by di Nov 02, 2025 0 comments
Mourvedre's origin comes from Spain where it was/is called Mataro where it loves the hot, dry climate. It's very similar to Cabernet Sauvignon in a lot of ways although not as widely planted in France. It's often used in blends to give structure and backbone especially in Rhône blends with Grenache and Syrah. WHAT:
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by di Nov 01, 2025 0 comments
Tannat is never referred to as a "light and subtle" grape variety! What Tannat brings to the party is muscle, the serious strong type that no one messes with or even makes eye contact with. The name Tannat should tell you enough, resembling the word to tannic, the word used to describe dryness in wine.
by di Sep 30, 2025 0 comments
Carignan has been grown for centuries and it's origin is presumed to be Spanish. It was, at one time, the worlds most heavily planted grape variety although that has long been surpassed - today that title falls to Grenache. Pretty rough on it's own, Carignan needs a blending partner to make it rounded.
With it's origins in Bordeaux, Carménère was mistaken for a long time as Merlot. It's still grown in Bordeaux but it has made it's home in Chile where brilliant examples are being produced. WHAT: Red grape variety producing ruby red wines with medium tannin, med/high acidity and medium body.
Cinsault is also called Cinault and is widely planted throughout southern France (France's 4th most planted grape variety). It is used to add perfume and fruit to wines such as Minervois and Corbières from the Languedoc where it is blended with Grenache and Carignan.
Marsanne & Roussanne are grapes that not a lot of people have heard of but have probably been drinking for years. Both from the Rhône Valley these two grapes are rarely seen apart and are the perfect partners for each other - where one lacks, the other shines - a perfect partnership.
by di Mar 26, 2025 0 comments
Other Whites There are so many different grape varieties out there, too many to have their own page. I've only listed some of the main ones on this site so the rest of them have to find their place here!
Other Reds There are so many different grape varieties out there, too many to have their own page. I've only listed some of the main ones on this site so the rest of them have to find their place here!
by di Mar 21, 2025 0 comments
Viognier It wasn't until recently that Viognier became mainstream in terms of it's popularity, mainly due to varietal description and easy to read labeling on New World wines.
Riesling Mention Riesling to your average wine drinker and the nose will go up straight away in disgust. Even though a lot of new wine drinkers haven't even tried Riesling it's poor reputation proceeds it and it get's left on the shelf.
Sauvignon Blanc A very popular grape variety, Sauvignon Blanc is a name that everyone has heard and most people have drunk. It's easy to drink, refreshing, incredibly food friendly and there is a lot of it on the market.
Chardonnay Some love it, some hate it. Many don't know what it is and others think it's an over syrupy, over oaked Australian white wine. The many faces (especially the last) of Chardonnay have, unfortunately, left it with rather a large hole to climb out of.
Tempranillo Everyone has heard the name Rioja but rarely do people know what Tempranillo is. They are one and the same - or rather they aren't! Rioja is a wine region in northern Spain that produces wines that are Tempranillo based.
Grenache Grenache is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It is responsible for some of the most famous wines around and most people don't even know the name as it is widely blended to make those famous wines. I read somewhere the other day that Grenache is as important in the wine world as Cabernet Sauvignon - and i'd whole-heartedly agree.
Sangiovese Doesn't it sound SO Italian? Sangiovese...It rolls off the tongue so easily, it has to have an Italian accent.
Nebbiolo Talk about surprise in your glass!
Malbec Malbec wine has been around for centuries although it wasn't until recently that it became popular drinking with wines from Argentina taking the stage front and centre.
Gamay "What is it? Never heard of it." That's what most people say when they see Gamay or hear Gamay mentioned but say "Beaujolais" and it's a different story. Most people don't know what Gamay is, how it should taste or how it's made.
Cabernet Franc Another little known grape variety yet one with incredible presence, the Cabernet Franc produces wines that are so easy to drink it's surprising that it isn't more popular than it is.
Shiraz or Syrah One and the same, Shiraz and Syrah continue to be a crowd pleaser all over the world. Shiraz has been made for centuries in Europe and at very much at home in the Rhône Valley where it is the major grape variety in wines such as Côte Rotie and Crozes Hermitage.
