Valpolicella is a blended red wine from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. The primary grapes used in the blend are Corvina and Corvinone (making up 45-95% of the blend). Corvina is preferred by some producers because the grapes ripen more evenly. This decreases the labor costs needed for harvesting. If grapes are ripening unevenly,Continue reading “December 20th-Valpolicella”
Author Archives: Theloosetannin
December 13th-Zweigelt
Zweigelt is the most common red grape grown in Austria, where it was first created. It is named after Fritz (Friedrich) Zweigelt who did the original cross of St Laurent and Blaufrankisch in 1922. The grape was first known as Rotburger but the name got changed in the 1970s in honor of its creator. FriedrichContinue reading “December 13th-Zweigelt”
December 6th-Moravia Agria
Moravia Agria is a red grape indigenous to Castilla-La Mancha in south east Spain. The region is largely known for producing large volume, inexpensive wines but is capable of producing high quality wines as well. The Meseta Central is a plateau that is a significant geographical feature in this region. The elevation of Meseta CentralContinue reading “December 6th-Moravia Agria”
November 29th-Robola
Robola is a white grape indigenous to either the Ionian Islands or the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. The grape is mainly cultivated across the Ionian Islands, where it has gained a reputation for producing high quality wines. Despite having a name very similar to Ribolla Gialla from the Friuli region of northern Italy, they areContinue reading “November 29th-Robola”
November 22nd-Kotsifali
Kotsifali is a red grape variety likely indigenous to the Greek island of Crete. It can be used to produce varietal wines which tend to be pale in color with higher levels of alcohol. It can also be blended with darker colored grapes, such as Syrah or Mandilaria (another local grape variety). The challenge forContinue reading “November 22nd-Kotsifali”
November 15th-Listan Prieto
Listan Prieto is a dark red grape that originated in the Castilla La Mancha region of central Spain. It is the same as the Mission grape that was brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. It is thought to be the first European grape variety brought to the Americas. Mission plantings alsoContinue reading “November 15th-Listan Prieto”
November 8th-Hondarribi Zuri
Hondarribi Zuri (on-da-rabbi zorry) is the name for the Courbu Blanc grape in the Txakoli (cha-ko-lee) region of the Spanish Basque region in northern Spain. Courbu Blanc is also grown in the French Basque region and Jurançon in southern France. In Jurançon, it is blended with Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, which are used toContinue reading “November 8th-Hondarribi Zuri”
November 1st-Moschofilero
Moschofilero (mow-sko-FEEL-err-oh) is a white indigenous Greek grape variety likely from the Peloponnese peninsula. It is part of a group of grape clones known as the Fileri, which all have the same genetic profile. The group of grapes has a long history with their earliest mention dating back to the early 17th century. Moschofilero isContinue reading “November 1st-Moschofilero”
October 25th-Assyrtiko
I last discussed Assyrtiko April 21st, 2021 but decided to return to it this week partly because it’s a favorite grape variety of mine and partly because this is a little different. Assyrtiko gained attention for the fresh citrus, stone and tropical fruit flavors as well as its bright acidity. These wines were primarily grownContinue reading “October 25th-Assyrtiko”
October 18th-Garganega
I last discussed Garganega on September 28th 2021 but thought I would return to this grape again this week. It is widely available and great to cook with. Garganega is the grape used in the production of Soave DOC and DOCG wines. There is a range of wines in Soave, starting with Soave DOC. SoaveContinue reading “October 18th-Garganega”
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 