Exploring Lesser-Known Wine Varieties

Piedmont, Italy. Photo by Ken Zimmerman.

Grignolino:  This is Italy’s version of a Beaujolais (Gamay) located in Asti region of Piedmont in Northwest Italy. Grignolino is a light bodied pale-colored wine that is made to drink young and is best served with a good chill on the bottle.

Xinomavro: Pronounced “see-no-mav-ro”. A red grape from Greece. Xinomavro is a wine with good acidity and tannins that make it very ageable. Somewhat like a Barolo (Nebbiolo), but without the higher cost. 

Mourvédre: aka; Monastrell (Spain).  Most wine historians agree that Mourvèdre is likely to be Spanish in origin, though its exact history is difficult to pinpoint. However, this grape is planted in the Rhone valley of France and famous for GSM’s Garnache, Syrah and Mourvédre.  Mainly used as a blending grape, but if you find a wine that is 100% Mourvédre, it would be rare. 

Cinsault: Another blending grape from the Rhone Valley and Languedoc.  However, there are a few domestic vintners making wine from this grape.  Turley Vineyards comes to mind.  This is another example of a lighter red that when chilled makes a great summertime red sipper.

Picpoul de Pinet: Picpoul de Pinet is an AOC within the Languedoc for white wines made exclusively from this grape varietal.  This is a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc with similar characteristics of citrus flavors, green apple and some pear notes followed by herbal undertones of thyme or fennel.

Merseguera: Traditionally used in the production of simple, everyday white wines, indigenous to Spain primarily in the Valencia region. Merseguera is typically, light-bodied with moderate acidity. They often exhibit flavors of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a hint of almond or floral notes.  The grape is gaining attention as a sustainable option in viticulture, especially as climate change poses new challenges to wine production in Mediterranean regions.

Vermentino di Gallura: Is the only wine in Sardinia to have the prestigious DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, the highest classification in Italian wine.  The Gallura region, where this wine is produced, is known for its distinctive granite-rich soil. This soil imparts a unique minerality to the wine, which sets it apart from other Vermentino wines.

Contributed by Blake Leland, Sommelier for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.