Agiorgitiko (ah-your-YEE-tee-koh)
The name, in Greek, means St. George’s grape. An important, widely planted Greek grape, it… Continue reading
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Aglianico (ag-lee-ANN-ee-co)
Ancient grape planted almost exclusively in southern Italy. In Campania, it makes the famous wine… Continue reading
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Aïdani (a-DAN-ee)
Indigenous to Greece, this aromatic variety is mostly planted in Santorini and used in the… Continue reading
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Airén (I-wren)
The most widely planted grape of Spain, grown mainly on the central plains of Castilla… Continue reading
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Albana (aal-BAAN-aah)
Ancient variety grown in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Albana is thought to be a descendant… Continue reading
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Albariño (al-bar-EEN-yo)
One of the liveliest white wines in Europe and considered one of the best wines… Continue reading
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Albarossa (al-bar-OSS-a)
Minor grape grown in the Piedmont region of Italy, a cross of barbera and an… Continue reading
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Aleatico (al-ee-AT-i-ko)
A fascinating, aromatic red possibly related to the white grapes greco and muscat blanc à… Continue reading
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Alfrocheiro Preto (Alfro-SHAY-roo Pray-toh)
Native to central or southern Portugal, high quality alfrocheiro preto is one of the important… Continue reading
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Alicante Bouschet (al-i-KAN-tay boo-SHAY)
The name for one of the last extant crosses of garnacha (grenache) with petit bouschet,… Continue reading
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Aligoté (al-i-go-TAY)
Fairly rare grape of Burgundy, France, and a sibling of chardonnay (both grapes are the… Continue reading
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Alvarinho (al-var-EEN-yo)
The main grape of the light, low-alcohol, slightly spritzy Portuguese wine known as vinho verde,… Continue reading
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Ansonica (an-SON-ee-ca)
Also known as inzolia. Floral, high acid variety considered one of the best native white… Continue reading
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Aragonez (Air-ah-go-NEZ)
One of the Portuguese names for tempranillo. Grown primarily in southern Portugal where it is… Continue reading
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Arinto (ar-IN-toe)
More correctly known as arinto de Bucelas. High quality Portuguese grape from the area of… Continue reading
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Arneis (ar-NACE)
One of the three top white grapes of Italy’s Piedmont region, the other two being… Continue reading
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Asprinio (az-prin-EE-o)
Or asprinio bianco as it is commonly known, is indigenous to southern Italy’s Campania region.… Continue reading
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Assyrtiko (a-SEAR-ti-ko)
Greek grape with lively acidity. Specialty of the volcanic island of Santorini in the Aegean.
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Athiri (Ah-THEE-ree)
Greek grape variety that is easy to grow and produces simple, pleasant wines even at… Continue reading
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Auxerrois (auchs-air-WAA)
Fairly common grape in Alsace, France, where it originated as a progeny of pinot noir… Continue reading
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Auxerrois (auchs-ear-WAA)
A confusing synonym for cot (also known as malbec) in southwestern France. Confusing because auxerrois… Continue reading
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Azal Tinto (ah-ZAL TEEN-toe)
Portuguese variety with considerable acidity used to make the strident, rare red version of Portugal’s… Continue reading
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Baco Blanc (BAA-co BLAHNK)
A French-American hybrid, also known as Baco 22A, it was developed in 1898 by French… Continue reading
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Baco Noir (baa-KO nwahr)
One of the most famous French-American hybrids, created in 1902 by French nurseryman François Baco.… Continue reading
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Baga (BA -ah)
The word baga means “berry” in Portuguese. One of Portugal’s most widely planted red grapes.… Continue reading
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Barbera (bar-BEAR-a)
Barbera, the most widely planted red grape in the northwestern Italian region of Piedmont, rose… Continue reading
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Bastardo (bahs-TAR-doe)
Yes, the name means “bastard” (in Portuguese). Common workhorse grape for dry Portuguese reds, including… Continue reading
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Blanc du Bois (BLAHNK due BWAA)
A white hybrid developed in 1968 at the University of Florida and now grown in… Continue reading
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Blauburgunder (blauw-brr-GUN-der)
In Austria, blauburgunder is the name for pinot noir.
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Blauer Portugieser (BLAUW-er por-chew-GAY-zer)
Prolific vine that has nothing to do with Portugal. Very widely planted in Austria (its… Continue reading
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Blaufränkisch (BLAUW-FRANK-ish)
Highly esteemed Austrian variety—probably of Austrian or Hungarian origin—which can make delicious, spicy, precise, earthy,… Continue reading
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Bobal (bo-BAAL)
Indigenous Spanish red that is grown principally in Utiel-Requena region of north central Spain. Historically… Continue reading
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Bonarda (bo-NAR-da)
Second most popular variety in Argentina after malbec. Though called bonarda, this grape is not… Continue reading
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Bourboulenc (bore-boo-LAHNK)
Ancient simple-tasting Provençal variety today used in blends throughout the south of France in the… Continue reading
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Brachetto (bra-KET-oh)
Native to and found primarily in Piedmont, Italy, around the towns of Asti and Alessandria… Continue reading
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Bual (boo-ALL)
Cultivated on the island of Madeira, bual—sometimes spelled boal—is the grape that makes the rich,… Continue reading
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Cabernet Franc
While not as well known as its offsprings cabernet sauvignon and merlot, cabernet franc plays… Continue reading
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Cabernet Sauvignon
The preeminent classic red grape variety, cabernet sauvignon is capable of making some of the… Continue reading
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Calitor (CAL-i-tor)
One of the lesser red grapes used in France’s southern Rhône. Calitor is virtually always… Continue reading
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Canaiolo (can-aye-O-low)
An important blending grape in Tuscany and throughout central Italy. Among other wines, canaiolo is… Continue reading
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Cannonau (can-an-OUW)
The famous red grape of the Italian island Sardinia. The same as grenache/garnacha (see top… Continue reading
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Cape Riesling
A widely planted grape in South Africa, where it is used mostly in cheap blends.… Continue reading
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Cardinal (car-din-AWL)
Vigorous, high yielding cross of a Hungarian table grape and a French table grape, in… Continue reading
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Carignan (CAR-i-nyan)
The French name for the Spanish grape mazuelo which originated in northeastern Spain, probably in… Continue reading
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Carmenère (car-men-AIR)
Ancient Bordeaux variety (also known in Bordeaux as grande vidure) whose parents are cabernet franc… Continue reading
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Carricante
A white grape indigenous to Sicily known for its high yield and acidity.
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Catarrato Bianco (cat-a-RHAT-o Bee-AHN-co)
Bland but hearty Italian variety grown widely in Sicily and used as a blending grape,… Continue reading
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Catawba (ca-TAW-ba)
Found mostly in the northeastern part of the United States, where it is used for… Continue reading
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Cayuga (kai-OOO-ga)
An important French-American hybrid especially in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, where… Continue reading
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Chambourcin (sham-bore-SAIN)
French-American hybrid created (through multiple crossings of crossings) sometime in the late 1940s, but only… Continue reading
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Charbono (shar-BO-no)
Native to the Savoie region of France where it is properly known as douce noir… Continue reading
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Chardonnay
To any wine drinker, it comes as no surprise that for several decades, chardonnay has… Continue reading
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Chasselas (shaas-i-LAS)
Ancient, low-acid variety also known as fendant. Best known in the French-speaking part of Switzerland,… Continue reading
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Chenin Blanc (SHEN-in-blahnk)
The most famous, vibrant chenin blancs in the world come from the Loire Valley of… Continue reading
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Ciliegiolo (chee-lee-eh-JOE-low)
Once only used sparingly in low-cost Italian red blends, its popularity has increased dramatically in… Continue reading
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Cinsaut (sin-SO)
Southern French grape that, today, is grown all over the south of France and in… Continue reading
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Clairette
At low yields this variety is beautifully fresh and aromatic. A common blending component in… Continue reading
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Colombard
See French colombard.
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Concord (CON-cord)
The most well-known American species grape in New York State. Belongs to the species Vitis… Continue reading
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Cornalin (kor-na-LAN)
Ancient variety from the Val d’Aosta of northwest Italy, but now virtually extinct there. Better… Continue reading
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Cortese (core-TAYS-ay)
Northwestern Italian grape that makes the medium-bodied wine Gavi, historically the most prized white wine… Continue reading
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Corvina (core-VEE-na)
Considered the most important red grape in the blends that make the well-known Italian wines… Continue reading
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Cot (COT)
The enologically correct name for malbec. An old variety that originated near the southern French… Continue reading
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Counoise (COON-waz)
One of the common, if lesser, red grapes in France’s southern Rhône Valley. Used in… Continue reading
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Criolla (cree-O-la)
Criolla, Spanish for “creole,” is a group of several Vitis vinifera varieties that are historically… Continue reading
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Delaware (dell-a-WARE)
More pink skinned than truly red, this French-American hybrid (whose parentage is cloudy) is grown… Continue reading
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Dolcetto (dole-CHET-oh)
Fruity low-acid grape (the name means “little sweet”) made into a delicious, fruity, licoricey, bitter-edged… Continue reading
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Dornfelder (dorn-FELL-der)
German cross of two crosses (helfensteiner and heroldrebe) bred in 1956 and honorifically named for… Continue reading
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Douce Noir (DUE-say na-WAHR)
Old French variety from the Savoie region, often called corbeau (“crow”). In California, the now… Continue reading
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Durif (dur-EEF)
A variety created sometime just before the 1860s by French botanist Francois Durif. A cross… Continue reading
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Ehrenfelser (ERRAN-fell-sir)
A German cross of riesling and silvaner now popular in Canada where it’s often made… Continue reading
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Emerald Riesling
Cross of muscadelle and garnacha developed in California at the University of California at Davis.… Continue reading
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Encruzado (en-crew-ZAH-doh)
Important grape in the dry white wines of Portugal’s Dão region.
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Falanghina (Faa-lan-GHEE-na)
More properly falanghina flegrea is an ancient grape made into white wines in southern Italy’s… Continue reading
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Fiano (fee-AH-no)
An ancient grape cultivated near Avellino in Campania in southern Italy. The fiano of Apulia… Continue reading
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Folle Blanche (foal BLONCH)
Once, but no longer, a leading grape in Cognac and Armagnac. Today used mostly in… Continue reading
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Freisa (FRAY-zhah)
Bitter, acidic, aromatic red grape of the northwestern Italian province of Piedmont. Thought to be… Continue reading
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French Colombard
More correctly known simply as Colombard. Widely planted in the southwest of France where it… Continue reading
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Friulano (free-oo-LAHN-o)
Formerly known in Italy as tocai Friulano and planted mostly in the northeastern Italian region… Continue reading
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Furmint (FUR-mint)
Native to Hungary and the major grape in the famous Hungarian botrytized sweet wine Tokay… Continue reading
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Gaglioppo (gal-ee-O-po)
An ancient grape variety and natural cross of sangiovese and mantonico bianco and obscure variety… Continue reading
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Gamay
Gamay, or more properly gamay noir, is the source of the French wine Beaujolais (including… Continue reading
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Garganega (gar-GAN-i-ga)
Ancient variety most closely associated with the northern Italian region of the Veneto. Major grape… Continue reading
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Garnacha
Same as Grenache.
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Garnacha Blanca
See Grenache blanc.
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Gelber Muskateller (GEL-ber MUS-ca-teller)
Sometimes known simply as muskateller. Austrian name for muscat blanc à petits grains.
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Gewürztraminer (guh-VURZ-tra-meen-er)
More than almost any other wine we might regularly encounter, gewürztraminer’s nose is heady (sorry,… Continue reading
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Girò (jeer-OH)
An ancient grape variety that is grown on the large Italian island of Sardinia, in… Continue reading
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Glera (GLARE-ah)
Ancient northern Italian grape also known as prosecco. Used to make the Italian sparkling wine… Continue reading
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Godello (go-DAY-yo)
Major white grape made into wines in northwestern Spain in the remote mountainous region of… Continue reading
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Gouais Blanc (goo-AY blahnk)
One of the ancient “founder varieties” and as such, a parent and grandparent to a… Continue reading
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Gouveio (GOH-vai-you)
One of the grapes used to make the dry white wines of the Dão and… Continue reading
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Graciano (gra-see-AN-oh)
High-quality, late-ripening Spanish grape, with delicate, slightly spicy flavors and an ability to hold onto… Continue reading
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Graševina (GRAH-sheh-vina)
Most widely planted white grape in Croatia. Known in Austria as welschriesling and in northern… Continue reading
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Grauburgunder
See ruländer.
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Grechetto (greh-CHET-oh)
Grown in the central Italian province of Umbria, it is one of the grapes that… Continue reading
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Greco (GREC-oh)
An ancient variety now grown primarily in the southern Italian region of Campania, where it… Continue reading
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Grenache (gren-AHSH)
Grenache is well known both as a white grape (grenache blanc) and a red (grenache… Continue reading
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Grenache Blanc (gren-AHSH BLAHNK)
A white-berried clonal mutation of the red grape grenache. Grenache blanc is a leading blending… Continue reading
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Grignolino (gree-no-LEE-no)
Native to Piedmont, Italy, where it is the source of light-reddish colored, frothy, crisp wines… Continue reading
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Grillo (GREE-loh)
One of the main white grapes of Sicily where it can make fantastically refreshing, floral,… Continue reading
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Grolleau (grow-LOH)
A mostly uninspired grape used primarily in France’s Loire Valley in the red and rosé… Continue reading
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Gruner Veltliner (GREW-ner VELT-leaner)
A decade ago, gruner veltliner would not have made a top-25 list like this. But… Continue reading
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Gutedel (GOOT-i-del)
German name for the Swiss grape chasselas. In Germany, planted mostly in the Baden region,… Continue reading
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Hanepoot
South African name for muscat of Alexandria. See muscat.
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Hárslevelű (HARSH-leh-veh-loo)
Aromatic Hungarian grape that lends a smooth spicy character to the renowned botrytized sweet wine… Continue reading
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Hondarribi Beltza (HON-DA-ree-BEE belt-ZA)
Beltza means “black” in Basque. Used to make the somewhat rare, light, lively, crisp red… Continue reading
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Hondarribi Zuri
Indigenous to Spain’s Basque region, this is the name of the leading variety of grape… Continue reading
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Huxelrebe (houks-el-RAY-ba)
Developed in Germany, this unusual cross of chasselas (aka gutedel) and the obscure grape courtillier… Continue reading
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Inzolia (in-ZOL-ee-a)
See ansolica.
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Irsai Olivér (er-SHY OL-ee-ver)
A white Hungarian grape that was originally bred to be a table grape, but is… Continue reading
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Isabella (is-a-BELL-a)
An American hybrid probably derived from a seedling that occurred in nature when an unknown… Continue reading
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Izakiriot Ttipi
The name for petit manseng which is grown in Spain’s Basque region to make the… Continue reading
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Jaen (Jai-EN)
Portuguese name for mencia. See mencia.
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Juhfark (YOO-fark)
A minor white grape mostly grown in the volcanic soils of the Somló region of… Continue reading
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Kadarka (Kah-DAR-kah)
Eastern European variety, especially important in Hungary where it is grown throughout the country. Makes… Continue reading
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Kékfrankos (KEK-frankosh)
A leading red grape in Hungary, probably of Hungarian or Austrian origin. Makes spicy, earthy,… Continue reading
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Kerner (KER-ner)
Popular and often delicious German variety. A cross of the red grape trollinger (schiava) with… Continue reading
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Khikhvi (KEEK-vee)
Rare variety from the Republic of Georgia where it is still grown.
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Királyleánkya (KEE-rah-lee-LEE-ank-ya)
Widely planted white Hungarian grape meaning “little princess.” Fresh acidity and citrus flavors.
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Koshu (KO-shoo)
Widely planted Japanese variety grown in several areas of that country, including the Mt. Fuji… Continue reading
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Kotsifali (KOT-si-fall-ee)
Unique to the Greek island of Crete, its home. Kotsifasli makes a light strawberry-scented red… Continue reading
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Krassato (krah-SAH-toe)
Fairly full-bodied Greek variety thought to be indigenous to the area around Mt. Olympos on… Continue reading
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Lacrima di Morro d’Alba (LAK-ree-ma dee MORE-o DAL-ba)
The word lacrima (meaning “tears”) is used for several different Italian varieties and wines. The… Continue reading
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Lagrein (lah-GRAH-AYNE)
Distinctive, fruity, bitter northern Italian variety probably indigenous to the Alto Adige region where most… Continue reading
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Lambrusco (lam-BRUCE-ko)
The name lambrusco means “wild grape.” There are more than 13 different varieties with the… Continue reading
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Laški Rizling (LASH-kee REEZ-ling)
Slovenian name for welschriesling.
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Lemberger (lem-BURGER)
The German name for the dark, spicy, Austrian grape blaufränkisch. Grown in small amounts in… Continue reading
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Lenoir (len-NWAHR)
Complex American hybrid originally created in the southeastern part of the United States and named… Continue reading
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Liatiko (lee-AT-e-ko)
The most widely planted grape on the Greek island of Crete. Makes floral, spicy, pale… Continue reading
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Limnio (LIM-knee-o)
Ancient Greek variety said to have been appreciated by Aristotle. Native to the island of… Continue reading
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Listán Prieto (lee-STAN pre-ET-oh)
A dark-skinned grape (prieto means “dark” in Spanish) native to the region of Castilla La… Continue reading
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Macabeo (mac-a-BAY-o)
Northern Spanish grape also known as viura. One of the three grapes used in cava,… Continue reading
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Madeleine Angevine (mah-de-LIN an-je-VINE)
A cross of a cross of a cross created in the Loire Valley in the… Continue reading
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Madeleine Noire des Charentes (mah-de-LEN nwahr day shar-AWNT)
Obscure French variety discovered in the 200s. Parent (with cabernet franc) of merlot, and parent… Continue reading
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Malagousia (mah-lah-gou-ZYAH)
Historic variety native to central Greece. Lively and perfumed, it is grown with success in… Continue reading
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Malbec (MAL-beck)
Indigenous to southwestern France, malbec, the now popular name for the grape variety cot, is… Continue reading
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Malmsey (Malm-ZEE)
See malvasia.
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Malvasia (mahl-va-ZEE-ah)
Like muscat, malvasia is not a single variety but a collective name for a wide… Continue reading
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Malvosie (mahl -vwa-ZEE)
A name for vermentino on the French island of Corsica.
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Mammolo (mam-MO-low)
Old Tuscan variety grown in central Italy as well as on the island of Corsica… Continue reading
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Mandilaria (man-dell-ARE-ee-a)
Darkly-colored tannic grape native to the Greek islands of the eastern Aegean. Blended in small… Continue reading
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Maréchal Foch (MAR-ay-shawl Foshe)
Complex hybrid created in France in 1911 and named after Maréchal Ferdinand Foch, a general… Continue reading
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Marsanne (mar-SAHN)
The main white grape of the northern Rhône in France. Makes big-bodied wines. Often blended… Continue reading
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Marselan (mar-se-LAN)
A recent cross (1961) of cabernet sauvignon and garnacha/grenache cultivated in the Languedoc and the… Continue reading
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Mauzac (mao-ZAHK)
In the Languedoc Roussillon, in France, the grape used to make sparkling Crémant de Limoux.
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Mavrodaphne (mavro-DAPHNE)
Also spelled mavrodaphni, the name means “black laurel.” Probably native to Cephalonia (Kefalonia in Greek),… Continue reading
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Mavrotragano (mav-roh-TRAG-ah-noh)
Indigenous to the Greek island of Santorini, mavrotragano produces wines with high tannin with berry… Continue reading
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Mavrouda (mav-ROO-dah)
The name (also spelled mavroudi or mavroudia) for several unrelated dark-skinned grape varieties all over… Continue reading
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Mazuelo (ma-ZWAY-lo)
Native to northeastern Spain—probably the region of Aragon, mazuelo has dozens of synonyms in Spain… Continue reading
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Melon de Bourgogne (mel-AWN de bore-GOY-nya)
An ancient Burgundian variety, melon was subsequently banned in Burgundy, but found a centuries-long home… Continue reading
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Mencìa (MEN-thee-a)
Spicy grape native to the area around Bierzo in the province of León in northwestern… Continue reading
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Merlot (mehr-LOW)
Very similar in flavor and texture to cabernet sauvignon, merlot is easily confused with it… Continue reading
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Mission
The first Vitis vinifera variety planted in California. Originally from Spain, and brought to California… Continue reading
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Molinara (mole-in-ARE-a)
High-acid red grape probably native to the Veneto. Not as high in quality as corvine… Continue reading
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Monastrell (mon-a-STRELL)
Widely planted, very late-ripening grape that originated in Valencia, Spain. Today it is used mostly… Continue reading
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Monemvassia (mo-nem-VASE-ee-a)
Greek variety found mainly on the Cyclades islands in the Aegean notably Paros and in… Continue reading
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Montepulciano (mon-ti-PULL-chee-ah-no)
Confusingly, this is not the grape of the Tuscan wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which… Continue reading
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Morio-Muskat (MOOR-ee-oh MOOSE-cat)
A German cross of unknown parentage found mostly in Germany’s Pfalz and Rheinhessen regions. Makes… Continue reading
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Moscatel (moss-ca-TELL)
The general name used in Spain and parts of Portugal for both muscat blanc a… Continue reading
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Moschofilero (mow-sho-fee-YER-o)
Highly aromatic Peloponnesian grape that is the source of the light, fresh Greek Peloponnesian wine… Continue reading
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Mourvèdre (moor-VED-rah)
If you were ever an English major, you’ll know what I mean by this: mourvèdre… Continue reading
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Mtsvane Kakhuri (mutz-VAH-neh Kah-KOO-ree)
An old variety from southeastern Georgia, but also grown in the Ukraine, Russia and in… Continue reading
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Müller-Thurgau (MOO-ler TER-gao)
Well-known German grape variety that makes rather neutral tasting, undistinguished wine in Germany (but very… Continue reading
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Muscadel (MOOSE-ca-dell)
South African name for muscat blanc à petits grains. See also muscadelle.
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Muscadelle (MOOSE-ca-dell)
Perfumed grape blended in tiny amounts with sémillon and sauvignon blanc to make some white… Continue reading
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Muscadet (MOOSE-ca-day)
The name sometimes used for melon de bourgogne, the grape that is the source of… Continue reading
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Muscardin (moose-car-DEN)
Relatively rare, fairly neutral grape used in France’s southern Rhône in such wines as Châteauneuf-du-Pape… Continue reading
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Muscat (MUS-cat)
No matter what anyone says, I doubt Eve was tempted by an apple in the… Continue reading
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Muskateller (MUS-ca-teller)
Austrian name for muscat blanc à petits grains. Also known as gelber muskateller.
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Nebbiolo (neb-ee-OH-low)
One of the oldest and most important varieties in Piedmont, Italy, “nibiol” was first mentioned… Continue reading
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Negoska (ne-GOES-ka)
A northern Greek variety used with xynomavro to make the popular, full-bodied Greek wine Goumenissa.
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Negramoll (NEG-ra-mol)
Old variety that probably originated in Andalucia, Spain, and from there was brought to Spain’s… Continue reading
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Negrara (ne-GRA-ra)
A minor blending grape in the powerful Italian wine amarone and lighter bodied Valpolicella. Considered… Continue reading
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Negrette (ne-GRET)
Variety that grows north of Toulouse in southwestern France though more fruity and simple and… Continue reading
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Negroamaro (NEG-ro-a-MAR-o)
Negro (black) and amaro (bitter) tell it all. Appealing southern Italian grape with slight bitter… Continue reading
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Nerello Cappuccio
It grows on Mt. Edna in Sicily and is thought to be related to sangiovese,… Continue reading
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Nerello Mascalese
Grown on the volcanic slopes of Sicily’s Mt. Edna. Thought to be distantly related to… Continue reading
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Nero d’Avola (NER-o da-VO-la)
This widely planted black (nero) grape was probably named after the city of Avola on… Continue reading
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Nero di Troia (NER-o de TROY-a)
Also known as Uva di Troia. Rustic, tannic, productive variety grown primarily in the Apulia… Continue reading
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Neuburger (NOY-burger)
Austrian grape known to make golden-colored dry wines and some good sweet wines. A natural… Continue reading
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Niagara
A very pungently foxy American cross of two Vitis labrusca varieties, named after Niagara, New… Continue reading
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Norton
One of the oldest hybrids cultivated in the United States, having been discovered in Virginia… Continue reading
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Oseleta
Used in small amounts in some amarone and Valpolicella blends. Originally thought to be extinct,… Continue reading
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País (pie-EECE)
The historic grape behind Chile’s table wines. Originally known as criolla chica, país (the name… Continue reading
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Palomino
More correctly known as palomino fino. Major grape of Spain’s famous fortified wine, Sherry. Grown… Continue reading
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Parellada (par-ah-YA-da)
The most refined of the three grapes used to make cava, Spanish sparkling wine.
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Pedernã (pey-dare-NYA)
One of the minor grapes sometimes included in the blend to make the Portuguese wine… Continue reading
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Pedro Ximénez (pey-DRO he-MEN-yez)
An Andalusian variety cultivated throughout the south of Spain. Nicknamed PX, it’s the second most… Continue reading
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Peloursin (PELL-or-zan)
Ancient French variety native to eastern France and now a minor grape in the southern… Continue reading
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Periquita (pear-ih-KEY-ta)
The name means parakeet; a synonym for a hearty grape called castelão that is the… Continue reading
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Petit Corbu (peh-TEET core-BOO)
An ancient grape grown primarily in the Gascony region of southwest France and also grown… Continue reading
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Petit Manseng (peh-TEET man-SANG)
Primarily used in the sweet wine Jurançon, a rare specialty of southwestern France. Commonly, the… Continue reading
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Petit Verdot (pe-TEET ver-DOE)
Important late-ripening Bordeaux grape, traditionally blended with cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Added in small amounts… Continue reading
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Petite Sirah/Petite Syrah
The name is easy to remember, for nothing is petite about the wines that come… Continue reading
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Picardan (pee-car-DAN)
One of the minor white grapes sometimes used in the wines of France’s southern Rhône,… Continue reading
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Picolit (pee-ko-LEE)
Highly regarded, rare grape native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, where it… Continue reading
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Picquepoul Blanc (PEEK-pool BLAHNK)
Also spelled picpoul. One of the minor grapes of southern France, where it is used… Continue reading
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Pignolo (pig-NYO-low)
Rare Friulian variety that was almost extinct before being rescued and actively cultivated in the… Continue reading
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Pinot Blanc (PEE-no BLAHNK)
Generally makes good, not great, wines reminiscent of modest versions of chardonnay. The best worldwide… Continue reading
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Pinot Gris (PEE-no gree)
Depending on where it is grown, pinot gris—“gray” pinot—can taste strikingly different. Ironically, the best… Continue reading
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Pinot Meunier (PEE-no MOON-yay)
The word meunier means “miller,” a reference to the thin layer of white hairs on… Continue reading
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Pinot Noir (PEE-no No-WAHR)
Thought to be more than two thousand years old, pinot noir (along with savagin and… Continue reading
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Pinotage (pee-no-TAJ)
South African cross in 1925 of pinot noir and cinsaut which at the time in… Continue reading
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Piquepoul Noir (PEEK-pool NWAHR)
The black-colored clonal mutation of piquepoul. Now very rare, but still allowed as a blending… Continue reading
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Plavac Mali (PLA-vatz MA-lee)
Most highly regarded ancient red grape native to Croatia; a specialty of the Dalmatian coast,… Continue reading
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Prié (pree-EH)
Native to the Valle d’Aosta region of northwest Italy near Mont Blanc and cultivated almost… Continue reading
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Primitivo (Prim-ih-TEE-voh)
The same grape as Croatia’s tribidrag, where it is more commonly called crljenak kastelanski, and… Continue reading
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Prosecco (pro-SEC-oh)
Common name for the grape grown especially in the Conegliano area of the Veneto region… Continue reading
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Ravat Blanc
See vignoles.
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Rebula (reh-BOO-lah)
Slovenian grape. Same as ribolla gialla in Italy.
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Refosco (reh-FOSS-co)
The collective name for several different distinct varieties grown in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of… Continue reading
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Refosko (reh-FOH-sk)
Slovenian name for refosco.
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Renski Rizling (RENZ-kee REEZ-ling)
Slovenian for riesling.
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Ribolla Gialla (ree-BO-la Gee-a-la)
Very old variety from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Makes high-quality lemony white wines.… Continue reading
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Rieslaner (rees-LAHN-er)
A German cross of riesling and silvaner, which is the source of good zesty wines,… Continue reading
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Riesling (REEZ-ling)
Riesling is considered by many—possibly even most—wine experts to be the most noble and unique… Continue reading
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Riesling Italico (REEZ-ling ee-TAL-I-co)
Grown in northern Italy, especially in Lombardy to make basic dry whites; not a true… Continue reading
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Rkatsiteli (ARE-cats-i-tell-ee)
Most planted grape of the former Soviet Union and a specialty of the Republic of… Continue reading
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Robola (row-BO-la)
Grown principally on several Ionian islands of Greece. Makes powerful, lemony dry wines.
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Roditis (row-DEE-tis)
Old Greek variety with pink berries that has beget many clones. While no conclusive DNA… Continue reading
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Rolle (ROLL)
Native to Italy where it is known as vermentino. Grown in southern France, in particular… Continue reading
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Rondinella (ron-dih-NELL-a)
With corvina and molinara, used to make the powerful Italian wine amarone and the lighter… Continue reading
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Rossese (roh-SEH-zeh)
The name rossese is used in Liguria, Italy, for several different varieties. The leading one,… Continue reading
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Roter Veltliner (ROW-ter velt-LEEN-er)
Ancient, rather rare Austrian variety that can make powerful spicy whites (despite its name; roter… Continue reading
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Rotgipfler (ROT-gip-flur)
Austrian variety, the result of a natural cross between roter veltliner and savagin. A specialty… Continue reading
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Roussanne (rue-SAHN)
A variety of France’s northern Rhône, appreciated for its greater elegance in comparison to its… Continue reading
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Ruby Cabernet
A cross of cabernet sauvignon and carignan, created in 1936 by famous University of California… Continue reading
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Ruländer (RUE-lahn-der)
One of the German names for the grape pinot gris, which is also known as… Continue reading
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Sagrantino (sa-gran-TEE-no)
Native to the Montefalco area of Umbria, Italy, sagrantino is the delicious, bold-tasting grape used… Continue reading
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Sämling (SAM-ling)
Also known as samling 88, grown in small amounts, principally in Austria. A cross of… Continue reading
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Sangiovese (san-gee-oh-VAY-zee)
Italy’s most famous grape, sangiovese is responsible for the three great wines of Tuscany: Chianti… Continue reading
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Saperavi (Sah-per-RAV-ee)
Very old Georgian variety. It’s name means “dye”—a reference to the dark color of the… Continue reading
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Sauvignon Blanc
The name sauvignon comes from the French sauvage, meaning “wild.” It’s a fitting name for… Continue reading
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Sauvignon Gris (SO vin nyawn GREE)
A grayish pink skinned genetic mutation of sauvignon blanc (gris means “gray” in French). Less… Continue reading
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Sauvignon Vert (SO-vin-nyawn vert)
A lightly floral, slightly spicy grape which is not related to sauvignon blanc, but rather,… Continue reading
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Sauvignonasse
See sauvignon vert.
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Savagnin (sa-va-YEN)
Ancient variety indigenous to the area covering northeast France and southwest Germany. One of the… Continue reading
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Savatiano (sa-va-TEE-ano)
Widely planted in Greece, it is the grape most frequently used to make the wine… Continue reading
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Scheurebe (shoy-RAY-ba)
Germany’s best-kept secret—especially in the Pfalz and Rheinhessen regions—scheurebe has an unusual spicy/grapefruity/red currant flavor.… Continue reading
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Schiava (SKI-ah-va)
Italian name for a group of different varieties all of which grown in the north,… Continue reading
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Schioppettino (ski-o-pe-TEE-no)
Fascinating though fairly rare grape native to northeastern Italy; a specialty of the region of… Continue reading
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Scuppernong (scupper-NONG)
The name in Native American Algonquin language means “place where magnolias grow”—a reference to the… Continue reading
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Sémillon (SEM-ee-yawn)
A friend once told me that sémillon always brought back his childhood memories of the… Continue reading
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Sercial (sir-SEE-al)
Esteemed Portuguese grape, today best known for making the lightest, driest style of Madeira.
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Seyval Blanc (SAY-val BLAHNK)
One of the most popular French-American hybrids originally developed in France for its disease resistance… Continue reading
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Silvaner (sil-VAHN-er)
Austrian variety, mostly neutral in character, that is a cross of savagnin with osterriechisch weiss,… Continue reading
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Sivi Pinot (SEE-vee PEE-noh)
Slovenian for pinot gris.
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Sousão (sue-SHAOW)
Portuguese grape probably native to the Minho where it is called vinhão and used as… Continue reading
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Spanna (SPAN-a)
Synonym for nebbiolo in various districts in Piedmont, Italy.
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Spätburgunder (SHPATE-brr-gun-der)
German name for the grape variety pinot noir.
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St. George
See agiorgitiko.
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St. Laurent (SAINT lor-ONT)
Probably native to Austria and grown there to make velvety reds with lovely cherry flavors.… Continue reading
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St. Macaire (SAINT ma-CARE)
Obscure Bordeaux variety now virtually extinct in Bordeaux but planted in limited amounts in California.
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St.-Emilion (SANT I-mill-e-yawn)
Name sometimes used in the Cognac region for the grape ugni blanc, and also known… Continue reading
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Stavroto (sth-vroh-TOH)
Native to eastern Greece, mostly grown in the Rapsáni Appellation, where it is a required… Continue reading
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Subirat Parent (SOO-bee-raht Pare-ent)
A minor variety best known in Catalonia, Spain. While sometimes said to be a malvasia,… Continue reading
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Sultaniye
A seedless variety and the most planted grape variety in the world. Alas, the vast… Continue reading
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Syrah (sear-AH)
Syrah has always reminded me of the kind of guy who wears cowboy boots with… Continue reading
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Szürkebarát (SOOR-keh-barat)
Hungarian name for pinot gris.
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Tannat (tan-AHT)
One of the leading grapes in southwest France, particularly used in the wines Madiran and… Continue reading
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Tazzelenghe (taz-eh-LEN-gay)
In Italian, the name means “cut the tongue”—a reference to the sharp acidity of the… Continue reading
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Tempranillo (tem-pran-KNEE-oh)
Spain’s most famous red grape, tempranillo, makes a huge range of wine styles depending on… Continue reading
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Teroldego (tare-OL-dih-go)
One of the leading red grapes of Trentino-Alto Adige, the northernmost region in Italy. The… Continue reading
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Terrano (ter-AH-noh)
Grown on the Italy-Slovenian border and in Croatia (where it is known as Teran), it… Continue reading
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Terrantez (ter-ahn-TZSH)
Rare Portuguese grape historically grown on the island of Madeira where it was once used… Continue reading
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Terret Noir (tare-ETTE-nwar)
Grown in southern France in the Languedoc Roussillon, Provence, and in the southern Rhône. Of… Continue reading
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Thompson Seedless
The California name for the seedless table grape variety sultaniye, the world’s most widely planted… Continue reading
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Tibouren (TIB-ou-ren)
Well-known variety all along the French Riviera and especially along the gulf of St. Tropez… Continue reading
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Tinta Barroca (TIN-tah bar-HOCA)
The name means “black baroque.” Native to the Douro region of northern Portugal where it… Continue reading
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Tinta del Pais (TIN-tah del pie-EESE)
A group of clones of tempranillo grown in Spain’s Ribera del Duero region. A synonym… Continue reading
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Tinta del Toro (TIN-ta del TOR-o)
A group of clones of tempranillo grown in Spain’s Toro region. (See tempranillo).
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Tinta Francisca (TIN-ta FRAN-cease-ka)
Native to the Duoro region of Portugal where its name means “French black,” though DNA… Continue reading
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Tinta Negra Mole (TIN-ta NEG-ra MOLE-ay)
Grape most often used on the Portuguese island of Madeira for basic Madeiras of modest… Continue reading
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Tinta Roriz (TIN-tah ro-REEZ)
Spanish grape also known as tempranillo. One of the grapes commonly used as part of… Continue reading
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Tinto Cão (TIN-toe COW)
The name means “red dog,” but it’s not clear why a grape would be so… Continue reading
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Tinto Fino (TIN-toe FEE-no)
A group of clones of tempranillo grown in Spain’s Ribera del Duero region. A synonym… Continue reading
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Tocai Friulano
See Friulano
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Torrontés (tore-on-TEZ)
Specialty of Argentina, where it can make beautifully aromatic, slightly viscous dry wines that are… Continue reading
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Touriga Franca (tore EE gah FRANK a)
High quality variety native to the Duoro region of Portugal even though the word “Franca”… Continue reading
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Touriga Nacional (tore-EE-gah na-SEE-on-al)
Probably native to Portugal’s Dao region, but today widely known as the leading powerhouse grape… Continue reading
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Trajadura (Tra-jah-DOO-rah)
Probably native to northern Portugal and still grown in the Douro and Minho and used… Continue reading
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Traminer (TRAM-i-ner)
Also known as savagnin, one of the “founder varieties” that led to dozens of others.… Continue reading
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Trebbiano (treb-ee-AHN-o)
The name given to a whole group of different varieties that share large clusters and… Continue reading
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Treixadura (tray-sha-DUR-a)
See trajadura
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Trepat (TRAY-paht)
Native to Catalonia in northwest Spain. Mostly used for making rosé cavas.
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Trincadeira Preta (trin-ka-DARE-rah PRAY-ta)
A darkly colored grape that probably originated in central Portugal and is now grown all… Continue reading
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Trollinger (TRAWL-in-jer)
Common German variety making mostly undistinguished wines, especially in the Württemberg area. Known in its… Continue reading
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Ugni Blanc (OO-knee BLAHNK)
One of the leading grapes of France in terms of production, it is the same… Continue reading
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Vaccarèse (vack-are-EZ)
One of the common if minor red grapes in France’s southern Rhône Valley. Sometimes used… Continue reading
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Valdiguié (VAL-dih-gay)
Southwestern French variety now virtually extinct there but growing in tiny amounts in California, where,… Continue reading
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Verdejo (ver-DAY-ho)
Grown in (and probably native to) the north-central Spanish province of Rueda. Makes one of… Continue reading
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Verdelho (ver-DEL-you)
The most planted white on the Portuguese island of Madeira where the grape probably originated.… Continue reading
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Verdello (ver-DEL-o)
One of the minor blending grapes in the Italian wine Orvieto. Despite its virtually identical-sounding… Continue reading
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Verdicchio Bianco (ver-DICK-ee-o bee-AHN-co)
Usually simply known as verdicchio. Cultivated principally in central Italy where it’s usually made into… Continue reading
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Verduzzo (ver-DOOTS-o)
More accurately verduzzo Friulano, is grown in northeastern Italy, primarily in Friuli Venezia-Giulia, where it… Continue reading
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Vermentino
Well-known along the Italian Riviera, where it is the source of dry, floral white wines… Continue reading
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Vernaccia (ver-NAHT-cha)
Lively, light, slightly bitter tasting Italian wine grape grown around the touristic Tuscan hilltop town… Continue reading
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Vespaiola (ves-PIE-o-la)
Native grape of the Veneto region of Italy where it is the source primarily of… Continue reading
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Vidal (vee-DAHL)
French-American hybrid created in France in the 1930s by Jean-Louis Vidal who was hoping to… Continue reading
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Vidiano (vid-ee-AH-noh)
Greek variety that almost became extinct in the 20th century, but is now seeing a… Continue reading
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Vignoles (veen-YOLE)
French-American hybrid also known as Ravat 51. The biggest plantings in the United States are… Continue reading
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Vinhão (veen-YOW)
Along with azal tinto, a high acid Portuguese variety used in the rare red versions… Continue reading
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Viognier (vee-oh-NYAY)
A Los Angeles restaurateur once described viognier this way: “If a good German riesling is… Continue reading
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Viosinho (vee-oh-ZEEN-yo)
Relatively old variety native to the Douro Valley of Portugal. One of the grapes used… Continue reading
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Vitovska (Vee-TOVE-skah)
Grown in the Isonzo and Carso regions of eastern Friuli-Venezia Giulia and across the border… Continue reading
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Viura (VYOUR-a)
The leading white variety in Spain’s Rioja region, where it is the source of simple,… Continue reading
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Weissburgunder (VICE-brr-gun-der)
In Germany and Austria, the name for pinot blanc.
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Welschriesling (WELSH-REEZ-ling)
The name Austrians use for the grape graševina, which is thought to have originated in… Continue reading
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Xarel-lo (sha-REL-o)
Highly regarded Catalan grape grown in the Penedès for cava, Spanish sparkling wine. Also made… Continue reading
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Xynomavro (ZEE-no-mav-ro)
Sometimes spelled xinomavro. From xyno, acid, and mavro, black. Greece’s most intense, well-respected red grape.… Continue reading
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Zametovka (Zah-meh-TOV-kah)
Ancient Slovenian variety where it is used as part of the blend in the crisp,… Continue reading
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Zéta (ZEH-tah)
One of the four recommended varieties in Tokay Aszú. It ripens early and is highly… Continue reading
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Zibibbo (ZEE-BEE-boh)
The name, on the island of Sicily, for the ancient variety muscat of Alexandria and… Continue reading
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Zierfandler (ZEER-fand-ler)
Austrian variety with powerful orange/spice flavors and considerable body weight. Blended with rotgipfler to make… Continue reading
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Zinfandel (ZIN-fan-dell)
For decades, zinfandel was the most widely planted red grape in California until cabernet sauvignon… Continue reading
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Zweigelt (ZVIGH-gelt)
Austrian cross of blaufränkisch and St. Laurent made in 1922 by an Austrian researcher named… Continue reading
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Sur lie
Sur lie is French for “on the lees,” and lees for their part are expired… Continue reading
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