Poll

Grape Varietals

Abouriou	A variety found in France’s Southwest region particularly in the Cotes du Marmandais.
Aglianico	A red grape variety of ancient origin, likely Greek. A favorite among Roman and Greek scholars. Grown primarily in Central and South Italy most notably in Campania and Basilicata. The resulting wines are most often medium to full-bodied and sturdy. Taurasi and Aglianico del Vulture are the most recognized wines.
Albana	A white grape native to Italy’s Romagna Hills in Emilia-Romagna. It is a high acid variety that is most commonly used to produce dry whites and contributes to semisweet and sparkling wines.
Albariño	A white variety best known for it's resulting crisp and fruity wines produced in the Rias Baixas zone in Galicia (NW Spain). It is also grown in Portugal where it is sometimes known as Alvarinho.
Aleatico	A red variety of Italian origin typically used most often for sweet dessert wines such as Aleatico di Gradoli in Latium and Aleatico di Puglia from Apulia.
Alicante Bouchet	A red variety, originally from Spain, used in France's Burgundy region to add color to Burgundy blends. Also used in central California primarily for table wines. While this is a variety that is known for adding heft to wines, it is capable of making remarkable wines.
Aligote	A white wine grape used in various blends in many countries but best known for its fruity, light wines from Burgundy in France where it is the second most important white grape.
Arneis	A white variety grown in the Italian region of Piedmont where it produces primarily dry, zesty, and fruity wines.
Auxerrois	The local name for Malbec in Cahors, France.
Auxerrois Blanc	Synonymous with Pinot Blanc.
Bacchus (grape)	A white hybrid variety that is a cross of Muller-Thurgau, Riesling, and Sylvaner. A very popular variety in Germany.
Baco Noir	A French hybrid wine variety, used primarily in the eastern USA for dry, red table wines.
Barbera	A tremendous red variety native to Italy's Piedmont region where it enjoys DOC status. Barbera follows Sangiovese as Italy’s most widely planted variety. It was once a very popular variety in California where it often produced wines of distinction. Sadly, Barbera planting in California has been greatly diminished.
Biancolella	A very old varietal found sparingly in Campania being used in the production of Ischia DOC.
Blaufrankisch	Austria's best known and most successful red variety. Once thought to be France's Gamay but this belief was proven false. It is grown in Germany where it is know as Limberger or Lemberger.
Bombino Bianco	The primary variety of Apulia’s San Servo Bianco. Bombino Bianco is also grown in Abruzzi.
Bombino Nero	The primary variety of Apulia’s Castel del Monte Rosato.
Bonarda	A red variety native to Piedmont’s Novara Hills where it contributes to several DOC wines. Bonarda is also widely planted in Argentina. Many believe it to be synonymous with Charbono grown in California.
Brachetto	A red variety most commonly used to produce sparkling, semisweet, red wines in Piedmont.
Cabernet Franc	Cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon, with many similarities, both in the vineyard and in the wine bottle or tank. One of the big three varieties in Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot being the others). This variety is also very important France’s Loire.
Cabernet Sauvignon	A noble and omnipresent red variety native to Bordeaux but has since been cooped by virtually every wine producing nation in the world. When grown in ideal soils and climates (such as Bordeaux) Cabernet Sauvignon can produce wines of incredible strength and elegance. Conversely, it is such a commercial quantity that growers often give little consideration to climate.
Calabrese	Synonymous with Nero d’Avola.
Canaiolo	Red variety, grown in Tuscany and most recognized for its contributions to Chianti where it is second to Sangiovese. There also exists a white sibling variety albeit in small relative quantities.
Cannonau	The primary red Varietal of Sardinia where it is used in the production of both dry and sweet wines. Cannonau is synonymous with France’s Grenache and Spain’s Granacha.
Carignan	A red variety widely planted in the Midi in southern France. The variety is presently in greater favor in California where it is often known as Carignane.
Carmenere	A red variety that was once widely planted in Bordeaux but is now quite scarse in the appellation. The variety is gaining popularity in Chile.
Carricante	The primary varietal in Sicily’s Etna Bianco.
Catawba	An American hybrid wine grape grown in the eastern USA wine regions and used to make sparkling wines, rose and very fruity white wines.
Cayuga White	An American hybrid white grape grown in the eastern USA wine regions. In the right hands this variety can produce wines with more finesse and complexity than many Native American varieties.
