Category: Loire Valley

What grape is that….?

Some grapes you may have heard of or wondered about……

CANAIOLO is a red grape found in central Italy mostly in Tuscany. It’s blended with Sangiovese to make Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

ARNEIS is a white grape found in the Piedmont region of Italy in the hills around the city of Alba and translates into “Little rascal”, named because it’s difficult to grow. It makes for a full bodied and dry wine with crisp and floral nuances.

CHENIN BLANC is a white grape found in the Loire Valley of France. It’s the grape used to make Vouvray and other AOC’s in Loire. In South Africa it’s called “STEEN“. It is also used to make sparkling wine in Loire and is called “Cremant de Loire”. It can also be found growing in California. Some think that it may be a parent grape to Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate Chenin can be dry to semi-sweet with minerals, apples and honey. It can be paired with numerous foods and know for its versatility.

What grape is that….?

With an estimated 10,000+ varieties of grapes used to produce wine around the world, why are only familiar w/ a small portion of them. Some grapes grow in specific regions in the world, some are grown throughout the world. Some are used exclusively for blending and some are bottled by themselves. Some grapes are the same but called by different names in different parts of the world i.e. Shiraz & Syrah or Grenache & Garnacha.

In on going posts “What grape is that..” I will shed some light on lesser known varieties that are slowly making their way onto the international wine scene. Quite often we’ve tasted theses wines, but never knew what they were. Think about it, 10 years ago who knew what Gruner Veltliner, unless you were from Austria. Here we go……

GRILLO is a Sicilian white grape that is used in Marsala and some producers bottle it by itself and it makes for light, refreshing glass of wine. It should not be confused with the red grape GROLLEAU from the Loire Valley. This grape is often used for rose or blending. It also has a very unique taste profile.

TORRONTES from Argentina is white wine that is very aromatic on the nose and is starting to get some recognition in the U.S. after riding Malbecs coat tails.

Just a few wines for today. Continue to check back for other grapes/wines you may not have heard of.. yet!