By Simon Taylor Stroud Wine Company
It was the French invented the term ‘Noble Varieties’ (at first six, but now seven) comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and – a little late to the party but most welcome – Syrah (Shiraz).
These incredible varieties are rightly considered renowned for their consistency and quality in winemaking yet this classification has no basis in hard science whatsoever and is merely a cultural whim of French Vignerons.
Astonishingly, there are well over ten thousand grape varieties growing around this little planet (Italy alone has over a thousand) and unsurprisingly a whole lot more than the seven ‘Noble Varieties’ are absolutely delicious. So here is a small selection of grape varieties you may never have heard of that make absolutely fabulous wines and all available at The Stroud Wine Company.
If you like Sauvignon Blanc, try Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko has been the wine of the summer here at Stroud Wine. A native of Greece, this variety has notes of citrus, peach, white fruit, slightly herbaceous and a refreshingly dry finish. Our organic Lyrarakis Assyrtiko from Crete is one of the best we’ve ever tasted.
If you like Chardonnay, try Vital. Vital is an ancient grape from Portugal and our ‘Antonio’ Vital from fifty to one hundred year old vines in vineyards near Lisbon is extraordinary. This has the steely freshness of the very best French Burgundy wines and a must for fans of Chablis.
If you like a dry youthful Riesling, try Gruner Veltliner. Austria is producing such great wines right now, and Gruner Veltliner is one of their best. Our Besas Gruner Veltliner is dry, fresh with citrus, green apple, herbs and razor sharp acidity.
If you like Pinot Noir, try Nerello Mascalese. Light, juicy with bright red berry fruits, earthy minerality and soft tannins, Nerello Mascalese is delicious especially when served just below room temperature. Our Sicilian Cantine Paolini Nerello Mascalese is always a crowd pleaser.
If you like Merlot, try Bonarda. This grape is another wonderful varietal native to Italy but it’s our Bodega Mauricio Lorca Recoleta from Argentina (Bonarda was introduced to the country by Italian immigrants in the 19th Century) that will really tantalise Merlot lovers. Exotic bold red and black fruits, a hint of spice and a velvety smooth finish.
If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, try Aglianico. Another Italian classic, full bodied with notes of ripe black fruit, liquorice, leather and spice.
If you like Syrah, try Touriga Nacional. A grape you probably have enjoyed without realising (it’s a major component of Port) our Carlos Raposo Impecavel is unoaked, with vibrant red fresh fruits and a delicately spiced finish.
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5 Witheys Yard,
55 High Street,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire
GL5 1AS