Chambourcin	A French/American red hybrid grape grown extensively in northern US states and Canada. It is considered by many to be one of the best hybrid varieties producing wines with deep color, expressive aromatics and lacking the simple, “grapey” flavors associated with native American varieties.
Chancellor	A French-American hybrid red variety that was once used extensively in France’s Rhone Valley. It is now most commonly grown throughout the eastern USA It produces a fruity, medium bodied red wine.
Charbono	A red variety of Italian origin, many believe it to be Dolcetto, which was once modestly available in California. Sadly, scandalously under produced and under appreciated. The wines are fruity while firm and potentially tannic with balancing acidity. Please... somebody get some guts and grow more of this stuff! (Check out Robert Foley Vineyards for a great example)
Chardonnay	Clearly the world’s most popular white wine variety, so much so that in the US it virtually synonymous with white wine. The sole component of the top whites from France’s Burgundy region and a key component to Champagne. It is hard to find a wine producing nation that does not grow Chardonnay.
Chasselas	A white variety of confused origins that is grown around the world. It is almost always used in blends with the exception of Switzerland where it has been used to create light, pleasant wines. Chasselas is also found in France’s Savoie and Alsace regions.
Chenin Blanc	White variety widely planted in many regions of the world but most famously in Vouvray (France, Loire Valley). Chenin Blanc has great floral and fruit qualities while possessing tremendous natural acidity. The best made examples can age gracefully for decades.
Ciliegiolo	A red varietal of central Italy, primarily Tuscany and Umbria. The variety was nearly extinct until its recent revival. Ciliegiolo’s origins are unknown although most evidence points to Spain.
Cinsault	A popular red variety widely grown in Southern France including the Southern Rhone where it can be found in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Colombard	A prolific white variety that is the major component of many “generic” white wines. Colombard (often called French Colombard) is also an important player in the production of brandy most notably Armagnac, and Cognac to a lesser degree.
Concord	Most of you are probably most familiar with Concord in your jellies and jams or perhaps in your kids grape juice. Concord is used in northeast USA to produce fruity wines most often purchased in tasting rooms in quaint New York and New England wineries.
Cortese	A popular and ancient white variety grown in Italy’s Piedmont region where it produces the DOC Gavi.
Corvina	A popular and greatly significant red variety grown in Italy’s Veneto region and throughout the northeast. Corvina is the primary grape responsible for Valpolicella (including Amarone) and Bardolino. The quality movement in these areas has resulted in a new appreciation for Corvina recognizing it as one of Italy’s noble red grapes.
Cot	The Loire (France) local name for Malbec.
Croatina	Synonymous with Bonarda. The primary red varietal in Oltrepo Pavese.
De Chaunac	A red French-American hybrid that is technically known as Seibel 9549. It is most often seen in the Northeast USA and Canada. The wines are fruity and low in tannin often used in blends if at all.
Delaware	A popular American variety of the Lambusca family. The skins are bright pink when ripe but the subsequent wines are most often white. It takes the name from the Ohio town where it was discovered. Widely used in New York where it is used in the production of sparkling wines mostly in up=state districts.
Dolcetto	A popular red variety grown in Italy’s Piedmont region where it produces varietally labeled wines grown primarily in and around the towns of Alba and Asti. The resulting wines are softer, fruitier, and less tannic than the region's best known varieties, Nebbiolo, and Barbera.
Durella	A white variety used in Italy’s Northeast.
Dutchess	A New York native variety and member of the Lambrusca family. It grows very well but is not as hearty in cold weather as many other native varieties. The flavors tend to be clean and fresh without the foxy notes found in many Lambrusca grapes.
Elvira	A white Labrusca variety that appears to have come from Missouri. A very hearty variety that is most often used as a blending grape.
Falanghina	An ancient white variety grown primarily in Italy’s Campania region. The wines are quite unique being fruity and exotic while crisp with bright acidity.
Fiano	An ancient white varietal, known as Apianum to the Romans and Vitis Apiana due to the fact that the sweet grapes are irresistible to bees. Fiano is used most prominently in Campania’s Fiano di Avellino.
Folle Blanche	White grape variety, used in several countries for table wines, but with better success when those wines are distilled into brandy, perhaps most notably in Armagnac. Although not widely used in any country, the wines can be very nice noted for its tremendous aromatic qualities.
Forastera	A white variety found in Campania.
