Can You Mix Red Wine and White Wine? A Deep Dive into Wine Blending
The short answer is: yes, you absolutely can mix red and white wine. However, whether you should is a matter of taste and the specific wines involved. The resulting drink, often called a "kir royale" if using crème de cassis and white wine, is not traditionally considered a sophisticated wine pairing, but it can be a fun and surprisingly palatable experiment. Let's explore the nuances.
What Happens When You Mix Red and White Wine?
Mixing red and white wine will result in a wine with a color somewhere between the two, typically a light, murky pink or reddish-brown. The taste will be a blend of the individual wines' characteristics, although the bolder tannins and flavors of the red wine will likely dominate. The result may be muddled or unbalanced, particularly if you're mixing high-quality wines with vastly different profiles.
Is it Common to Mix Red and White Wine?
While not a common practice in formal wine settings, mixing red and white wine is far from unheard of. Many cocktails incorporate wine, often white, as a base. The addition of other ingredients, such as fruit juices or liqueurs, masks the potential clash of flavors.
What are Some Examples of Mixed Wine Drinks?
Several mixed drinks use wine as a key ingredient. These often avoid the direct combination of red and white wines:
- Sangria: This popular punch often includes red wine (though white wine sangrias exist), fruit juices, brandy, and sometimes other liquors. The combination of flavors creates a balanced and refreshing drink.
- Kir Royale: This classic French aperitif mixes white wine, typically crémant de Bourgogne (a sparkling wine), with crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur). The sweetness and fruitiness of the crème de cassis complement the wine, creating a sophisticated drink.
- Wine Spritzers: These simply mix wine (white or rosé, but rarely red) with club soda or other sparkling water, adding a lighter, more refreshing touch.
Does Mixing Red and White Wine Ruin the Wine?
No, mixing red and white wine doesn't "ruin" the wine in the sense of making it unsafe to drink. However, the resulting drink might not be as enjoyable as the individual wines would be on their own. The flavors may clash, creating an unbalanced and unappealing taste. This is especially true if the wines have significantly different tannin levels or strong, distinct flavor profiles.
What Kind of Wines are Best for Mixing?
If you're intent on experimenting with mixing red and white, choose wines that are similar in body and don't have overpowering flavors. Lighter-bodied red wines and crisp white wines are better candidates than full-bodied, intensely flavored varieties. The goal is to find a balance, not a brawl of flavors. Even then, your mileage may vary!
Is there a "right" way to mix red and white wine?
There's no single "right" way. Experimentation is key! Start with small quantities of each wine, gradually adjusting the ratio until you find a blend you enjoy. Chill the mixture for a cooler, refreshing experience. Remember, the aim isn't necessarily to create a sommelier-approved beverage, but rather to enjoy a personal experiment in flavor combinations.
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy a blend of red and white wine is a matter of personal preference. Don't be afraid to experiment—just be mindful that the result might not always be aesthetically pleasing or tastefully satisfying.
