Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape and one of the three contributing varietals to Bordeaux wine in France, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Alongside Sauvignon Blanc, it is the genetic parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, after a natural crossing in the 17th Century. DNA analysis indicates that Cabernet Franc is also one of two parents of Merlot and […]
Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety that takes its name from the Latin Sanguis Jovis with the literal translation “the blood of Jove”, and when not served as a single varietal, is the main component of the popular Chianti blend. It is the most widely planted red grape in Italy and has become increasingly […]
Durif is a French red grape varietal (known as Petite Sirah) primarily grown in the USA but in smaller quantities in France, Australia, and Israel. The variety was discovered in the late 1800s and named after its discoverer, Dr Francois Durif. Viticulturist Francois de Castella introduced it into Australia in 1908. The varietal is a crossing (like Cabernet Sauvignon). Its […]
Tempranillo is a red wine varietal widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain, where the majority of this varietal is still grown today, accounting for around 80% of the world’s grapes. The name is derived from the Spanish word temprano (“early”), a reference to the fact that the grape ripens several […]
Malbec is a red wine grape variety and is known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of Bordeaux wine. However, it has been steadily replaced by the hardier Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The Malbec grape is a thick-skinned grape with an inky dark colour. It needs more sun and heat to mature than Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. […]
Mataro is a red wine varietal originating in Spain, known as Monastrell and Mouvedre in France. The Phoenicians are believed to have introduced the varietal to Valencia around 500BC. While plantings have extended outside of Europe, around 95% of the world’s vines are in Spain and France, with minimal plantings in Australia, the United States, and South Africa. Mataro tends to produce very astringent, full-bodied wines, medium-high in […]
Grenache is a red wine varietal originating in Spain, where you may also see it referred to as Garnacha. While the grape may have started in Spain, most of the plantings are now in France, accounting for about 50% of the worldwide vines, followed by Spain, Italy, Algeria, the United States, and Australia. According to Forbes, in […]
Verdelho is a white wine grape varietal originally from the island of Madeira and is grown throughout Portugal, where they produce medium sweet styles. At the turn of the 20th century, it was the most widely planted white grape in Madeira. It is not found on any great scale outside of Portugal, with the exception […]
Viognier is a white wine varietal, originating from France, and is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu, in the Rhone Valley. The varietal has been planted extensively around the world since the early 1990s, predominantly in France, Australia, United States, New Zealand and South Africa. The varietal is found alone or commonly […]
Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, is a variety of white wine grape and is thought to be a mutant clone of Pinot Noir. It is one on the four grape varieties in the Pinot family. Originating in France, the name Pinot is derived from the French word ‘Pine’, referring to the grape variety having tightly […]