Freisa	A red varietal native to Piedmont where it contributes to dry and sparkling wines.
Gaglioppo	An ancient variety that is both flavorful and delicate reminiscent of fresh crushed wild berries. Gaglioppo is popular in Italy’s Calabria region where it produces the great DOC Ciro and Donnici as well as contributing to many other wines of the region.
Gamay	A red variety, grown throughout the world but especially known in the Beaujolais region of France. Gamay is most often fruity and soft best consumed young. In the crus of Beaujolais, Gamay produces wines with great depth and character and can pass its self off as Pinot Noir. (try this, it's fun)
Garganega	A white variety native to northwest Italy where it is primarily responsible for the famous Soave among other wines of the Veneto region.
Gewurztraminer	This great white variety hails from Pfalz, Germany and perhaps reaches its greatest potential in the Alsace region of France where it produces dry wines that are very fruity, complex, spiced, and uniquely aromatic.
Grenache	A prolific red variety that is essential to the great wines of the southern Rhone including the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It is also responsible for some of the best Rose wines from the south of France. Grenache is also widely planted in Spain where it is known as Garnacha.
Grignolino	A red variety that was once a fashionable variety in Italy’s Piedmont region where it still is employed to produce light, fruity wines near the town of Asti.
Gruner Veltliner	Perhaps Austria’s most popular white variety where it produces wines with great orchard fruit notes complimented by a healthy dose of minerality.
Iona	Native American wine grape variety developed as a hybrid in New York. It has a “foxy” or labrusca type flavor, but is more subdued than others and can be used effectively in a blend for sparkling wines.
Isabella	American wine grape variety, used primarily in blends for sparkling wines in New York State and other eastern American wine regions. Although the grape skin is dark, it doesn't often produce big, heavily colored wines. Other hybrid varieties have been produced by crossing Isabella with still other varieties.
Johannisberg Riesling	(pronounced rees-ling) Synonym for White Riesling, this grape is responsible for wines of the same name in California. In Australia, wines from the same grape are called “Rhine Riesling.” The most famous regions in the world where this grape is grown for wine are along the Rhine and Mosel rivers in Germany. (The name Johannisberg Riesling comes from the fact that many superb riesling wines have been produced by the Schloss Johannisberg estate near the Rhine river.) Susceptible to noble rot (Botrytis), this grape has produced some of the world's finest dessert wines.
Kerner	A white hybrid developed in 1969. It is a cross of Riesling and Schiava Grossa (aka Trollinger) which is actually a red variety. Kerner is prized for its early ripening, deep flavors, and bright acidity. In the hands of a careful grower Kerner can be very much like its parent, Riesling. This hybrid is now finding favor outside of its native Germany notably in British Columbia and the North of Italy.
Lagrein	A red variety long appreciated in Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige district.
Lambrusco	Red wine grape variety and also the name of the wine produced from the same grape. Not to be confused with Labrusca (though it sometimes is). Produced in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, Lambruscos are lightly sparkling red wines, usually sweet, light, fruity and pleasant to drink especially at a BBQ or a picnic.
Lemberger	Synonymous with Blaufrankisch Lemberger produces thick and sturdy wines at a handful of USA wineries.
Macabeo	A white variety native to Spain. It is synonimous with Viura and is widley planted in Rioja and Penedes where it is used to produce Cava.
Malbec	One of the five major red varieties of Bordeaux and the solo performer in Cahors, the under appreciated wine of southwest France. It is widely planted in Argentina where it produces deep, dense, wines often displaying both finesse and intensity.
Malmsey	English name for the Malvasia grape variety of Italy and Malvoisie of France and Portugal. The reason it is important to the English is that it is used to make Madeira wines (from the same variety) on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Marsanne	A popular white variety from France's northern Rhone region where it is an important blending component. Marsanne has gained popularity in the New World in recent decades where it produces dry, fruity wines with great aromatic qualities.
Mataro	Synonymous with. Mourvedre.
Merlot	Merlot is an essential varietal in France’s Bordeaux region where it at times takes the lead role away from Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is most often softer, and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon requiring less aging to achieve peak quality. Merlot has also become an essential varietal in many New World wines being both blended with Cabernet and a solo performer.
Molinara	An important red blending variety in Italy's Veneto region where it is prized for its firm acidity. Most notably used in Valpolicella.
Monastrell	A popular red variety throughout Spain. It was once believed to be related to Mourvedre but this has recently been proven to be false.
