When people think of Burgundy wines, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate the conversation. Yet tucked into corners of this famous region grows a grape that has long played a supporting role, occasionally overlooked but increasingly appreciated: Aligoté. This white grape may not have the glamour of its golden neighbor Chardonnay, but it carries a crisp…

Xinomavro (pronounced ksee-NO-ma-vro), is arguably Greece’s most iconic red grape variety. As such, it holds a special place in the country’s viticultural heritage. Translating to “acid-black,” the name reflects the grape’s defining features: high acidity and deeply pigmented skins that yield powerful, age-worthy wines.Origins and HistoryXinomavro originates from northern Greece, particularly from the region of…

Furmint is Hungary’s most historically and viticulturally significant grape variety. Native to the Carpathian Basin, it is closely tied to the Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary, where it underpins both sweet and dry wines. While its fame rests on the botrytized Tokaji Aszú, a wine praised since the 17th century, recent decades have seen growing…

Known as a grape displaying “Aromatic Precision from Germany”, Scheurebe is a white variety developed in Germany in the early 20th century. Though not widely planted, it produces distinctive wines with firm acidity and a broad stylistic range, from dry and citrus-driven to richly sweet. Routinely overlooked in favor of Riesling, Scheurebe has found a…

Merlot, one of the world’s most beloved grape varieties, is a red wine staple celebrated for its soft texture and versatility.

Sylvaner doesn’t try to impress with flashy aromas or bold flavors. Instead, it offers quiet charm — clean, balanced, rooted in the places it grows best. Once one of the most planted white grapes in Germany, Sylvaner has slipped into the background, but it’s never gone completely away. In the right hands and soils, it…

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Veneto region, Corvina is a grape that rarely takes the spotlight but plays a central role in shaping some of Italy’s most distinctive wines. It’s not as globally recognized as Sangiovese or Nebbiolo, but Corvina underpins the wines of Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone, lending them structure, brightness,…

Early Days Along the Rhine

Chardonnay, often dubbed the “Queen of White Wines,” is one of the most popular and versatile grape varieties in the world.

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a grape variety with a journeyed history.

Cabernet Sauvignon, often hailed as the “king of red grapes,” is a varietal that has shaped the wine industry with its bold flavors and remarkable versatility.

Muscat is one of the oldest and most versatile grape varieties in the world.

Albariño is a white grape variety native to the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula, primarily grown in Spain’s Rías Baixas (Galicia) and northern Portugal, where it’s known as Alvarinho.

Know Your Grape: Marselan

Pinot Noir, often dubbed the “heartbreak grape,” is as temperamental as it is revered.

Pinotage is a unique and proudly South African grape variety.

Pinot Gris, known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a white grape variety celebrated for its versatility and global appeal.

Sauvignon Blanc, one of the most distinctive and widely planted white grape varieties, boasts a rich history and remarkable versatility.

Malbec, a grape variety synonymous with bold flavors and vibrant color, has a story as rich as the wines it produces.

When exploring wine menus, you probably have come across Zinfandel and Primitivo in the past.

This grape is heralded as Portugal’s flagship variety, with a rich history and an enduring reputation for producing some of the country’s most iconic wines.

Carmenère, often referred to as the “lost grape of Bordeaux,” is a fascinating varietal with a rich history and a unique flavor.

Trebbiano, one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, is a true workhorse in the wine industry.

When delving into the world of wine, Petit Sirah is a name that piques curiosity.

Sémillon is one of the wine world’s quiet achievers.

Viognier, a white wine grape with a storied history, is a varietal cherished for its aromatic intensity and lush texture.

Gamay, often overshadowed by its more famous cousin Pinot Noir, is a red grape variety known for producing fresh, vibrant, and fruit-forward wines.

Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety that embodies versatility, elegance, and history.

Cabernet Franc, often overshadowed by its more famous offspring Cabernet Sauvignon, is a grape variety with its own distinctive character and a rich history.

Sangiovese, one of Italy’s most celebrated grape varieties, is renowned for its versatility and its ability to reflect the nuances of its growing environment.

Sometimes called the “King of Grapes for the Kings of Wine”, and responsible for some of Italy’s most iconic and age-worthy wines.

Gewürztraminer stands out for its bold personality and unique flavor profile.

Tempranillo, a name derived from the Spanish word “temprano,” meaning “early,” aptly describes this grape’s tendency to ripen earlier than most varieties.

Grenache, one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts.