Top grapes by country 5-11-2022

Gus Clemens on Wine explores and explains the world of wine in simple, humorous, fun posts

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Top grapes by country 5-11-2022

Signature variety for 25 countries

Gus Clemens

May 10, 2022

This is the weekly newspaper column.

Top grapes by country 5-11-2022

While most countries produce a variety of wines, they also have a signature export wine and grape variety. The University of Adelaide in Australia tracks this and presents the signature variety for the top 25 wine-producing countries.

Here are the university’s findings. Some are obvious and easy. Some will be grapes or countries you did not expect or never encountered before.

• Argentina: Malbec

• Australia: Syrah

• Austria: Grüner Veltliner

• Brazil: Isabella

• Bulgaria: Shiroka Melnishka; also called Melnishka

• Canada: Seyval Blanc

• Chile: Cabernet Sauvignon

• Croatia: Graševina

• Czech Republic: Grüner Veltliner

• France: Merlot

• Germany: Riesling

• Greece: Savatiano

• Hungary: Blaufränkisch

• Italy: Sangiovese

• Moldova: Moldova

• New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc

• Portugal: Tempranillo

• Romania: Feteasca Regala

• Russia: Cabernet Sauvignon

• Slovenia: Graševina

• South Africa: Chenin Blanc.

• Spain: Airén

• Switzerland: Pinot Noir

• United States: Chardonnay

• Uruguay: Tannat

Tasting notes:

• Viu Manent Secreto Malbec, Valle de Colchagua, Chile 2019: Fulsome with rich, savory, dark fruit flavors. Good structure, balance. Superb QPR. $13-16 Link to my review

• Aia Vecchia Lagone, Toscana 2018: Excellent, affordable introductory wine to world of Super Tuscan. $14-17 Link to my review

• Talbott Vineyards Kali Hart Estate Grown Chardonnay 2019: Aggressively fruit-forward. Round, creamy. Pamela Anderson, not Audrey Hepburn. $14-18 Link to my review

• L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon, Columbia Valley 2019: Top-tier libation for less than a Benjamin. Astonishing opportunity. Do not pass it up. $15-18 Link to my review

• Acquiesce Grenache Blanc, Lodi 2020: Intense fruit flavors framed by good acidity and minerality. Eloquent expression of classic Rhône varietal with Lodi flair of ripe, tasty fruit. $28-30 Link to my review

• Peju Province Winery Merlot, Napa Valley 2016: Robust merlot with bright flavors, assertive tannins. Merlot with character and attitude. Nice harmony of various flavor elements. $45-55 Link to my review

• Farmhouse Vineyards Smōk & Miroirs NV: Bold expression of Texas mourvèdre. If you like red wine big and beef bold, this is worth the effort to secure it. $50 Link to my review

• Aperture Cellars Sonoma County Red Blend 2019: Breathtakingly excellent Bordeaux-style blend. If you can find it, buy it. Supple, silky, excellent depth, length. $55-58 Link to my review

• Adobe Road Shift Red Wine 2019: Bottle with gear shift topper and five-speed shift plate gives pause this is more gimmick than good, but wine comes through in the clutch without having to downshift the evaluation. $55-65 Link to my review

Last round: Before visiting the lions at the zoo, an English professor told to his students: “Make certain you understand the difference between your dinner and you’re dinner.” All students but one got it. That student didn’t make it out of the zoo.

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Gus Clemens on Wine explores and explains the world of wine in simple, humorous, fun posts

Gus Clemens writes a syndicated wine column for Gannett/USA Today network and posts online reviews of wines and stories of interest to wine lovers. He publishes almost daily in his substack.com newsletter, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on his website. The Gus Clemens on Wine podcast delivers that material in a warm, user-friendly format.

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