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Grape Varieties |
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WHITE GRAPE VARIETIES
Airen
Airen is the most planted white native grape in Spain, but still remains relatively unknown. This grape variety is widely used for making Brandy. The grape is resistant to heat due to the large thick leaves and is therefore very popular in the hot Spanish wine region La Mancha. Characteristics of wines made from this grape are fresh aromas of grass and citrus flavous with a refreshing palate.
Gewurztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a white wine grape variety although it is in fact pink to red in colour. It is an aromatic grape variety that performs best in cooler climates. The grape has high natural sugar and the wines are white and usually off dry, with a flamboyant bouquet of lychees. Dry Gewürztraminers may also have aromas of roses, passion fruit and floral notes.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc, also known as Weisser Burgunder, is one of the most reliable grape varieties for the production of dry white wines. Pinot blanc gives a wine with fruity aromas, often of apples and melons, but it does not have very distinctive characteristics. It is rather high in acidity. You will find Pinot Blanc in Germany, Alsace and Austria.
Riesling
Riesling enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. It has been critically acclaimed for its versatility, the range of flavours it can deliver and diversity of styles it offers. From being drunk young and fresh, to bottle aged for over 10 years, or as a sweet dessert wine, a bottle of Riesling never disappoints. Historically, German and Alsatian Rieslings have proved the most popular, however you will now find fantastic examples of this varietal from Australia, California, South America and South Africa.
Viognier
Viognier is becoming increasingly popular and trendy. It is the only grape variety used to make the expensive white Rhône wine Condrieu. The grape is now found all over the world, most notably in California, Australia and Argentina. Viognier wines from Argentina are among the best. The grape has a low yield and is difficult to cultivate, therefore in growing Viognier, the winemaker is choosing to not go down the easy route! To grow Viognier successfully involves skill and great attention to detail.
RED GRAPE VARIETIES
Carignan
Our featured grape this month is Mazuelo (its French name is Carignan). It originated in Spain probably near the town of Cariñena in Aragon. Carignan adds characteristics such as body, colour, fruitiness, and length. As it matures Carignan becomes softer and loses its astringency. From the renowned Priorat region in Spain, treat yourself to our gold-medal winning powerful and spicy Mazuelo that will impress you and your friends!
Gamay
Gamay is the pride of the Beaujolais AC. This grape variety is perfect for expressing the granite soils found in thie delightful region. Gamay is also found in the Loire valley, in Switzerland and in California, where it is called Napa Gamay. The best way to drink Gamay wines is to serve them fresh at about 13°C as this really brings out the fruity characteristics.
Grenache
Grenache is of Spanish origin, and is now one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the World. It requires hot and dry conditions and so is mostly found in Spain, Southern France and California. It is generally spicy, berry-flavoured and soft on the palate and is relatively high in alcohol. It is usually blended with other varieties such as Shiraz, and other Southern French grapes such as Carignan and Cinsault. It is most famous for its use in the Châteauneauf-du-Pape blends where it can make up 80% of the blend.
Malbec
Malbec is the main grape of Argentina, but it is also found in its original home of the Cahors region in the South of France, and in Bordeaux. Malbec wines characteristics include flavours of plums, blackberries and cherries. In Argentina, the wines are silky soft while the Cahors wines are very robust and tannic. We have selected the smooth Las Moras Black Label Malbec, where you can experience this grape variety in its truest form.
Ruby Cabernet
Ruby Cabernet is a cross between the Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. The grape originated in California where they were keen to create a grape that was resistant to the heat and strong winds. Ruby Cabernet adds backbone and elegance to a wine. Typical characteristics are dark fruit, full flavour on the palate and long finish.
Shiraz
Originally from Rhône, Shiraz (or Syrah), is a red grape variety which produces complex, deep and smooth-textured wines. It is also very popular in the New World, especially in Australia.
Zinfandel
Our featured grape this month is Zinfandel, the flagship red grape variety of California. Believed to be a descendent of the Italian grape variety Primitivo, Zinfandel produces robust red wines full of red berry fruits. In the warmer climates, the wines also have hints of pepper and spice.
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