Rebellious Red Blend

Rebellious Red Blend is a full-bodied, Zinfandel-led California red wine bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 90 points by The Tasting Panel, which called it "velvety smooth, rich but seamlessly blended; spicy, lush and long," this seven-variety blend draws fruit from Sonoma and Mendocino counties and stands apart for its unconventional inclusion of Sauvignon Blanc alongside six red grapes.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Sonoma & Mendocino, California  |  Style: Multi-Varietal Red Blend  |  Producer: Rebellious

Production & Heritage

The blend is composed of 42% Zinfandel, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, and 1% Sauvignon Blanc. Each varietal is fermented in separate lots, allowing the winemaker to shape each component individually before the final assemblage. The wine then ages for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. That small portion of Sauvignon Blanc plays a role similar to Viognier in the northern Rhône: it softens tannin structure and lifts fruit aromatics, giving the finished wine an added dimension of aromatic complexity that pure red blends typically lack.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry and strawberry jam open the nose, followed by waves of brown sugar, dark chocolate, and cola. Secondary layers reveal cardamom, black pepper, sandalwood, and a thread of licorice.

Taste: The entry is bright and fruit-forward, with fresh blueberry and red cherry flavors accented by allspice. The mid-palate turns creamy and rich, picking up chocolate, tobacco, and cedar. Ample ripeness gives an almost-sweet impression, with maple and vanilla accents from the oak aging adding a pastry-like quality.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with integrated, plush tannins. Lingering notes of dark fruit, warm baking spice, and subtle cedar carry through to the end.

How to Drink Rebellious Red Blend

At 15% ABV, this is a substantial wine that benefits from a slight chill to around 60–65°F; a large-bowled glass helps open the layered aromatics. It drinks well on its own but also holds up in wine-based cocktails. A classic Sangria gains depth from the blend's dark fruit and spice notes. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) plays off the wine's existing cola undertones for a surprisingly cohesive pairing. A warm Mulled Wine preparation draws out the cardamom, allspice, and cinnamon-like qualities already present in the glass.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled meats where a big, fruit-forward red is needed
• Introducing red blend drinkers to Zinfandel-driven California wines
• Casual wine-tasting gatherings featuring multi-varietal blends
• Pairing experiments with barbecue, charcuterie, or smoked dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rebellious Red Blend taste like? It leads with ripe dark cherry and blueberry fruit, layered with dark chocolate, allspice, tobacco, and cedar. The texture is creamy and full-bodied with integrated tannins and a warm, spice-driven finish.

How does Rebellious Red Blend compare to Apothic Red? Both are popular California red blends anchored by Zinfandel, but Rebellious runs higher in alcohol at 15% versus Apothic's approximately 13.5% and includes seven grape varieties—plus a small measure of Sauvignon Blanc—compared to Apothic's more streamlined four-grape blend. The result is a richer, more layered wine with noticeably more body and oak influence from its 16 months in French and American barrels.

Is Rebellious Red Blend good for sipping on its own? Yes—its ripe fruit, plush tannins, and layered spice make it well-suited to drinking by the glass without food. Serving it slightly below room temperature helps balance the wine's 15% alcohol and ample richness.

Where is Rebellious Red Blend made? The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. Each varietal lot is fermented separately before blending and aging in French and American oak.

What foods pair well with Rebellious Red Blend? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the wine's dark fruit and spice weight. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or Gouda match its richness. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa tones on the mid-palate. Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's peppery, herbal undertones. A charcuterie board with cured salami and dried figs bridges the fruit and savory elements.

What sizes does Rebellious Red Blend come in? Rebellious Red Blend is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Rebellious Red Blend worth the price? It positions as a solid mid-range California red blend, delivering oak-aged complexity, a seven-variety composition, and a 90-point score from The Tasting Panel—attributes that frequently appear in bottles at higher price tiers. For a Zinfandel-led blend with 16 months of barrel aging, it represents strong value in its category.

Why Rebellious Red Blend?

The defining move here is the 1% Sauvignon Blanc—a small but deliberate addition modeled on the Rhône technique of co-fermenting white grapes with red to soften tannins and amplify aromatics. Combined with a seven-variety blend fermented in separate lots and aged 16 months in both French and American oak, the wine achieves a level of complexity that belies its price tier. The Tasting Panel's 90-point score and a Silver medal at the 2021 Critics Challenge Wine Competition (for the 2018 vintage) confirm that the winemaking approach translates in the glass. For drinkers who want a bold, fruit-driven California red with genuine structural nuance, this blend earns attention on its own terms.