Month: May 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.