The wines in my last two posts have had what I’ll call mashup names:
Petite Petit – a blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot
Mo Zin – a blend of Mourvèdre and Zinfandel, plus others (though it’s not clear if the Mo really stands for Mourvèdre or not. They also have a Mo Jo without Mourvèdre and they say things like Drink Mo Better Wine)
This got me thinking about other possible mashup names. So as a service to the wine industry I offer the following (not-so-serious) ideas free of charge. Now they may not all make sense oenologically-speaking, but that rarely stops a marketer with a branding idea!
Merlognier – Merlot + Viognier
The Merlot could be co-fermented with a small bit of Viognier like they do with Syrah and Viognier in Côte-Rôtie.
Marsangiovese – Marsanne + Sangiovese
The Marsanne could play the role that Trebbiano or Malvasia used to play in the Chianti blend.
ShiraZin – Shiraz + Zinfandel
I’m surprised this one doesn’t already exist.
Charbonarda – Charbono + Bonarda
This one could work. In fact, depending on where you are, they may even be the same grape.
Dolcettocai – Dolcetto + Tocai
This one makes no sense.
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Please suggest some other examples in the comments!
How about Tanniga Nebbional?
Tannat + Touriga Nacional + Nebbiolo
Also fun because it covers three national origins!
Shiraz + Malbec = Shirbec… obviously a dessert wine 😉
Beerenauslese + Sangiovese = Beeriovese… only because it sounds like Beer-ios, the proud breakfast of any self-respecting frat brother.
Riesling + Verdejo = Rieslidejo… because it belongs in a Harry Belafonte sing-a-long: Dey, Rieslidej, Rieslidej, Rieslidejo, daylight come and… well, you get it
How about the most puzzling of all?
Trebbiano + Malbec == Trebec!
Since nobody said that these wines had to be drinkable –
Shiraz + Auxerrois = Shirauxerrois (Thanks to Michigan by the Bottle for introducing me to Auxerrois)
Roussanne + Sauvignon Blanc = Roussauvignon Blanc
Lambrusco + Cortese = Lambruscortese (Sounds like an Italian sports car).
Trebec = Steve wins.
Hilarious! I’m a huge fan of Pinot Noir + Gewurztraminer could be Pinominer. I still like Trabec. Fun post!
Josh
Great stuff, guys – thanks!
If you ever get into French-American hybrid grapes (and to be honest, I don’t recommend it), you’ll encounter a lot of weird names like these. I once had a Chardonel, a cross between Chardonnay and Seyval. I love how it sounds like a Chardonnay knockoff sold in gas stations and sketchy grocery stores.
For a fake one, how about Barbera+Rondinella? That’s right: Barbarella.
Bourboulenc + Verdelho = Bourdelho: Goes great with crabs.
Ben & Jason are bringing it!