Grao Negro and Garnacha Tintorera are grapes developed in southern France in the mid 19th century by crossing lesser known varieties. Grao Negro also is known by the name Grand Noir. Garnacha Tintorera is more commonly known as Alicante Henri Bouschet. Garnacha Tintorera is a teinturier grape variety, just like Alicante Bouschet. This means thatContinue reading “November 20th-Grao Negro and Garnacha Tintorera”
Category Archives: Monthly Schedules
November 13th-Caiño Blanco and Dona Branca
Caiño Blanco is a white grape indigenous to Galicia, Spain and Portugal. It is often confused with Albariño, the famous white grape of the Galicia region. It is believed to possibly be an offspring of Albariño. Dona Branca is another white grape from Portugal. Its name translates to ‘white lady’ and is said to beContinue reading “November 13th-Caiño Blanco and Dona Branca”
November 6th-Alvarelhão
Alvarelhão is a dark red grape indigenous to Portugal, either the Dão or Douro regions. It also goes by the name Brancellao in Galicia, Spain. The size and skin thickness has variations depending on where the plantings are found. In Galicia, the grapes are smaller and thicker skinned. Smaller grapes produce more concentrated flavors andContinue reading “November 6th-Alvarelhão”
October 30th-Fetească Neagră
Fetească Neagră is an old red grape that is likely indigenous to the Moldavia region in both Moldova and Romania. It spread west to Transylvania (the home of Bran Castle and the real Dracula, Vlad the Impaler). Fetească Neagră translates to ‘black young girl’. The vines are resistant to cold temperatures, down to -8℉, allowingContinue reading “October 30th-Fetească Neagră”
October 2nd-Sparkling Moscato
Moscato is an aromatic white grape variety that I previously discussed back in March. It is usually made into a varietal wine with varied levels of sweetness. A few weeks ago while tasting at my local wine shop, a sales rep from a distributor told me about a unique iteration of a sparkling Moscato. ThisContinue reading “October 2nd-Sparkling Moscato”
September 25th-Planta Nova and Verdil
Verdil is a white grape variety indigenous to the Valencia region of eastern Spain. Verdil was nearly extinct but was rescued by local winemaker Daniel Belda. He was the first to produce and bottle a varietal wine of Verdil and continues to with each vintage. It is known for its aromas of apple and tropicalContinue reading “September 25th-Planta Nova and Verdil”
September 18th-Nerello Cappuccio
Nerello Cappuccio is a red grape indigenous to Sicily. It is less widely planted and lighter colored than Nerello Mascalese, the other Nerello grown in Sicily. They are commonly blended together in the vineyard or later in the cellar during the winemaking process. Nerello Cappuccio does not commonly have the character to make a varietalContinue reading “September 18th-Nerello Cappuccio”
September 11th-Petit Courbu
Petit Courbu is a white grape indigenous to the Jarançon region of southwest France. It is still mainly grown in this region and used in blended wines with other aromatic grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. Petit Courbu is known for its aromatic qualities, especially its floral, citrus and honey notes.Continue reading “September 11th-Petit Courbu”
September 4th-Tibouren
Tibouren is an ancient red grape, which some theorize is indigenous to the Provence region along the French Riviera. It is most widely used in the production of rosé wines in Côtes de Provence AOC. Tibouren can be made into a varietal wine or blended with other grapes from the region, such as Grenache, Syrah,Continue reading “September 4th-Tibouren”
August 28th-Mallorcan Negre
As a follow up to last week, this week, I chose a red Mallorcan blend. The red grapes rescued from extinction are Callet, Gorgollassa, and Manto Negro. Callet is a rare Mallorcan grape typically used in blended wines due to the lighter style wines it produces on its own. It may be related to MantoContinue reading “August 28th-Mallorcan Negre”
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 