wine

Torn between a red or white wine? Why not try a “blouge”? The word comes from combining the French words for white (“blanc”) and red (“rouge”). This wine is made from white and red grapes that are fermented together in the same vat.

This unpretentious type of wine can be pink (rosé) or even pale red, tannic or light and, above all, it breaks all the rules. Usually, red wines are made from red grapes and white wines from white grapes. Although many winemakers have long added a few white grapes to their red blends for a touch of freshness, no one has given the wine a name until now.

This is new territory for winemakers, given that this type of wine breaks away from tradition and the classic appellations. It’s also a response to climate change, especially in the southern regions. It’s a way of creating more delicate and refined wines, far from robust red wines.

Difference between a “blouge” and a rosé

As mentioned above, a “blouge” wine results from blending white and red grapes, often fermented together. A rosé, for its part, is made from a shorter maceration of red grapes. Although it’s more clear-coloured than a red or a “blouge,” it retains a certain complexity due to its maceration.

As for their aromas, “blouge” wines can have large differences. Some are fruity, others spicy, but they have one thing in common: they’re pleasant to drink. Serve them with grilled dishes that aren’t too pronounced, like chicken, pork and veal. They’re also great with olives, nuts, charcuterie and pizza.

Finally, they’re generally enjoyed for their lightness and freshness, and are excellent alternatives to classic red wine, especially during the warmer months. Here are a few recipe suggestions to pair them with. Enjoy!

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Charline-Ève Pilon

Editor at RICARDO Media and part-time sommelier, Charline-Ève Pilon combines her two passions: writing and wines. A graduate in both journalism and sommellerie, she shares her experience through her writing and her wine tastings. She shares fresh wine ideas with us to enjoy the final summer days on the patio.