California — Grapes Varieties — Every Glass Matters

Merlot

Merlot, one of the most widely planted and loved grape varieties globally, holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts and winemakers alike. Known for its role in some of the world’s most prestigious wines, particularly from Bordeaux, Merlot’s adaptability and approachable nature make it a star in both the vineyard and the glass.

Coralie StrongJune 28, 2024Wine, Merlot, France, Bordeaux, Italy, California, USA, Australia

Viognier

A wonderful variety that was almost lost to the world….

GrapesCoralie StrongApril 30, 2021Grapes, Mango, Honey, Rhone Valley, Rhone, Southern Rhone, floral, Orange, Vanilla, Nutmeg, Rose, Stone, South Africa, Australia, France, Chateau Grillet, Condrieu, White, White Wine, Chile, USA, California

Mourvèdre

Part of the famous GSM blend, Mourvèdre is used to make highly tannic and full-bodied wines. It needs lots of heat to ripen properly but can make very age-worthy wines.

GrapesCoralie StrongSeptember 18, 2019Australia, South Africa, America, California, Valencia, Jumilla DO, Alicante, Murcia, Spain, GSM, Grenache, Syrah, Shiraz, Languedoc, Phylloxera, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, Rhone Valley, Southern Rhone, Bandol, France, Highly tannic, full-bodied high in alcohol, Alcohol, Plum, Blackcurrant, Blackberries, Rose, Wet Stones, Sun, Heat, Rosé, Red, Oak, Mataró

Zinfandel

Zinfandel in America or Primitivo in Italy has a mixed reputation. From bold, high alcohol red wines to sweet pink rosé Zinfandel might not suit everyone’s tastes. However, when carefully produced the wines can be interesting with powerful aromatics and a rich structure.

Chardonnay

Known for the unfair term ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) this is a variety with a mixed reputation. At its best, the wines can be highly complex, with a great ageing ability and show great winemaking skill. At its worst, it can be dull, flabby and forgettable.

GrapesCoralie StrongJune 4, 2019Pineapple, Peach, Nectarine, Lemon, Passion Fruit, Almond, Celery, Lemon Zest, Green Apple, Honey, Vanilla, Chardonnay, South Africa, Chile, USA, California, Burgundy, Chablis, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, UK, England, Champagne, Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Oregon, Washington, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet, Corton Charlemagne, Flint, Mineral, Chalk, Limestone, Clay, SA, NZ, New Zealand, Acid, Elegant, Flabby, Oak, Battonage, MLF, Stellenbosch, Elgin, Roberston

Grenache

Grenache is an interesting variety. It is full of bright fruit flavours and floral notes. It is grown throughout the world creating a range of styles most commonly red and rosé

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is an incredible grape variety widely used in Spain and Portugal. It is used in the production of one of the worlds’ most fantastic fortified wines, Port. In Spain Rioja and Ribera del Duero it shines.

Carignan.

A grape by many names…

GrapesCoralie StrongJanuary 29, 2019Carignan, Spain, France, Raspberry, Cinnamon, Liquorice, Cranberry, Israel, Chile, California, USA, Italy, Sardinia, Priorat

Cabernet Sauvignon

The worlds' most famous red wine grape. Descendant of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Planted in warmer regions as tends to ripen later. Powerful aromas of blackcurrant, and if matured in new oak, aromas of cedar and tobacco can be seen. In youth deep purple in colour, ages well. The grapes are small but thick skinned-high ratio of colour matter and tannins to juice.