Tag: variety

Pinotage: the Frankenstein grape?

Created in the 1920s, this distinctly South African varietal has been more reviled than revered. But, as we put the wines of the Cape in the spotlight, Sophie Thorpe argues it should be recognised for its role in the region’s dazzling new-wave wines

Pineau d’Aunis: the original Claret?

Featured in one of this month’s Wine Club cases, Pineau d’Aunis is a little-known grape from the Loire – producing bright, spicy reds. Here, our Buyer for the region, Simon Field MW, shares a little more about this intriguing variety Whimsy is essential in the wine trade, made possible because – behind the facts, the […]

Our top 5 classic Italian grapes

Italy’s extraordinary vinous diversity can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. These five classic grape varieties are an excellent place to start your vinous adventure, being behind many of the country’s most famous wine styles Glera: Glera is the dominant grape behind Britain’s favourite sparkling wine: Prosecco. Up until 2009, its name was synonymous with […]

Let’s talk Tempranillo

Best known for producing the wines of Rioja, Tempranillo is a grape with many faces. Here Buyer Catriona Felstead MW talks through the varied styles it produces in Spain and further afield Glorious Tempranillo is Spain’s flagship grape variety. In its traditional heartland, it is revered for its contribution to rich, deep Riojas; structured and […]