Wine is a very deceptively broad subject, every time I think I know something, I find an exception that makes me question everything I thought I knew. It sounds frustrating, maybe even pointless, yet somehow working through those problems and finding that information makes drinking wine more fun. At it’s core, it’s just alcohol and there’s no shortage of things I could talk about if this was about getting a buzz. There’s something more to wine, or, at least, there’s something about wine that makes us think there’s more.
As a novice, this guide is aimed at my fellow novices. It’s something that has been slow to develop, I try to add a little to it with each new blog post. At the moment, it’s little more than short profiles on a couple dozen grapes and a growing list of wine regions.
There are a lot of great wine guides already out there, I have several books and apps on my phone that I reference frequently, I don’t think what I’m be posting here will be in any way superior, so I’m not making a great effort to be objective. If you want objectivity, I’d be happy to recommend some books to check out, but, in the meantime this should give you a point of reference to some of the more obscure grapes and wine regions I may be talking about.
Grapes Profiles:
- Aghiorghitiko
- Alvarinho
- Auxerrois
- Blaufränkisch
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Canaiolo
- Chardonnay
- Colombard
- Colorino
- Fetească Neagră
- Gamay Noir
- Garnacha Tinta
- Graševina
- Malaga Blanc
- Malbec
- Mammolo
- Merlot
- Muscat
- Muscat Ottonel
- Palomino Fino
- Pedro Ximénez
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Plavac Mali
- Prokupac
- Raboso Piave
- Riesling
- Sangiovese
- Saperavi
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sémillon
- Silvaner
- Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Touriga Franca
- Traminer
- Vermentino
- Vranac
Also sometimes referred to as, “St. George,” Aghiorghitiko is the most widely planted red grape in Greece, where it produces both varietal and blended wines, as well as rosé.It is most closely associated with the Nemean wine region, where wines may only be produced from 100% Aghiorghitiko, the best of which see ageing in oak.
I’m always trying to be diplomatic when it comes to what is or isn’t a good wine, but, let’s be real, I do have a favorite wine grape and this is it.
Believed to have originated in Northern Portugal or Northwestern Spain, in Galicia. It’s age is unknown, our earliest recorded evidence is from the mid-nineteenth century, though there exist vines which are far older, 200-300 years. DNA analysis has produced genetic links, but has yet to discover a parent grape. The majority of plantings are found in Spain and Portugal.
Believed to have originated in the Alsace region of France, this early-ripening grape is often found in blends from that area, particularly in cremant and Edelzwicker wines. It is grown in very few areas outside of Alsace and never in significant amounts. DNA analysis has revealed it is the offspring of Pinot and Gouais Blanc.
AKA – Games
First recorded at a grape expo held in Vienna in 1862, Blaufränkisch is thought to have originated in Austria, Hungary, or Croatia. It’s a grape I’ve come to associate with Eastern Europe, where it produces wines ranging from dry to semi-sweet. I’ve never been blown away by a Blaufränkisch wine, but I’ve never been completely disappointed by one either.
We can, with some certainty, trace Cabernet Franc back as far as 1675 in France. Though, from DNA analysis we know it would have originated in the Basque country of Spain, due to its genetic similarity to local varieties, therefore making it even older. It has long held importance in the Bordeaux region of France, where in the late 18th century it produced Cabernet Sauvignon through a cross with Sauvignon Blanc. It is also a parent to the well-known varieties Carménère and Merlot. Cabernet Franc is most commonly associated with Bordeaux, though there are also significant plantings in France’s Loire Valley. Outside of France, Cabernet Franc is widely planted across the world, significant plantings can be found in Italy, California, Australia, and Chile.
Sometimes referred to as, “the king of the red wine grapes.” It is one of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability.
In winemaking, Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure to give wines greater complexity and the ability to age. It is frequently blended with local grape varieties to make them more appealing on the global market.
It is believed to have originated in France in the late 18th century. DNA analysis has revealed it is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon has found tremendous success in Bordeaux blends, a style that has been emulated throughout the world. Those from the left bank of the Gironde, tend to be Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, as opposed to the right bank which prefers Merlot. The Napa Valley of California is another region whose name has become nearly synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon wines, however, unlike Bordeaux, Napa leans toward 100% varietal wines or, at least, marketing their wines as 100% varietal.
Canaiolo
First reference in 1303, Canaiolo has a long history in Tuscany where it was once the most popular grape. Today it is used primarily in Chianti and Chianti Classico blends, though it can sometimes be found as a 100% varietal wine.
Chardonnay
One of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability. Reliable records indicate that it has been cultivated since at least the end of the 17th century and DNA analysis has confirmed it is a cross between Pinot and Gouais Blanc.
Chardonnay is most commonly associated with the Burgundy region of France, but it has found success throughout the world. California is known for producing full-bodied, oaked, buttery Chardonnay wines. It is also one of the three grapes permitted in Champagne.
Frequently used in France for brandy and cognac. DNA analysis has revealed this grape to be a natural cross between Chenin Blanc and Gouais Blanc.
A generic name referring to four different grapes that all bear the name “Colorino.” The four are: Colorino Americano, Colorino del Valdarno, Colorino di Lucca, and Colorino di Pisa. Of the four, Colorino del Valdarno is the most distinct. I do not have a lot of information on these grapes, they are primarily used in Tuscan blends.
Originating from the area around the Republic of Moldova and the Romanian region of Moldova, this is one of three prominent grapes to bear the name Fetească, meaning “young girl.” It is most widely planted in Romania, where it has the capability of making impressive and affordable red wine.
Our earliest reference comes from 1395 in France. DNA analysis has revealed it is a natural cross between Pinot and Gouais Blanc, believed to have occurred in the Burgundy region. Although it has been grown with some success in other parts of the world, the stronghold for Gamay remains France, mostly in the Beaujolais region.
Garnacha Tinta is a grape I most commonly associate with Southern France, specifically in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and GSM blends. Because of this strong association, it is more common in the United States to see this grape referred to as Grenache, though like many old grapes it is widespread and has a long list of regional names.
Our earliest reference dates this grape back to the early 16th century in Spain. DNA analysis has yet to reveal a parental link for Garnacha Tinta, but, like many old grapes, it has several offspring and mutations. The density of these mutations in Spain lends credibility to the claim of Spanish origin.
In France, it is the second most widely planted red wine grape behind Merlot.
Late budding and ripening white grape variety believed to have originated in Croatia.
Gifted to King Narai the Great of Siam by Louis XIV in 1685 as a table grape, it is now being used to produce wine in Thailand and Vietnam.
First referenced in 1761 as Cot, it is thought to be from Cahors. After making its way to Bordeaux, the name Malbec (Malbeck) became more common, referring to a grower who championed the grape in that region. After a sereve frost in 1956, its plantings in Bordeaux diminished, though it is still occasionally used in some blends. In the 1860’s it was introduced to Argentina, the area it where it has become the most associated in recent years and is the most widely planted red grape throughout the country, though primarily found in Mendoza.
A very old Tuscan grape variety, first mentioned in 1600. In Tuscany, it often blended with Sangiovese, and is one of the grapes allowed in Chianti and Chianti Classico blends, though it once played a more prominent role in the region’s wines. Plantings are more significant on the French island of Corse, where Mammolo also has a long history in wine production
One of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability. It is the most widely planted grape in France and one of the most widely planted in the world.
DNA analysis has revealed Merlot is the offspring of Cabernet Franc and an obscure French grape. Our earliest records tell us it has been around since the late 18th century and it is believed to have originated in France.
Merlot is often found growing alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, which are frequently blended with Merlot to make superior quality wines, as repeated demonstrated by France’s Bordeaux region.
