This difficult-to-pronounce Austrian grape variety is also called Gru – Ve or Groovy! Not a tongue twister now, is it? The name Grüner Veltliner translates to Green wine of Veltlin. Veltlin was a region in the lower Alps and is now known as Valtellina in Italy.The ‘green’ flavour referred to here is often the pepperyContinue reading “Grüner Veltliner”
Author Archives: winetelegrams
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the most well-known grape variety from Spain. It makes a range of wines and is used in many blends, most notably being the Rioja (pronounced Ree-o-ha) where it is the dominant grape of the region. A fairly neutral grape with moderate tannins, it is usually blended with other varieties like Grenache, Graciano andContinue reading “Tempranillo”
Shiraz/Syrah
Did you know Syrah from France and Shiraz from Australia are the same grape variety? Although both regions produce quality wines with high tannins and acidity, the flavours and style are very different. Traditionally, the difference was regional, but now it is mostly due to the climate and the wine-making style. Syrah’s home region isContinue reading “Shiraz/Syrah”
Pinot Grigio
This Italian grape, originally from France (where it is known as Pinot Gris), is an interesting white wine grape with greyish-blue colour instead of the usual green. The grapes are harvested early to retain the acidity and make some refreshing fruit-forward, easy-drinking wines. It can have a range of flavours from apple, pear, lemon, peachContinue reading “Pinot Grigio”
Riesling
A favourite wine of many wine professionals I know, Riesling is a highly aromatic white wine with crisp acidity and floral notes.Normally thought to be sweet, Riesling can be made into some delicious dry wines. Primary flavours of Riesling include jasmine, frangipani, apricot, apple and lime. Usually made as a single varietal wine, it isContinue reading “Riesling”
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the most planted grape in Italy, however, the most popular and known region for it is Tuscany. With high acidity and high tannins, this grape makes some beautiful wines in a range of flavours. From rich, savoury, elegant to rustic and full-bodied. Chianti, a wine synonymous with Tuscany, has Sangiovese as its mainContinue reading “Sangiovese”
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is the most planted grape variety in South Africa, where it is also known as Steen. It is a very versatile grape with high acidity and makes dry, off-dry, sweet wines as well as sparkling wine. In the Loire Valley in France, which is also known as the ‘home region’ for Chenin Blanc,Continue reading “Chenin Blanc”
Sauvignon Blanc
This refreshing grape variety with crisp acidity is a favourite of many. Regardless of where it comes from, Sauvignon Blanc will always have distinct notes of lime, grass and herbs. The most popular Sauvignon Blancs are from New Zealand, even though France is its home region One of the most easy-to-recognise wines, Sauvignon Blanc hasContinue reading “Sauvignon Blanc”
Malbec
I love Malbec, the ones from France as well as from Argentina.It really is a delicious wine but Argentina is the place where Malbec really came into its own and gained worldwide popularity. Malbec is a deep-purple-coloured wine with high alcohol level, and smooth, velvety texture. It is a fruit-forward wine with flavours of blackberry,Continue reading “Malbec”
Wine Bottle Shapes
Your Guide to identifying French wines based on the shapes of the bottle! Did you know, glass bottles were not the preferred choice of wine storage up until the 17th Century? Before that, wines were stored in goat skins (not the most hygienic!) and then in barrels. The eventual use of tinted glass ensured thatContinue reading “Wine Bottle Shapes”
Wine Telegrams 