Taste: A distinct white pepper aroma with red fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by spicy notes of clove and licorice, while oak adds vanilla and toast. The best wines can develop complex flavors of blackcurrants, black olives, coffee, leather and tar. Body: Medium to full Tannin: Low to medium (can be high, depending on the…

Taste: Aromas of acacia, citrus and tropical fruits are followed by subtle flavors of pear, apple, lemon, apricot and peach together with notes of toasted almonds and a refreshing mineral finish. Lees aging can add a rich, creamy texture and substantial mouth feel to the wine. The best examples are complex with additional herbal notes and…

Taste: Aromas of honeysuckle, wild flowers and citrus fruits are followed by flavors of apple, apricot, lemon, lime, nectarine and white peach, as well as interesting mineral notes. If oaked and aged on lees, expect additional vanilla and buttery flavors. Body: Medium to full Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: Medium to high Age: Generally best to drink while young and…

Taste: Fresh with aromas of white flowers, apple and honeydew melon, followed by flavors of lemon, greengage, pear and a characteristic almond finish. Body: Light but can be medium Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: Medium to high Age: Drink while young and fresh. Other: Main component of Soave wine from Veneto. Description Garganega (gar-GAHN-ne-ga) is primarily associated with Veneto in northeast Italy, where it…

Taste: Aromas of red fruit, banana and a hint of spice, give way to prominent flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. Body: Light to medium Tannin: Low Acidity: Medium to high Age: Most should be drunk while young and fruity, but the best wines can improve with age. Description Gamay (ga-MAY), or to give it its full French name…

Taste: Full and luscious with aromas of honey, apple, lemon, spicy oak and occasional nutty tones are followed by flavors of honey, baked apple, citrus fruits, pear and apricot, with mineral notes on the finish. Body: Full Dry / Sweet: Usually dry (can be off-dry) Acidity: Medium to high Age: Drink within a few years, but the best wines have…

Taste: Aromas of wild meadow flowers, almond blossom and ripe white fruits are followed by flavors of pear, peach and tropical fruits, with some citrus notes, a touch of honey and a very typical almond finish. It can also display mineral notes, as well as nutty elements, herbs and a little spice. Body: Medium to full Dry…

Taste: Aromatic fragrance of wild flowers, honey and spice with subtle flavors of apricot, peach, lemon, herbs and nuts, as well as mineral notes. Body: Medium to full Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: Medium to high Age: The best wines have good aging potential, otherwise drink while young and fresh. Description Fiano (fee-AH-noh) is a grape of ancient origin from…

Taste: Refreshing with aromas of wild flowers, acacia blossom, honeysuckle, citrus and tropical fruits, followed by flavors of apple, pear, lemon, lime, pineapple, banana, kiwi and candied peel, along with mineral notes and subtle spicy overtones. Body: Generally medium, but can be full. Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: Medium to high Age: Best to drink within the first year or…

Taste: Aromas of bramble and red fruits lead to flavors of fresh cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant and plum. Body: Light (can be medium to full) Tannin: Low Acidity: Medium Age: Drink while young and fruity. Other: While most Dornfelder is dry, some are made off-dry (sweet to taste). Description Dornfelder (DORN-fell-der) is a German grape variety developed as recently as…