A generic name for a variety of grapes, most of which share genetic similarity. Finding the name Muscat on a label begs the question, “Which Muscat?” In the same way finding a grape referred to simply as “Pinot” or “Cabernet” might.
Muscat is a very old line of grapes that are often have a strong aroma. The most famous example of Muscat would be Italy’s Moscato d’Asti, slightly effervescent, low alcohol, and sweet. Though these grapes are capable of making very nice dry wines as well.
Obtained as a seedling in 1839 by French vine breeder Jean-Pierre Vibert, this grape is a cross between Chasselas and Muscat d’Eisenstadt. In France it has found a home in Alsace, where it’s early ripening nature has given it an edge over other Muscat varieties. It has also found success in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania.
The most prominent and widely planted of the three Sherry producing grapes. This old variety comes from Andalucia in Spain. According to popular speculation it is named for a 13th century Spanish knight. Does that mean Sherry is best wine to pair with D&D?
17th century Andalucian grape variety used in the production of fortified and sweet wines. Best known for its contribution to Sherry production.
Pinot Blanc was first discovered in Burgundy, where it is believed to have mutated from Pinot Gris. It is part of the Pinot family of grapes, having a nearly identical DNA fingerprint to Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, and more. While planted throughout Europe and in parts of the United States, my primary exposure has been from Alsace where Pinot Blanc is utilized to make amazing still and sparkling wines.
A color mutation of Pinot Noir that, like Pinot Blanc, has earned international popularity. In recent years, the Italian expression of this grape, Pinot Grigio, has found impressive commercial success. As a rule of thumb, I treat wines labeled Pinot Gris as a more serious attempt at winemaking, whereas those labeled Pinot Grigio I see as trying to capitalize on the current sales trend, and more likely to be assembled using bulk production methods. Obviously, there are exceptions to this and I’ve had some very nice Pinot Grigio wine.
One of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability. Pinot is an old grape that has a long list of offspring and mutations capable of producing amazing wines. Records in France date is back as far back as the thirteenth century.
While Pinot Noir is produced throughout the world, I find it to be a very polarizing. In France I’ve enjoyed wine from both Burgundy and Champagne, where it is a primary grape. In the United States, Willamette, Oregon produces some fantastically complex wines that are easy and fun to drink. I have never enjoyed a Pinot Noir from California (with the exception of some mass produced, easy to drink, table wines).
Perhaps the most reviled wine grape in the world, or maybe just the most punk rock. Bred in 1925 by Abraham Izak Pernold, a professor of viticulture at the University of Stellenbosh in South Africa. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (which was called Hermitage in South Africa), the name Pinotage is contraction of parent’s names. With the possible exception of Concord grapes, I have not found a grape so frequently attacked. My WSET 2 instructor actually apologized to the class before serving it. I don’t know what all the fuss is about, I love the stuff.
An old grape from Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, named for the small blue berries it produces. It is one of the most widely planted varieties in Croatia. DNA analysis has revealed it is a cross between Tribidrag and Dobričić.
Prokupac
An old Balkan red wine grape variety thought to have originated in Serbia, though also cultivated in other parts of Eastern Europe.
A temperamental Italian grape from the Veneto region known for producing wines that are aggressive when young and sublime when aged.
One of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability. It is believed to have originated in Germany, where reliable records date it back as far as the mid-fifteenth century. DNA analysis has demonstrated a parent/offspring link with Gouais Blanc.
In my limited experience, I have found two kinds of people who like Riesling, those who know a lot about wine and those who know nothing about wine, between those two extremes is a vast ocean of consumers who avoid it, presumably because it is associated with off-dry and sweet wines, which are currently not en vogue.
Riesling seems to excel in cooler growing climates, I’ve had success with it from Germany, Romania, and the Finger Lakes of New York.
