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Showing entries for Category: noble-grapes
Wine ed. 101: Keepin' it simple- The Noble Grapes
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Merlot grapes, one of the Noble Big 6
The term 'noble grape' itself borders on obsolete and is rarely used in the U.S. It refers to grape varieties acknowledged to produce the world's most extraordinary wines, wines that have the distinctive characteristics to be called "classical." Wines that show great complexity, have exceptional character, and show significant quality over a long period of time.
The term originated in France, but we can no longer argue that great wines come only from France; and for a grape variety to be considered 'noble' it must be able to produce outstanding grapes from other wine growing regions as well. "The Big 6" are now almost everywhere because they can be grown consistently, in practically every wine making country in the world.
Knowledge of the Big 6 helps to seriously simplify things. With over 5,000 documented species of grapes, 230 play a role in wine making. Learning what they are and their characteristics can really help to keep it simple as about 80% of quality wines world wide are derived from these grapes.
The grapes regarded as 'noble' all originated in European vineyards. In Italy and Spain, French varieties have been introduced to compliment local conventional wines. As a result, for example, Chardonnay is grown in Catalonia (Spain) and Cabernet Sauvignon in Tuscany to create new styles of wine. Winemakers in the New World have taken these and other varieties and planted them widely. Debated by some as to whether a classic variety can allow winemakers to mirror the taste of the European originals in other vineyards.
The emerging opinion is that varietal characteristics--though high on the scale of significance--are just one factor among many. The precise location of the vineyard, the soil, and the climate along with other factors unique to that vineyard will affect the way the vine grows and the distinctive character of the grape it yields. That's where the whole process of the winemaking comes into play.
The various noble grape-based wines are easy to cultivate and prolific; or because a variety is particularly suited to the local conditions. It would be an oversight to think that only noble grape varieties can produce great wine. The public misconception that only the Big 6 grape varieties may threaten local wines, which have their contain their own special characteristics.
Now that your curiosity is sparked, can you guess the Big 6 noble grapes? A little hint, three are white, three are red. Stayed tuned to Wine word Wednesday and see if you're right. I'll tell you what they are and a little about each of them; their characteristics, favored growing conditions, etc.
Topics: noble grapes , vines
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