Grapes/Blend

Wine, an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grape juice, is a fascinating product of nature's processes. Yeast, a key player in this process, consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts produce different styles of wine, each with its own unique flavour profile. These variations result from the complex interactions between the grape's biochemical development, the reactions involved in fermentation, the grape's growing environment (terroir), and the production process. Many countries enact legal appellations intended to define the styles and qualities of wine. These typically restrict the geographical origin and permitted varieties of grapes and other aspects of wine production. Wines not made from grapes involve the fermentation of additional crops, including rice wine and various fruit wines such as plum, cherry, pomegranate, currant, and elderberry.

Abbuoto

Abouriou

Aramon

Barbera

Originally from the drops of Piemonte in Italy, Barbera comes in many guises and the wines vary significantly from fruity, tart, light and simple to the more expensive oaked varietals, which have invaded the Piemontese wine scene.

Bordeaux Blend

What's in a Bordeaux red blend? A Bordeaux red blend usually combines two or more of the classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Malbec. A white blend would most likely include at least two from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle Blend. Permitted grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and rarely Carménère.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet franc is a classic medium-bodied red with moderate tannins. The flavor of cabernet franc wines are defined by a balance between red fruits, herbs, and peppery earthiness. Cabernet franc has medium-to-high acidity that makes it refreshingly easy-to-drink.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chocolate, vanilla, black currant, cedar, pepper and high tannins Cabernet Sauvignon is the jet setter of grapes. It travels all over the world, but being a late bloomer, it thrives in warm climates. When it matures, it is famous for intensity and depth of taste, balanced with a solid acidity due to the gentle ripening. The tiny, thick-skinned grape is packed with flavour, dark blue colour and tannins. Grown all over the world, the flavours vary. In France, it is often blended with the softer Merlot or the cooler Cabernet Franc, and is usually a bit higher in acidity. In the southern spheres, such as Chile and California, it is delicious on its own, and is known to be a tad fruitier. Generally speaking Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied with dark fruit flavours and savour

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.

Carménère

In Chile it is considered the national grape and on its own creates beautiful wines, but also makes as a popular blending partner with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Chardonnay

If Chardonnay were a person, she would be a diplomat. As the grape itself does not have a certain taste, it extracts its aroma from the territory where it is grown and can taste significantly diverse, ranging from clean and zesty to buttery, rich, oak-aged wines. It’s also the most planted and (luckily) most popular white grape in the world - for some virtually a synonym to white wine.

Corvina

Corvina is an Italian wine grape variety that is sometimes also referred to as Corvina Veronese or Cruina. The total global wine-growing area in 2010 was 7,495 hectares, all of which is grown in the Veneto region of northeast Italy, except for 19 hectares planted in Argentina.

Corvinone

Croatina

Croatina is a red wine grape primarily grown in northern Italy. Its name means "Croatian girl," and it is believed to have originated in Croatia. Croatina are mildew-resistant, high-yielding grapes typically used to make a fruity varietal wine meant to be drunk young or blended with other varieties like Barbera, Nebbiolo, or Merlot.

Dolcetto

Dolcetto (UK: /dɒlˈtʃɛtoʊ/ dol-CHET-oh,[1] US: /doʊlˈ-/ dohl-,[2][3] Italian: [dolˈtʃetto]) is a black Italian wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The Italian word dolcetto means "little sweet one", but it is not certain that the name originally carried any reference to the grape’s sugar levels: it is possible that it derives from the name of the hills where the vine is cultivated.[4] In any case the wines produced are nearly always dry. They can be tannic and fruity with moderate,[5] or decidedly low,[4] levels of acidity and are typically meant to be consumed within a few years after release.

Gewürztraminer

Glera

Grenache

Grenache Noir or Garnacha, as it is called in Spain, is one of the most widely planted grapes, especially around the Mediterranean. Believed to originate from Spain, this theory has recently been challenged by researches claiming its home to be the island of Sardegna, Italy.

Gruner Veltliner

Grüner Veltliner is a dry white wine that grows almost only in Austria. With flavors of green pepper and lime, Grüner Veltliner is an exotic alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. The name translates to “Green Wine of Veltlin”. Veltlin was an area in the lower Alps during the 1600’s that is now part of Valtellina, Italy.

Malbec

Malbec and Argentina are often used synonymously, but this enticing grape actually originates from France. Malbec never grew to be a French star and was mostly used as one of the six allowed blends in Bordeaux varietals.

Merlese

The red grape variety is a new cross between Sangiovese x Merlot. The crossing took place at the University of Bologna in Italy. The variety protection was granted in 2007. The medium ripening vine is resistant to fungal diseases. It is grown in the Italian regions of Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, Tuscany and Veneto. In 2016, 8 hectares of vines were reported (Kym Anderson statistics).

Merlot

Known as Cabernet Sauvignon’s partner in crime, Merlot is a soft, fleshy and easy to grow grape that ripens easily, which makes it one of the world’s most planted wine grapes. This plummy little chum makes a lovely blend with said partner-in-crime, softening the tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, while adding fruit and flesh to the mix

Mourvedre

This late-ripening and sun-loving grape is often considered a bit of diva, because it requires a lot of patience and attention. Mourvèdre is grown widely, but is most popular in France and Spain. It is believed to originate from Spain, where it is known as Monastrell or Mataró.

