Let's go on a journey through the vineyards of Europe, where the secrets of winemaking are whispered by the wind and each grape tells a story of its land. Most wine lovers know or are familiar with the celebrated classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay, but there exists a hidden realm of grape varietals waiting to be discovered. In this blog, we uncover the lesser-known grapes, each representing the rich tapestry of Europe's viticultural heritage. From the sun-drenched slopes of Portugal to the misty hills of Germany, join us as we uncork the bottles and savor the flavors of Europe's most intriguing and unusual grape varietals.
Where in Europe shall we start? How about...
Portugal: Touriga Nacional - Known for its role in Port wine production, Touriga Nacional also shines as a dry red wine, boasting intense flavors of dark fruits, violets, and spices. Sercial: the main grape used in Madeira fortified wines.
Spain: Godello - Originating from Galicia in northwestern Spain, Godello produces white wines with a perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness, featuring notes of green apple, pear, and stone fruits. Mencia: Hailing from northwest Spain, particularly the Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra regions, Mencia produces aromatic red wines with flavors of red berries, floral notes, and hints of minerality.
France: Picpoul Blanc - Hailing from the Languedoc region, Picpoul Blanc is a white grape known for its crisp acidity and flavors of lemon, lime, and subtle floral notes, making it an excellent choice for seafood pairings. Trousseau: Originally from the Jura region of France, Trousseau produces light-bodied red wines with flavors of red berries, herbs, and earthiness.
Italy: Nerello Mascalese - Indigenous to Sicily, Nerello Mascalese is a red grape that thrives on the slopes of Mount Etna. It produces elegant red wines with flavors of red berries, floral nuances, and hints of volcanic minerality. Picolit: This is an Italian grape primarily found in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It's used to produce sweet dessert wines with honeyed flavors and floral aromas.
Germany: Blanc de Noir (Weißherbst) - This German term refers to a white wine made from red grape varieties such as Pinot Noir or Dornfelder. Blanc de Noir wines offer a unique twist, with delicate fruit flavors and a pale color reminiscent of a white wine. Müller-Thurgau (sounds like Mueller Turgow), also known as Rivaner, this is Germany's second largest grown white wine grape. When made well, Müller-Thurgau can produce a light, low-acid wine with fresh floral and peach notes.
Greece: Moschofilero - Hailing from the Peloponnese region, Moschofilero is a white grape with vibrant acidity and aromatic qualities. It produces aromatic wines with floral and citrus notes, along with a refreshing crispness. Assyrtiko: A white grape indigenous to the island of Santorini in Greece, Assyrtiko wines are known for their crisp acidity, citrus notes, and minerality, often with a saline character due to the proximity to the sea. Xinomavro: Another Greek grape, Xinomavro produces structured red wines with high acidity, firm tannins, and flavors of red fruits, tomato, and olives.
Austria: Zweigelt - Created in 1922 by crossing Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, Zweigelt is now Austria's most widely planted red grape variety. It produces medium-bodied red wines with flavors of red berries, cherries, and spices. Blaufränkisch: Primarily grown in Austria and parts of Central Europe, Blaufränkisch yields medium to full-bodied red wines with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and spice, along with vibrant acidity.
Georgia: (the country, not the state) Saperavi: This is a dark-skinned grape, it produces deeply colored red wines with rich flavors of dark fruits and spices.
According to this article from Masterclass, there are 10,000 grape varieties out there!
Interesting to know this but also that so so so many that may be fabulous wines but are just unknown. So, what now? It's time to go shopping! Go find some interesting new wine variety and let us know which one and give us your best tasting notes! Cheers!
Comments