The “Blood of Jupiter,” most commonly associated with Tuscany, and more specifically the Chianti and Chianti Classico regions where it is known to make remarkable varietal and blended wines. Our earliest reliable reference to this wine dates it back as far as 1600. DNA analysis has revealed it comes from a natural cross between Ciliegiolo and Calabrese di Montenuovo.
We don’t know how old it is, but it’s known to be an old variety from the SW of the Republic of Georgia, which is where it is most widely grown. Saperavi is a teinturier grape, a grape that’s juice is colored instead of clear, used to make a variety of wine styles. It is sometimes used in blends to add a color and acidity.
One of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability. Our earliest reference to the grape comes from France’s Loire Valley in the mid 16th century. DNA analysis has revealed it to be a descendant of Savagnin, another old French grape, from which we believe it has taken it’s name.
It is still grown with success in the Loire region, as well as Bordeaux where it produces impressive blended dry and dessert wines. In recent years, New Zealand boasts and impressive reputation for producing fine Sauvignon Blanc wines.
My limited experience with Mexican Sauvignon Blanc has thus far proven promising.
First mentioned in the mid-18th century, this white wine grape bears a strong genetic similarity to its frequent blending partner, Sauvignon Blanc. It is most frequently associated with Bordeaux where it is used to make botrytized dessert wines and dry white blends, though it has also found success in Australia’s Hunter Valley and Washington State in America’s Pacific Northwest.
Often associated with Germany, DNA analysis has revealed Silvaner is a cross between Savagnin and Österreichisch-Weiss, making it Austrian in origin. Regardless, it is most widely planted in Germany followed distantly by Alsace in France.
AKA: Shiraz
One of the Noble, or International, grapes that has found worldwide success in both viticulture and marketability. Our earliest records come from the Northern Rhone in the late 18th century, where Syrah has found great success. DNA evidence has shown it to be a natural cross between Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza.
In recent years Syrah has found success in Australia, where it is more commonly referred to as Shiraz.
Historical records are unclear as to exactly how old this variety is. By some accounts it could go back as far as the 14th century. We do know it has a long history of cultivation in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. It’s believed to be Spanish in origin and has found a stronghold in that country’s region of Rioja where it is used to make excellent varietal and blended wines.
DNA analysis has revealed it to be a cross of Touriga Nacional and Marufo, believed to originate from the Douro region of Portugal, where it is the most widely planted grape.
Mid ripening.
First mentioned in the early 19th century, it is believed to have originated from the Dão region of Portugal, possibly named for the nearby village of Tourigo. Widely planted in the Douro region where it is used in dry, sweet, and fortified wines.
This is a very old grape, our earliest documentation is a price list dated 1242 from Southern Germany (now Northern Italy). The name literally means “from Tramin,” a town that on the German/ Italian border that has at various points in history found itself on either side.
DNA analysis has revealed a parent/offspring relationship with Pinot, another very old grape variety, though it is uncertain which is the parent and which is the child. Like many old grape varieties, Traminer has a host of children, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sylvaner, and
Grüner Veltliner to name a few.
Gewürztraminer is a color mutation of the Traminer grape (or, perhaps, an aromatic mutation of the color mutation Traminer Rose).
The most significant plantings I’m aware of at this time, surprisingly, come from Bulgaria.
Mid-ripening and early budding.
Earliest reliable mention dates back to the mid-seventeenth century from Alessandria in Northern Italy. Vermentino has achieved success in Southern France, Northern Italy, and on the islands of Corse and Sardegna. Personally, I’ve only encountered the grape once, but that one encounter left a strong impression.
Exact dates for this old Balkan wine grape are unknown, though rumors suggest it has been cultivated since the middle ages. DNA analysis has revealed it is the progeny of Tribidrag. It is an important grape in Croatia, Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Wine Regions:
Australia:
China:
Croatia:
France:
Germany:
Greece:
Italy:
- Chianti
- Chianti Classico
Macedonia:
Mexico:
Portugal:
Romania:
Spain: