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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Tannat
Tannat 🍷 Photo by Doris Schneider on Wikimedia Commons The Tannat ( tahn-naht ) grape originated in the Madiran region of South West France, where it has been grown for centuries. In the late 19th century, Basque immigrants carried the vine to Uruguay. Today, Tannat is the national signature grape of Uruguay, thriving in its coastal climate and producing softer styles of wine than its French counterparts. It is also grown in smaller amounts in places like California, Virginia, and Australia. Tannt’s name comes from the local French word for "tanned," referencing both its dark skin color. Wines made from Tannat will have aromas and flavors like blackberries, dark plums, and black currants. Additionally, there may be hints of dark chocolate, licorice, spices, and smoke. Because it naturally contains a very high amount of seed and skin compounds called tannins, the wine can feel quite drying in your mouth when it is young. This high amount of tannins gives Tannat an exceptional ability t
by Marc Kirkpatrick3 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Syrah
Syrah 🍷 Photo by Stephan Ridgway on Wikimedia Commons The Syrah ( Sih-RAH ) grape was originally linked to ancient Persia or Egypt. However, DNA testing in 1998 proved that Syrah originated in France. It naturally occurred when two grape varieties from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche, naturally crossed. Today, Syrah is grown all over the world. Its traditional home remains the northern Rhône Valley in France. It is also grown in Australia, where winemakers call it Shiraz. There, some of the oldest continually producing Syrah vines in the world can be found, with some planted back in 1843. You can also find it growing in large quantities across California, Washington state, South Africa, Chile, and Spain. Wines made from Syrah have aromas of dark fruits and may also include dried herbs, black pepper and licorice. On the palate, wines made from Syrah can have flavors of dark fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and black plums. They can also have notes of black pepper
by Marc Kirkpatrick6 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Semillon
Sémillon 🥂 Photo by Alison Parks-Whitfield on Wikimedia Commons Sémillon ( seh-mee-yohn ) is a yellow-skinned grape native to Bordeaux, France, where it has been grown for hundreds of years. The name likely comes from the local pronunciation of Saint-Émilion (san-tay meel-yohn). By the 1800s, the grape traveled to South Africa and Australia, where it quickly became a major crop. France remains the top producer. Australia’s Hunter Valley is another major region, famous for crisp, single-variety Semillon. You can also find this grape in Chile, South Africa, Argentina, Canada, and the United States, mostly in California and Washington. Sémillon wine has aromas and flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, and pear. Sweeter versions, or those from warmer climates, taste like honey, apricot, peach, and mango. If aged in oak barrels, the wine takes on flavors of vanilla and toasted bread. Sémillon is also used in creating sweet dessert wines through a helpful fungus called noble rot. This fungus
by Marc Kirkpatrick14 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc (Part 2)
Sauvignon Blanc 🥂 Photo: Geolina163 & 1971markus on Wikimedia Commons Last time we looked at Sauvignon Blanc - its history, aromas and flavors. Now, let’s take a look at two different growing regions for Sauvignon Blanc: California and New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine made from the same grape variety, but the wines produced in California and New Zealand are different because of their climates. California Sauvignon Blanc generally comes from a warmer climate, which alters how the grapes ripen on the vine. The warm weather causes the grapes to develop higher sugar levels and lower natural sharpness, or acidity. As a result, the final wine usually features dominant flavors of ripe fruits like melon, peach, and citrus. The texture of the wine tends to be smoother and less sharp on the tongue. In contrast, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is mostly grown in the Marlborough region, which has a much cooler ocean climate combined with high levels of sunlight. The cool nights keep the n
by Marc Kirkpatrick14 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc (Part 1)
Sauvignon Blanc 🥂 Photo by Nathan on Wikimedia Commons The name originates from the French words sauvage ("wild") and vigne ("vine"). Native to western France, written records document its cultivation in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux by the 18th century. It is a natural cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes. Today, winemakers grow it throughout the world. France produces lean, high-acid styles, while New Zealand's Marlborough region focuses on highly aromatic, pungent styles. California produces both crisp styles and barrel-aged varieties, while Chile, South Africa, and South Australia also maintain significant commercial production. Sauvignon Blanc wines have notes of green grass, lime, and green bell pepper. Warmer climates yield tropical fruit profiles like passion fruit and peach. On the palate, it is a dry wine with a light body and bright acidity. Winemakers use two main methods: unoaked (fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit and acidity) and oaked (ag
by Marc Kirkpatrick11 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Sangiovese
Sangiovese 🍷 Photo by Agne27 on Wikimedia Commons Sangiovese is the most widely planted red wine grape in Italy. The name comes from Latin words meaning " the blood of Jupiter ," which shows that people have grown it since ancient Roman times. Its main home is the Tuscany region of Italy, where winemakers use it to make famous wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Today, farmers also grow this grape in other warm parts of the world, including California, Washington State, and South Australia. Aromas include red cherry, strawberry, and dried herbs. On the palate, it has flavors of tart cherry, plum and blackberry. It is naturally high in acidity, which makes the wine taste crisp. It also has medium-high tannins. The aging potential of the wine depends on how the winemaker made it. Simple, inexpensive bottles are meant to be consumed within 3 to 5 years of the harvest. High-quality bottles can age in a cellar for 10 to 20 years. Serve Sangiovese at 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C).
by Marc Kirkpatrick13 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Picpoul
Picpoul 🥂 Photo by Marianne Casamance on Wikimedia Commons The ancient Picpoul wine grape originates in France's Languedoc region, with records dating back to the 1300s. Its name translates to " lip-stinger " in the traditional Occitan language, referencing the grape's exceptionally sharp, high natural acidity. Today, its home remains the coastal Picpoul de Pinet appellation in France. Winemakers also use it as a minor blending component in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while New World producers grow small amounts in Paso Robles, California, Texas, and Australia's McLaren Vale. Picpoul “Neptune” Bottle Authentic French bottles are easily recognized by the proprietary green "Neptune" bottle, which features a raised wave pattern near the neck. This maritime design mirrors its reputation as the ultimate "oyster wine," perfectly cutting through raw shellfish. In the glass, this bone-dry, light-bodied white wine delivers an intensely clean profile. The nose offers crisp aromas of green apple, citru
by Marc Kirkpatrick10 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Pinot Noir Part 2
Pinot Noir 🍷 Photo by Ursula Brühl, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) on Wikimedia Commons Last time we looked at the Pinot Noir grape and the various countries where it is grown. Now, let’s look at two specific countries — the U.S. and New Zealand. 🇺🇸 The United States: Coastal Coolers In the U.S., Pinot Noir thrives primarily in California and Oregon, relying on marine fog and ocean breezes to cool the delicate vines. Russian River Valley (Sonoma County): A natural funnel for Pacific fog, this legendary region produces luxurious, universally loved wines. They are famously lush, silky, and fruit-forward—bursting with ripe red cherry, plum, and signature undertones of warm baking spices like cola and nutmeg. The San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles Corridor: This area highlights a dramatic contrast on California’s Central Coast. The Edna Valley AVA is a cool-climate paradise where an east-west valley funnels freezing ocean air to create an extended growing season. It yields remarkably balanced, m
by Marc Kirkpatrick13 viewsgrape-varieties - news
Grenache, a great grape: what wine does it make and which to drink?
