Please define cuvee

[CherylK]

Could you please explain/define "cuvee"? I have a bottle of Lambert Bridge 2002 Crane Creek Cuvee, Dry Creek Valley. I know it's a blend of four different grapes (this particular wine, that is) but what REALLY is a cuvee and how many different kinds of cuvee are there? Thanks!

[wondersofwine]

From another web site of wine glossary:

cuvee

Like the words cask and reserve, cuvee is an unregulated term that some wineries use to indicate a special (or reserve) batch of wine

I think it is often used to mean a blend of grapes from several vineyards or sources.

[hotwine]

It's also sometimes used to mean "vintage", or even "blend of several vintages".

Keep in mind that many wines are actually blends of multiple grape varieties and vineyards, so it might be used to define the formula for a specific production lot.

Another marketing gimmick to confuse us all....

[CherylK]

Thanks! I've been known to fall for a marketing gimmick or two in my day!

[Kcwhippet]

As have we all!!

[CherylK]

I'm thinking that this must be one of their reserve wines because it was a bit "spendy" as we say here in Minnesota. At least by my standards. $70/bottle. Tasted it at the winery and really, really enjoyed it. Now I just have to learn how to detect those subtle flavors.....

[Kcwhippet]

It is one of their Reserve wines. Julia Iantosca samples the barrels continually and selects what she feels are the best to put into the blend.