Muscadelle

Muscadelle is a white wine grape variety. It has a simple aroma of grape juice and raisins like grapes of the Muscat family of grapes, but it is unrelated. DNA analysis has indicated that Muscadelle is a cross between Gouais blanc and an unidentified grape variety

Muscat bleu

N/A

Nebbiolo

There is a certain mystery surrounding one of Italy’s most admired grapes. Perhaps it is because the name Nebbiolo is believed to derive from the Italian word for fog – nebbia.

Negromaro

Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola is "the most important red wine grape in Sicily" and is one of Italy's most important indigenous varieties. It is named after Avola in the far south of Sicily, and its wines are compared to New World Shirazes, with sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavours. It also contributes to Marsala Rubino blends.

Petit Verdot

Originally from the Bordeaux region, this dark-skinned grape can prove quite a challenge in the vineyard. As an early budding and late-ripening grape, Petit Verdot is susceptible to frosty spring weather and early winter, which makes it difficult to grow.

Pinot Chardonnay

Pinot Grigio

Citrus, pear, melon and fairly dry Although the wines are white the skin of the grape is actually pink. Many wine buffs consider Pinot Grigio to be a product of mass-produced, commercial, bland wines, generally a rather unremarkable experience. This might be an unfair label; nevertheless many Pinot Grigios come off as neutral, tart and flavourless. Generally speaking, Italian Pinot Grigios are fresh and inexpensive, which is also why they are suitable for the mass-market. However, it is also possible to find Italian varietals that unmask the grape’s true character, but you might need to search beyond the supermarket’s wine aisle to find these. In such cases expect wines that are fairly rich with medium acidity and flavours and aromas of citrus, pear and melon. Although the wines are w

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is the French name for the grape that also goes under the Italian name: Pinot Grigio. The names are often used interchangeably, but the wines differ in style and character, like most grapes that are so widely planted.

Pinot Meunier

Pinot Noir

A thin skinned black grape with a preference for cool climate and calcareous-clay soils to show its primer version. A well-travelled grape variety with many synonyms and fans from all around the world. A great tool for sommeliers to accompany a wide range of food which makes up for its difficult growing requirements and being an ultimate test for winemakers.

Primitivo

Primitive is an Italian black grapes vine variety, whose best lands to germinate and produce fruit are the clay and calcareous loams in Apulia. It is particularly spread in the province of Taranto, a city included in the Salentine region situated in the South of Italy, where the climate is hot and dry. Although its origins are uncertain, it is presumed to have been brought from Dalmatia or Croatia to Apulia by the ancient lllyrians, over 2,000 years ago. Almost certainly, it is named Primitive after the Italian term "primo", meaning "first", due to the precocity of its biological cycle, from flowering to the grapes ripening. In fact, unlike the vine varieties with a late ripening time, Primitive grapes are usually harvested between the end of August and the first ten days of September.

Riesling

If white wine grapes held a popularity contest, there is a fair chance that Riesling would take the crown, or certainly be in the top three. Originally from the Rhine region of Germany, this late-ripening and high maintenance grape makes some excellent fruity and mineral wines.

Rondinella

Roussin de Morgex

Roussin de Morgex

Sangiovese

As one of the most famous Italian grapes, Sangiovese sits on throne of the grape kingdom. The number of synonyms and clones that this charmer of a grape counts is many, which is why Sangiovese produces wines that can be quite diverse in taste.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Gris

Semillon

Sémillon is a golden-skinned grape used to make dry and sweet white wines, mostly in France and Australia. Its thin skin and susceptibility to botrytis make it dominate the sweet wine region Sauternes AOC and Barsac AOC

Shiraz/Syrah

This grape is known as Syrah in northern Rhône, France and as Shiraz when grown in Australia. No matter what you call it, there is a Syrah or Shiraz for every palate and every occasion.

Susumaniello

Syrah

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce red wine. In 1999, Syrah was found to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche

Tempranillo

Tinta De Toro

.Tinta de Toro is a Spanish grape variety grown in the region of Toro (Zamora). Its origins date back to Romans times around 2nd century b.C.

Uva Longanesi

Uva Longanesi is a little-known red grape variety from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is one of several wine grapes to have been rediscovered and revived in the region over the past couple of decades, the other notable examples being Uva del Fantini and Centesimino.

Valpolicella Blend

he red wine known as Valpolicella is typically made from three grape varieties: Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Molinara.[6] A variety of wine styles is produced in the area, including a recioto dessert wine and Amarone, a strong wine made from dried grapes. Most basic Valpolicellas are light, fragrant table wines produced in a novello style, similar to Beaujolais nouveau and released only a few weeks after harvest. Valpolicella Classico is made from grapes grown in the original Valpolicella production zone. Valpolicella Superiore is aged at least one year and has an alcohol content of at least 12 percent. Valpolicella Ripasso is a form of Valpolicella Superiore made with partially dried grape skins that have been left over from fermentation of Amarone or recioto.[5]

Vermentino nero

Vermentino nero

Viogneir

Zinfandel

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