-
How to identify Marsanne & Roussanne from the Northern Rhône in a blind wine tasting?
About Marsanne & Roussanne from the Northern Rhône Marsanne’s origin is believed to be in the Rhône valley but not proven as of yet. Its close relative, Roussanne, shares the same question mark about its origin but both varieties strive and prosper predominately in the Northern Rhône valley. Total plantings in France (as per 2019…
-
How to identify Viognier from Northern Rhône in a blind wine tasting?
About Viognier from Northern Rhône Viognier is the most widely planted white variety in the Northern part of the Rhône valley (2620 hectares in 2023) according to Vins Rhone. It almost became extinct in the 1960s with a mere 28 hectares present. The courage of some Condrieu producers, most notably Georges Vernay, saved the variety…
-
How to identify Riesling from Alsace in a blind wine tasting?
About Riesling from Alsace Alsace on the eastern border of France boost a total of ~15600 hectares of which approximately 1/5 is dedicated to Riesling (21% by 2019) – (Harding et al., 2023). This aromatic variety finds ideal growing condition on various soils and exposures. Hugel‘s Schoelhammer, Trimbach‘s Clos Saint Hune and Zind Humbrecht‘s Clos…
-
How to identify Gewurztraminer from Alsace in a blind wine tasting?
About Gewurztraminer from Alsace Gewurztraminer is the aromatic mutation of Savagnin Rose and maybe the best known with the Savagnin family tree. First mentioned in the village of Oppenheim, which is now within the Rheingau region in Germany. A variety that is particularly prone to virus diseases, hence there are 8 specifically bred virus-free version…
-
How to identify dry or off dry Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley in a blind wine tasting?
The European stronghold of Chenin Blanc is the Loire Valley in France with 10,362 hectares – (Harding et al., 2023). Outside of its ancestral home it is widely planted in South Africa with 17,147 hectares, where it is grown all over the Western Cape in various different styles. Praised for its naturally high acidity it…
-
How to identify Sauternes in a blind wine tasting?
Sauternes has approximately 1,930 hectare (Harding et al., 2023) and is one of the most world-renowned sweet wines, made from several different grape varieties. In the majority of cases Semillon is taking the lead at around 80% of total plantings (Harding et al., 2023) or sole role. Sauvignon Blanc & Gris and Muscadelle are often…
-
How to identify Melon de Bourgogne from Loire Valley in a blind wine tasting?
For me, Melon de Bourgogne (aka Muscadet) from Loire Valley is not always the easiest and most expressive grape variety to identify in a blind wine tasting. In this article, we are going to dive into the characteristics of Muscadet based on classic examples, following a structure commonly used by wine institutions like Court of…
-
How to identify a white Bordeaux blend in a blind wine tasting?
White Bordeaux blends consists predominately of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, two grape varieties that are widely planted in Bordeaux. Other minor allowed grape varieties are Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Merlot Blanc. (Harding et al., 2023). In the contrast of wine blind tasting these would not be used to showcase a traditional or…
-
How to identify Pinot Gris from Alsace in a blind wine tasting?
Pinot Gris is one of the four noble grape varieties from Alsace in France. With 16% of the total vineyard area in Alsace it’s the third most planted variety, after Pinot Blanc (26%) and Riesling (20%) and just before Gewurztraminer (14%) – (d’Alsace, 2023) Commonly used names and synonyms are: Grauburgunder / Grauer Burgunder or…
