Savatiano (sa-va-TEE-ano)

Widely planted in Greece, it is the grape most frequently used to make the wine retsina.

Eighteenth century French kings would accept Madiran wines as payment for taxes. What grape would the royalty have been drinking?

A. Cabernet Sauvignon

B. Malbec

C. Pinot Noir

D. Tannat

Tannat originated in the Basque region of southern France, notably in Madiran near the Pyrénées Mountains. French kings accepted Madiran wines in lieu of currency for taxes. Today, plantings in France have been steadily decreasing, but tannat is now one of the most prominent gapes in Uruguay where it is considered the “national grape.” Doubtful, though, that the president of Uruguay will take the wine instead of pesos for taxes.

Cane

A vine shoot (or stem) that has turned from green to tannish brown and has become hard and fibrous. Shoots turn to canes in the fall in order to withstand the oncoming winter. A vine’s… Continue reading

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