Whether one is a neophyte in the world of wines or a true oenophile, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir are familiar grapes. But given the fact there are a myriad of other varieties, we thought it would be fun to delve into some other grapes which may not be at the top of one’s list. There are so many other grapes which produce exquisite wines, and for this issue, we want to share a few of our favorites with you.
Viognier, a powerful white grape, is known as the “sexy grape” and produces wines with distinct oral aromas and assertive stone fruit avors. It is seductive yet can be dif cult and certainly tantalizes the taste buds if the right winemaker is in charge. Originally grown exclusively in France and typically used in blends of other whites, Viognier has become a popular grape in California. Most California white wines we have tried that include the Viognier blend are delightful. However, there are some productions of 100 percent Viognier well worth mentioning. Failla Vineyards is a small production winery in Napa, Calif., well known for their pinot noirs, but they produce a Viognier which is outstanding. If you are able to obtain a bottle, do so. Miner and Arrowood Vineyards also produce nice Viogniers.
Another interesting white grape is Albarino. Originally grown only in northwest Spain and Portugal, Albarino is slipping into productions and being grown elsewhere. The wine is very light but full-bodied and acidic fruit avors. It is produced with much success in the Santa Ynez Valley, Clarksburg and Los Carneros AVAs. Wine Country carries one from Spain: Albar Legar De Bouza.
Semillon is yet another fun and light white, originally from France and now produced in America, as well. Try Bob Foley Semillon. Foley is well known for his super big reds but creates an exquisite Semillon. You can nd it at Wine Country, along with a white bordeaux blend of 50/50 sauvignon blanc and semillon: chateaur Recougne. Now if you are being extremely adventurous, stop in Mary’s Place (formerly Wine Styles) and ask her for a bottle of Salangina. This grape is originally from Greece (don’t let that throw you a curve ball) and now grown in Campania, Italy. It has subtle hints of apricot and stone fruit. Be adventurous and give it a try.
As we move to reds, two of our favorites are Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. Cabernet Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. Grown and known for its excellent blending qualities, Cab Franc is often blended with cabernet sauvignon and merlot in the bordeaux style; however, it can also stand on its own. Cabernet Franc is lighter than cabernet sauvignon, making a bright pale red wine and contributing nesse and a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes.
Across the world, Cabernet Franc is one of the 20 most widely planted grape varieties. Plantings are found throughout Europe, in the New World and China. Believed to have been established in the Libournais region of the southwest of France sometime in the 17th century, by the 18th century, plantings were evident in the Fronsac, Pomerol and St. Emilion area, making quality wines. Today, Cab Franc is found predominately in the Loire Valley and in the Libournais region of Bordeaux.
Interest in the grape started with California wine makers wanting to replicate the Bordeaux blend now marketed as Meritage. In the early to mid-20th century, some plantings of Cabernet Franc were mistaken for merlot. More recently, the grape has caught the attention of growers in cooler areas such as Long Island and the Finger Lakes of New York as well as areas in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Washington State. Cabernet Franc shares many of the same characteristics of cabernet sauvignon but with noticeable differences such as morepronounced perfume of notes of raspberries, black currants, violets and graphite. Two of our favorites are from two great wineries. Pride is absolutely a fabulous winery, and their 2000 Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County, does not disappoint. In addition, seek out the 2009 Terra Valentine Estate Cab Franc, Spring Mountain District – simply incredible.
We love Petite Sirah. Petite Sirah or Durif is a variety of red wine grape primarily grown in Australia, California, France and Israel. It is the main grape known in the United States and Israel as Petite Sirah. Although Durif and Petite Sirah are used interchangeably, Petite Sirah is sometimes mistakenly spelled Petite Syrah. The “petite” in the name of this grape refers to the size of its berries and not the vine. Compared to Syrah, the wine is noticeably more dark and purplish in color and typically rounder and fuller in the mouth while offering a brightness that Syrah lacks. We cannot say enough about the 2008 Madrigal, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah -- big, bold and exuberant. This was and still is Madrigal’s signature, and the winery’s history began with this wine, and it is still a personal favorite. Just as inviting is 2008 Robert Foley Petite Sirah. Effusively ripe aromas of blackberry pie and briar introduce this inky dark Petite Sirah – simply marvelous! So, the next time you reach for a “usual” red or white, why not select something “unusual!” Cheers!
Roxanne Bosserman has called Shreveport home since 1977 when she began a career with IBM. Although not a Louisiana native, her love for food, friends and wine has made the Bayou State her “perfect home.” Carol Gekakis is a Shreveport native and lives — for the most part — in Perdido Key, Fla. Both women have served as president of the Southern Trace Wine Club.
