Blending before or after

[Berry Juice]

Got another question. I was thinking about making a cab merlot blend.
I was thinking about going about it 3 different ways. Which is best?
Option 1- 50/50 mix, making 2 6gal batched
Option 2 - 100% cab 50% merlot making 1 7gal batch.
Option 3 - making the cab and merlot separate then mixing after completion.

 

[cmason1957]

I would think the best is one you don't have listed. Make each separate, then do some blending trials to figure out the mixture that is best for your wines. Might be 60/40, 70/30 or something else entirely.

 

[Venatorscribe]

Definitely option 3. Separate fermentation’s allows the full character of each grape to come out. Then you can carefully work out your blend ratio - dependent on your taste. Don't rush into blending. Keep your separate wines under airlock for at least six to twelve months. During that time you might like to play around with oaking etc...Then after blending hold in bulk for at least another month or two in case this triggers some dropout. When you are happy - bottle the wine and again leave for many months. Allowing the magic and chemistry of bottle conditioning to enhance you final wine.

 

[Berry Juice]

Understood
Thanks so much for the advice