Wine Country Travel Guide: Exploring Alternative Wine Varieties in Italy and France
If you love wine and travel, then a trip to Italy and France's charming wine regions is an experience not to be missed. While many wine enthusiasts are familiar with the classic varieties of these countries, such as Chianti and Bordeaux, there is a wealth of lesser-known wines to discover. Here's a guide to exploring alternative wine varieties on your next trip.
Italy:
Aglianico
This grape variety produces full-bodied red wines with great aging potential. It is mainly grown in the southern region of Campania and is often blended with other native varieties such as Piedirosso and Barbera to produce complex and robust wines. An excellent example of Aglianico is Taurasi DOCG, which ages in oak barrels for a minimum of three years and has a deep ruby color, aromas of black fruit, and a strong tannic structure.
Vermentino
This white grape variety is grown mainly in the coastal regions of Tuscany and Sardinia. It produces dry white wines with a mineral taste, high acidity, and flavors of green apple and lemon. A top-quality Vermentino has a straw-like color, a delicate floral aroma, and pairs well with seafood and salads.
Ciliegiolo
Ciliegiolo is a red grape variety that is usually blended with Sangiovese to soften its strong tannins and create a more balanced wine. It has aromas of cherries, violets, and spices, and is usually unoaked to preserve its fresh and fruity character. One of the best Ciliegiolo wines is made by Fattoria La Valentina in Abruzzo, which has a bright ruby color, a soft and round palate, and silky tannins.
France:
Picpoul
This white grape variety is grown mainly in Languedoc-Roussillon, a region in the south of France. It produces dry white wines with high acidity, a floral aroma, and flavors of lemon and green apple. Picpoul is perfect for seafood and shellfish dishes and pairs well with goat cheese. A top-quality Picpoul de Pinet is made by Domaine Félines Jourdan, which has a pale yellow color, a citrus aroma, and a crisp and refreshing taste.
Gamay
Gamay is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the Beaujolais region of France. It produces light-bodied, fruity wines with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and violet. Beaujolais Nouveau, a wine released every year on the third Thursday of November, is made from Gamay grapes that are fermented for only a few weeks and bottled quickly to produce a fresh and fruity wine that is perfect for celebrations.
Savagnin
Savagnin is a white grape variety that is mostly grown in the Jura region of France. It produces dry white wines with a nutty taste, high acidity, and aromas of green apple, lemon, and honey. Savagnin is also used to make Vin Jaune, a rare and expensive wine that ages for at least six years in oak barrels and has a rich and complex taste with notes of nuts, spices, and dried fruits.
Exploring alternative wine varieties on your next trip to Italy and France is a great way to expand your wine knowledge and discover new flavors and styles. Whether you're a fan of full-bodied reds or light and refreshing whites, there's a wine out there for everyone.