Which varietal is often blended with Shiraz to produce Rhône-style wines?

Grenache is commonly blended with Shiraz (also known as Syrah) to create Rhône-style wines. This blending practice is particularly prevalent in regions like the Southern Rhône Valley, where both varietals thrive. The combination of Shiraz and Grenache results in wines that balance the bold, spicy, and sometimes smoky characteristics of Shiraz with the fruit-forward, juicy, and sometimes herbal notes of Grenache. The interplay of these two grapes enhances the complexity of the final wine, contributing to both richness and structure.

The other varietals listed, while they may complement certain wines in different contexts, do not typically form the foundation of Rhône-style blends alongside Shiraz. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are primarily white grape varietals and not involved in red wine blends, while Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be utilized in different styles and blends, particularly in Bordeaux-style wines rather than traditional Rhône-style compositions.