Montepulciano (d’Abruzzo)	An ancient and increasingly popular variety grown in central and south Italy. Quite confusingly, this variety has no relation to the Tuscan town of the same name that is produced from Sangiovese.
Mourvedre	Red wine variety grown in warm climates in the south of France where it is often blended with Cinsault and Grenache. Known also as Mataro in California, Mourvedre has earned a cult following here thanks largely to the "Rhone Rangers."
Muller-Thurgau	White wine grape originally produced by crossing the Riesling variety with Sylvaner. Now probably the most abundant grape variety in Germany. It is also planted widely in Alsace and in many other regions of the world, including Oregon, South Africa, coastal California, Austria, Australasia and Chile.
Muscadet	Not to be confused with Muscat or Muscatel, this is another name for the Melon de Burgogne grape. The vineyards using Muscadet are in the lower Loire, in Brittany, France. The wines are crisp, and light and an ideal companion to shellfish and seafood of the region.
Muscat	A white, spicy, and aromatic variety or more precicely a family of grapes that are often used for sweet wines but can produce dry whites as well.
Nebbiolo	One of Italy’s most noble red varieties. Most prominent in the Piedmont region where it is responsible for the tremendous DOCG wines Barolo and Barbaresco as well as the lesser appreciated Gattinara and Ghemme. Synonymous with Spanna.
Negroamaro	An increasingly popular variety from Italy’s Apulia region. Grown throughout the south of Italy where it produces fruity, dark, and often assertive wines.
Nero d’Avola	Sicily’s most noted red variety now grown in several southern Italian regions. Growing in popularity thanks to a good number of exports sold at value prices. Synonymous with Calabrese.
Niagara	White hybrid American wine grape. The flavor is one of the strongest of all the American wine grapes now used for wine. A little goes a long way.
Norton	American hybrid grape variety, not as strongly flavored as others and, because of that, better suited to winemaking. Doesn't age as well as many vinifera varieties, however.
Petit Manseng	This white grape originates from the Jurancon district in Southwestern France. Petit Manseng is prized for its unique aromatic qualities offering scents reminiscent of cinnamon and brown spices with sweet tropical fruits. To our knowledge, wines made from this variety can be found only in the state of Virginia.
Petit Verdot	A dark and intense variety found in France’s Bordeaux region. In years past Petite Verdot playing a significant role in the wines of Bordeaux but today it is typically a small portion of the blend if included at all.
Petite Sirah	A red variety with great popularity in California. Once a variety of mysterious origins it is now commonly believed to be synonimous with France's Durif. Petite Sirah produces dark, robust, and somewhat tannic wines.
Pinot Bianco	Synonymous with Pinot Blanc. This variety is typically found in Italy’s northern regions.
Pinot Blanc	A popular and successful white variety widely grown in France's Alsace region where it is noted for its dry, crisp wines. Grown in Austria where it is known as Blau Burgunder and northern Italy where it is known as Pinot Bianco.
Pinot Grigio	Synonymous with Pinot Gris. Perhaps Italy’s most popular export white variety where it produces wines of varying interest.
Pinot Gris	A white variety of confused origin grown with great success in France's Alsace region. It is planted in many countries and has had some success in then US Pacific Northwest.
Pinot Meunier	A red variety most noted for its work in Champagne coupling with Pinot Noir to create Blanc de Noir as well as other house blends.
Pinot Nero	Synonimous with Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir	A noble red variety from France's Burgundy region, as well as being an essential player in Champagne, where it produces some of the world's most famous and pricey wines. Pinot Noir is planted throughout the world with varying degrees of success. The Hollywood movie sideways did what wine marketers failed to do by making Pinot Noir a household name.
Pinotage	A red hybrid of some fame in South Africa. A cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut released in 1925. Recently it has been used with varying degrees of success in the US, Canada, and New Zealand.
Primativo	A successful and robust red variety from Italy’s Apulia region. It was once, and still is in some quarters, believed to be California’s Zinfandel. Primitivo is gaining in popularity as many new labels, often available at competitive prices, have found there way to US stores and restaurants.
Prosecco	A white variety best known for the fresh, crisp sparkling wines produced in Italy’s Veneto region.
Riesling	Without doubt one of the world’s greatest white wine varieties. Native to Germany and grown throughout the world enjoying it’s greatest success at home and in France’s Alsace region.
Rodinella	A native red grape of Italy’s Veneto region and an important component of Valpolicella/Amarone second only to Corvina. Rodinella contributes deep color and weight to the red wines of Veneto.
Roussanne	A white varietal important to France’s Northern Rhone region.
Sangiovese	Italy’s most planted varietal as well as one of its most noble red grapes. Sangiovese is famously used in Tuscany where it is the primary variety of Chianti. Various clonal varieties produce Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and many others. Sangiovese is used throughout Italy but rarely grown with any real success outside of Italy.
Sauvignon Blanc	White grape, second only to Chardonnay for table wines in many quarters. Used around the world for its ability to produce fine wines in regions a little too warm for the best Chardonnays. Often blended with its sister variety, Semillon. See Sancerre and Graves.
Semillon	One of the primary white wine grapes of the Bordeaux area (Graves and Sauternes). It doesn't have a large following in the US, but it should. Some of my favorite white wines are not the Chardonnay currently in vogue, but dry table wine made from Semillon. Now used in blends with Chardonnay by California wineries.
Seyval Blanc	French Hybrid" grape variety grown primarily in France and in the eastern USA. The wines can be quite good when carefully produced.
Sylvaner	A light variety that is quite prolific on the vine. It produces primarily bulk whites in France and Germany.
Syrah	Also spelled Sirah, (and Shiraz) this is a red wine grape, grown in France’s Rhone region where it primarily responsible for the wines of the Northern Rhone and important in blends in the Southern Rhone. Syrah has enjoyed much success in the New World being a staple varietal in the USA and Australia.
Tannat	A minor player as a red varietal in the south of France. Tannat is growing in popularity in South America.
Tempranillo	A noble red variety used with great success in Spain and to a lesser degree in Portugal. Some have likened Tempranillo's flavor to a rustic and robust Pinot Noir. It is known by several other names including Tinto de Toro
Tocai Friulano	A widely grown white variety in the Italian region of Fruili. Its wines are floral and crisp with nutty like flavors.
Torrontes	A white variety of growing popularity used most notably in Argentina. The wines are fragrant and floral with Viognier like characteristics.
Trebbiano	The Italian equivalent of the French Ugni Blanc or Saint Emilion. This is a workhorse grape, being grown all over Italy, in Cognac (for Brandy), and in southern France as well as in a large number of other countries around the world. The wines are dry and crisp, with a distinctive, rather harsh varietal flavor unless there is enough heat summation to fully ripen the grapes. It is surprising that the grape has not been successful anywhere in California, despite the fact of its being considered a standard in many Italian vineyards.
Verdelho	A white variety grown throughout Portugal but best known for it’s use in Madeira where it lends its name to a fortified wine it produces. It is also cultivated in Portugal’s Douro Valley where it is known as Gouvelo. Verdelho is also grown throughout Australia. It was originally brought there to produce sweet, fortified wines but it has recently made its fame producing spicy, dry white wines of note.
Verdicchio	An ancient white variety of distinction most prominently used in Italy’s Marches.
Vermentino	A white variety producing unique wines from Tuscany to Sardinia and Liguria.
Vernaccia	A white variety of some distinction most notably known for its wines produced in and near the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Vidal Blanc	A hybrid white grape variety developed by Frenchman Jean Louis Vidal in the 1930s. Vidal Blanc is a cross of Ugni Blanc and Rayon d'Or. It is noted for its ability to produces substantial sugar levels in cool climates while maintaining good acid levels. In the right hands Vidal Blanc can produce wines on par with vinifera varieties. Although developed for potential use in France’s Cognac region it is widely planted in US eastern states and Canada.
Viognier	Grape variety used for white wine blends in the Rhone Valley of France and most notably Condrieu. Viognier wines are often unique showing exotic flavors making this variety a hit in the New World as well with plantings and labels growing annually.
White Riesling	True name of the so-called Johannisberg Riesling or Rhine Riesling grape and its wines. Viewed at a distance in the field, there is a distinctly whitish natural cast on the fruit as if powdered by a Japanese make-up artist. Immediately recognizable, this grape looks like no other on the vine.
Zinfandel	Zinfandel is an important red varietal in California known both for its sturdy, intense, and rustic reds as well as light, and fruity rosé wines. For years the origins of this varietal were greatly debated but it has been proven (to some degree) that Zinfandel is related to Italy’s Primitivo both decedents of Croatia’s Plavac Mali.