A term used in viticulture with different meanings in different countries. The word comes from the French cuve (vat or wine container). In the original sense, it refers to a certain amount of wine in a container (a barrel of wine, so to speak). In German-speaking countries, it is generally understood to mean the skilful blending of wines from different grape varieties. However, this can also be grape musts that are then fermented together, as is common in the southern Rhône. Other terms are blend (New World), Cape Blend (South Africa), CVC (Conjunto de Varias Cosechas in Spain), Coupage, Marriage, Mélange (France for spirits), Meritage (California) and, in German-speaking countries, Verschnitt. As a rule, wines of the same colour are blended.
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena