Continuing Your Wine Journey: 10 More Grape Varieties To Discover

As you delve further into the world of wine, you will find an incredible array of grape varieties, each offering unique flavors, aromas, and styles. In this follow-up article, we will introduce you to another 10 grape varieties that are worth exploring as you continue your wine journey, including reds: Montepulciano, Gamay, Corvina, Zinfandel/Primitivo, and Barbera, and whites: Semillon, Garganega, Cortese, Fiano, and Muscat.

Montepulciano (Red)

Montepulciano, a red grape variety native to Italy, is the key grape in the Abruzzo region’s renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines. Montepulciano produces medium to full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and firm tannins. These wines often showcase flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, accompanied by notes of spice, leather, and tobacco. Key regions for Montepulciano include Abruzzo (Italy) and Marche (Italy).

Zinfandel/Primitivo (Red)

Zinfandel, also known as Primitivo in Italy, is a red grape variety with origins in Croatia. It is now predominantly grown in California, where it produces a wide range of wine styles, from light and fruity to bold and robust. Zinfandel/Primitivo wines typically have a medium to full body, moderate tannins, and low to medium acidity. Common flavors in Zinfandel/Primitivo wines include blackberry, raspberry, and black pepper, with notes of licorice and mocha. Key regions for Zinfandel/Primitivo include California (USA), Puglia (Italy), and Croatia.

Gamay (Red)

Gamay, a red grape variety hailing from the Beaujolais region of France, is known for producing light-bodied, fruity wines with low tannins and high acidity. Gamay wines often exhibit flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, along with floral and earthy notes. Key regions for Gamay include Beaujolais (France) and Niagara Peninsula (Canada).

Corvina (Red)

Corvina, a red grape variety from the Veneto region of Italy, is the primary grape used in the production of Valpolicella and Amarone wines. Corvina-based wines are medium to full-bodied, with moderate acidity and tannins. These wines often feature flavors of red cherry, black currant, and dried fruit, accompanied by hints of spice, leather, and almond. Key regions for Corvina include Veneto (Italy).

Barbera (Red)

Barbera, a red grape variety from Italy’s Piedmont region, is known for producing medium-bodied wines with high acidity and low tannins. Barbera wines often exhibit flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, along with notes of licorice, earth, and spice. Key regions for Barbera include Piedmont (Italy) and California (USA).

Semillon (White)

Semillon, a white grape variety originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc to create complex, age-worthy white wines. Semillon wines are characterized by their medium body, moderate acidity, and flavors of lemon, green apple, and beeswax, accompanied by notes of lanolin and toast in aged versions. Key regions for Semillon include Bordeaux (France), Hunter Valley (Australia), and Washington State (USA).

Garganega (White)

Garganega, a white grape variety from the Veneto region of Italy, is the primary grape in the production of Soave wines. Garganega wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with high acidity and flavors of lemon, green apple, and almond, along with notes of white flowers and minerality. Key regions for Garganega include Veneto (Italy).

Cortese (White)

Cortese, a white grape variety from Italy’s Piedmont region, is the key grape in the production of the refreshing Gavi wines. Cortese wines are characterized by their light body, high acidity, and flavors of green apple, lemon, and pear, accompanied by hints of white flowers and minerality. Key regions for Cortese include Piedmont (Italy).

Fiano (White)

Fiano, a white grape variety native to Southern Italy, is known for producing full-bodied, aromatic wines with moderate acidity. Fiano wines often exhibit flavors of pear, citrus, and honey, along with notes of hazelnut and floral undertones. Key regions for Fiano include Campania (Italy) and Puglia (Italy).

Muscat (White)

Muscat, a family of white grape varieties with a long history, is known for producing a wide range of wine styles, from dry to sweet and even sparkling. Muscat wines are characterized by their intense, floral aromas and flavors of orange blossom, peach, and apricot, along with notes of honey, spice, and grapefruit. Key regions for Muscat include Alsace (France), Piedmont (Italy), and Rutherglen (Australia).

By exploring these 10 additional grape varieties, you will continue to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the diverse world of wine. Remember that the world of wine is vast and ever-evolving, and there are countless other grape varieties and wine styles waiting to be discovered. As you continue to expand your wine knowledge, be open to new experiences and never shy away from trying new varieties, regions, and producers.