Varietals
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Petite Sirah
Historically, there has been confusion over correctly identifying Petite Sirah. Many vineyards identified as Petite Sirah may actually be crosses of different varietals. Syrah and Peloursin have also been misidentified as Petite Sirah in the past.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is valued for its deep pigments and high acidity. The Petit Verdot grape is usually grown in small quantities and blended with other red Bordeaux varietals. A few producers make it as a single varietal wine.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier has historically been grown in the Champagne region of France. It is valued because it can be harvested earlier than Pinot Noir. The Pinot Meunier grape has been mislabeled as "Black Riesling" in some New World regions.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a very old grape that has over 1,200 distinct clones. The entire Pinot Family has the same DNA, but mutations have differentiated their characteristics. Few other varietals adapt to local terroir in such a pronounced way.
Syrah
Syrah produces spicy, intense wines that often leave a chewy impression on the palate. In the Rhone Valley, it is often blended with Grenache and Mourvedre. Syrah pairs well with spicy foods.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese literally translates to the "Blood of Jove." The grape makes a range of different wines with varying bodies. Sangiovese makes food friendly wines, and goes great with pizza, pasta, and tomato sauce.
Tempranillo
Some believe that Tempranillo originated in Burgundy and is related to Pinot Noir. The grape has substantial tannins but subdued acidity. Wines made from the Tempranillo grape are velvety on the palate and valued for its ripe fruit flavors.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a prolific, versatile grape that has been adopted by California. Zinfandel is used in almost every imaginable wine style including generic blends, fortified wines, single varietal wines, dry roses, and off dry blush wines.
Albarino
Albarino has historically been grown in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal and the Galicia region of Spain. Wines made with the Albarino grape are usually light bodied and from high yields. Lower yields will make wines that have more weight, but they are rare.
Chardonnay
Throughout the world, Chardonnay has become the ubiquitous white varietal. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, it has literally become a name brand. The Chardonnay grape makes reliable wine when mass-produced, but exquisite examples can also be found.
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