Are you tired of mindlessly flipping through TV channels, only to find nothing but brain-numbing shows on Free to Air? Well, fear not, my fellow non-TV enthusiasts! There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and today, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating realm of grape varieties.
Picture this: instead of vegging out in front of the television, I found myself picking up a new hobby – crocheting. Yes, you read that right. While my kids find it amusing, I find it oddly relaxing. It’s like a mental workout for my brain, keeping it active while my hands stay busy.
And recently, as I was crocheting away, I stumbled upon a challenge: naming a grape variety for every letter of the alphabet. Let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park. Go ahead, give it a try and let me know how far you get!
Now, I’ll be honest with you – to conquer the alphabet challenge (or at least come pretty close), I had to enlist some help. Yet, there’s one letter that continues to stump me – Y. So, if you’ve got any grape varieties starting with Y up your sleeve, please share your wisdom with me!
Without further wasting time, let’s explore on this grape-filled adventure, from Arneis to Zinfandel, with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of knowledge:
The ABCs of Grape Varieties
Arneis:
Hailing from Italy, this white grape variety produces aromatic, full-bodied white wines. If you ever find yourself in Broke, do yourself a favor and try the Arneis from Catherine Vale Wines.
Barbera:
Another Italian gem, Barbera is a dark-skinned red grape known for its plummy, cherry-like flavors. Next time you’re in the Hunter Valley, make sure to snag a bottle or two.
Chardonnay:
Ah, the beloved Chardonnay – a staple in the wine world. With its fruity notes ranging from tropical to stone fruits, there’s a Chardonnay out there for everyone. Just like our very own Stomp ’18 Chardonnay.
Dolcetto:
Soft, fruity, and oh-so-delicious, Dolcetto wines from Italy are a treat for the taste buds. Catherine Vale Wines in Broke has got you covered on this one too.
Enantio:
This red grape variety from Italy boasts fruity flavors of raspberries and red cherries, with a hint of spiciness to boot.
Fiano:
Originating from Italy, Fiano adds body and roundness to blends while imparting floral, honey, and spicy notes. Our Stomp 2018 Fiano pairs perfectly with seafood and pasta dishes.
Gerwurztraminer:
With its intense lychee and rose petal aromas, Gerwurztraminer wines are a sensory delight. The Little Wine Company’s Gerwurtz is a personal favorite of mine.
Humagne Rouge:
Hailing from Switzerland, this rustic red wine is bursting with earthy, savory flavors, reminiscent of dark cherries with a hint of spice.
Isabella:
An American Hybrid grape variety that produces light-bodied wines with predominant strawberry flavors. Perfect for a laid-back evening.
Jampal:
Straight from Southern Portugal, Jampal wines boast citrus characters with tropical fruit undertones. Sounds like the ideal summer sipper, doesn’t it?
Katsano:
A rare white variety from Greece, Katsano wines are known for their sweet lemon blossom and honey aromas. Talk about a hidden gem!
Lambrusco:
This brightly colored red grape from Italy is used to make sparkling red wines that are as refreshing as they are delicious.
Merlot:
Smooth, rounded, and oh-so-easy-drinking, Merlot wines are a crowd-pleaser. Our Pssst ‘n’ Broke ’17 Merlot is no exception.
Nero d’Avola:
Originally from Sicily, Nero d’Avola thrives in dry, arid conditions, making it a perfect fit for Australia’s climate.
Ortega:
Similar to Muscat, Ortega wines boast overt floral scents that are simply irresistible.
Petit Verdot:
Despite its name, Petit Verdot packs a punch with its bold flavors and textures. Definitely worth a try!
Quagliano:
This Italian red variety is often used in low-alcohol still and sparkling wines – a true hidden gem.
Roussanne:
With its herbal tea florals and poached pear aromas, Roussanne wines are a delight for the senses. Meerea Park’s Roussanne is a personal favorite.
Sangiovese:
From light and crunchy to dark and bold, Sangiovese wines come in a variety of styles to suit every palate. David Hooke’s Sangiovese is a must-try.
Tempranillo:
Responsible for many medium-bodied, food-friendly wines, Tempranillo is a Spanish classic worth savoring.
Uva di Troia:
This low-yielding Italian grape is used to make both standalone and blended wines.
Verdelho:
With its fresh tropical fruit characters, Verdelho wines are perfect for kicking back by the pool or pairing with spicy Asian cuisine.
Wurzer:
A little-known German grape variety, Wurzer is a cross between Gerwurtztraminer and Muller-Thurgau – a true hidden gem.
Xnisteri:
Hailing from Cyprus, Xnisteri wines are a testament to the island’s rich winemaking heritage.
Zinfandel:
Last but certainly not least, Zinfandel wines are known for their dark-skinned allure and controversial origins. Who knew a grape could spark such debate?
And there you have it – a whirlwind tour of the alphabet, grape style! From A to Z, the world of wine is vast, diverse, and endlessly fascinating. So, next time you’re in need of a little relaxation, skip the TV and pour yourself a glass of your favorite grape variety. Cheers to the wonderful world of wine!