Grenache is one of the world’s most planted grape varieties, but it is often used in blends, e.g. “GSM” (grenache, syrah, mourvèdre). It deserves more attention on its own since it can make outstanding wines of all colours and types, red, white, rosé, dry, sweet, even sparkling. I have, on several occasions, participated as a […] Continue reading: Grenache, a great grape: what wine does it make and which to drink? The post Grenache, a great grape: what wine does it make and which to drink? was originally published on BKWine Magazine and written by Per Karlsson . Copyright BKWine and BKWine Magazine. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission. BKWine Magazine - Wine on the internet since 1996 Read more: On BKWine’s Wine Tours: Wine and food tours to the world’s wine regions | BKWine Tours Om BKWines Vinresor och matresor: Världens bästa vinresor och matresor | BKWine Vinresor On BKWine’s Wine Photography: Photography on Wine, Food and Travel
by Per Karlsson16 viewsgrape-varietiesforbesfrancegrenacheitalyspain - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc 🥂 Photo by The Mighty Quill on Wikimedia Commons Pinot Blanc (pee-noh blahnk) originated centuries ago in Burgundy, France. It is not a separate grape species, but a natural, white-skinned color mutation of the red Pinot Noir grape. In fact, it shares the exact same genetic DNA fingerprint as Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. It wasn't until 1895 that grape experts officially identified Pinot Blanc as its own distinct variety. Eventually, Burgundy phased it out in favor of Chardonnay. Today, Pinot Blanc thrives in cool-climate vineyards across Europe and the New World, changing its name and personality depending on where it is grown. For example, in France, it serves as the base for Crémant d'Alsace which is France's most popular non-Champagne sparkling wine. In Germany, it is known locally as Weissburgunder. And, in Italy, it’s called Pinot Bianco. The Pinot Blanc grape produces medium to full-bodied white wines with aromas of green apple, lemon zest, pear with floral notes. On
by Marc Kirkpatrick17 viewsgrape-varieties - news
White grapes quiz: 12 questions to test your wine knowledge
Take our latest quiz...
by Amy Wislocki16 viewswinegrape-varieties - news
Gran Selezione: Chianti Classico's 100-point milestone
Coming of age at last...
by Michaela Morris20 viewsitalysangiovesetuscanyvintage-guideswinewine-regions - news
Ten Pinot Noirs from Sonoma that will appeal to every palate
A democratic variety...
by Ana Carolina Quintela19 viewsusacaliforniasonomapinot-noirwinewine-regions - news
Heitz Cellar masterclass: DFWE New York 2026
Tasting back to 1979…
by Jonathan Cristaldi20 viewsnapa-valleycabernet-sauvignonwinewine-regionsusacalifornia - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah 🍷 Image Courtesy of Noble Roots Nursery Petite Sirah ( peh-teet-sear-ah ) was created by French botanist Dr. François Durif in the mid-1860s in an attempt to develop a vine resistant to mildew. The grape is also known as Durif in honor of its originator. Unfortunately, the grape was largely discarded in France because its tight clusters were prone to rot in wet weather. The grape was imported to Northern California in 1884. Today, more than 80% of the world’s planting of Petite Sirah are in California. Petite Sirah is not the same as Syrah and is distinct from petit syrah which French growers use to describe small-berried clones of true Syrah. Because the Petite Sirah berry (i.e., grape) is so small, it has a very high skin-to-juice ratio. This results in wines that are opaque with inky black-purple color. Aromas include blueberry, violets, dark chocolate and black tea. Flavors tend toward to black fruit such as blackberry and sugarplum along with cracked black pepper. Be
by Marc Kirkpatrick17 viewsgrape-varieties - news
The ethical drinker: Join the resistance and give hybrid grapes a chance
Do you know your Souvignier Gris from your Cabernet Cortis? Sustainability editor Natalie Earl explores the rise and symbolism of disease-resistant hybrid grapes via an innovative micro-négociant project in southern France's Languedoc.
by Natalie Earl23 viewsgrape-varietieslanguedoc-roussillonwinewine-regionswestern-europefrance - news
Three reasons to start drinking Albana, Romagna's signature white grape
Romagna's golden grape...
by Amy Beth Wright16 viewsgrape-varietiesitalywinewine-regionswestern-europe - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo 🍷 Photo by Hanna on Wikimedia Commons Nebbiolo ( neb-ee-oh-low ) is one of Italy’s top red wine grapes, most famous for its role in the Piedmont ( pyeh-MON-teh ) region. Nebbiolo is ancient royalty. The first written record of the grape dates all the way back to 1268 in a document from the Rivoli region of Piedmont. It has been beloved by Italian nobility, popes, and kings for over 700 years. The name Nebbiolo comes from "nebbia," the Italian word for fog. This may come from the late October harvest, when it is typical for a thick fog to roll through the valleys and blanket the Piedmont hillsides. Or, just as likely, it refers to the fact that the grapes develop a milky, fog-like white powder (called bloom) over their dark skins as they mature. While Nebbiolo is the grape, you’ll also see wines produced from this grape labeled as “Barolo” and “Barbaresco.” These are specific Italian regions that are legally required to use 100% Nebbiolo grapes. In the glass, wines made from N
by Marc Kirkpatrick21 viewsgrape-varieties - news
World Verdejo Day
Top-scoring Verdejo wines to celebrate World Verdejo Day...
by Martin Green17 viewsspaindecanter-world-wine-awardsgrape-varietieswhite-winewinewine-regions - news
Apollo’s Praise: Meeting New York's most exciting new producer
Sing paeans, muse, of golden wines...
by Maiah Johnson Dunn19 viewsusanew-yorkrieslingwinewine-regionsgrape-varieties - news
Experience the exciting new wave of California Zinfandel with these 18 wines
An American classic reborn...
by Clive Pursehouse20 viewswineusacaliforniazinfandelwine-regionsred-wine - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Mourvedre
Mourvèdre & Monastrell🍷 Photo by Pancrat on Wikimedia Commons Mourvèdre is a thick-skinned, late-ripening red wine grape native to Spain, where it is known as Monastrell. Though it originated on the Iberian Peninsula, it has also found a famous secondary home along France’s Mediterranean coast and Southern Rhône Valley. In Spain, Monastrell is frequently bottled as a single-varietal wine. In France, however, Mourvèdre (moohr-VED-ruh) is rarely bottled alone; instead, it is blended with Grenache and Syrah to create famous GSM wines. Monastrell (moh-nah-STRELL) wines from Spain’s hot, intensely arid, and semi-desert environments are very fruit-forward, smooth, and tend to be high in alcohol. Aromas include blackberry, dark chocolate, licorice, and smoke. GSM blends from France incorporate Mourvèdre to add structure and deep color to Grenache and Syrah. These full-bodied wines have medium acidity and medium-to-high tannins. This blend yields a complex mix of red fruit flavors (like ripe
by Marc Kirkpatrick24 viewsgrape-varieties - news
A Tour of Wine Grapes: Montepulciano
Montepulciano 🍷 Photo by Ra Boe on Wikimedia Commons Montepulciano (mon-tay-pull-chee-anno") is an Italian grape, mostly found in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Although the Montepulciano grape shares its name with the Montepulciano region in Italy, the grape is from the Abruzzo region while the Montepulciano region is known for the Sangiovese grape. Are you still with me? The modern era for the grape truly began in 1968 with the official creation of the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC . Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a very dark skinned grape. In fact, its skin is so rich in color pigments, the juice is instantly an opaque purple upon crushing whereas most red wines get their color from long soaking periods with the juice in contact with the skins (i.e., maceration). Wines produced from the Montepulciano grape can have two styles. The medium-bodied wine is the standard. Everyday versions are aged in stainless steel. The full-bodied style is achieved through longer maceration periods and aging
by Marc Kirkpatrick24 viewsgrape-varieties - news
New Zealand Pinot Noir 2026 – Vertdevin
New Zealand Pinot Noir is now recognized as one of the most promising in the world. From Martinborough to Central Otago, discover the regions, styles, and fascinating history of this exceptional grape variety inspired by Burgundy.
by Lola Mulard33 viewsnewsata-rangiburgundycentral-otagogrape-varietiesinternational-wines