Perhaps the world's most misunderstood white grape variety and, in our estimation, the world's finest. Ranges in style from the crystalline purity of Germany's Mosel River Valley, to gloriously sweet dessert wines with every conceivable stopping point in between. The most important red wine grape of Tuscany and the backbone of world-famous wines such as Chianti. Styles range from bright, simple cherry fruit to assertive, richly flavored reds with potential for years in the cellar. The white wine relative of Cabernet Sauvignon and a white wine varietal with a particularly assertive personality.
Flavors run from citrus-gooseberry intensity to round, rich, melon and fig.
Frequently used as a blending grape with Sauvignon Blanc, but capable of success on its own. Figures prominently in the wines of the Sauternes region of Bordeaux. Also produces excellent dry, full-boded whites in Australia. Usually used to refer to red wines that are smooth or gentle on the palate. Ranks with Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir as one of the world's great red wine grapes.