Uncommon Grape Varieties
Test your Knowledge on Rare, Uncommon Grape Varieties
Sagrantino:
- Origin: Central Italy
- Characteristics: Deep color, high tannin, and a complex bouquet of dark fruits and earthy notes.
Mencia:
- Origin: Northwestern Spain
- Characteristics: Medium-bodied, with floral aromas, red fruit flavors, and a herbaceous quality.
Tannat:
- Origin: Southwestern France, popular in Uruguay
- Characteristics: Rich and tannic, known for dark, robust flavors with blackberry and spice notes.
Grüner Veltliner:
- Origin: Austria
- Characteristics: Crisp and refreshing, with flavors of green pepper, citrus, and white pepper.
Godello:
- Origin: Northwestern Spain
- Characteristics: Aromatic, with a palate of peach, apricot, and sometimes mineral qualities.
Xinomavro:
- Origin: Greece
- Characteristics: High acidity and tannin levels, flavors of red fruits, olives, and spices.
Albariño:
- Origin: Northwestern Spain and Portugal
- Characteristics: Aromatic, with notes of peach, citrus, and sometimes a saline quality.
Petit Manseng:
- Origin: Southwestern France
- Characteristics: High in acidity, often used for sweet wines, with tropical fruit and honey flavors.
Aglianico:
- Origin: Southern Italy
- Characteristics: Full-bodied, with firm tannins and flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and earth.
Picpoul (Piquepoul):
- Origin: Southern France
- Characteristics: Light and lively, with citrus and floral notes, and a refreshing acidity.
These grape varieties, while less common than the likes of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, offer a unique range of flavors and characteristics that can provide a refreshing change for wine enthusiasts.
