Three White Grapes You Ain’t Heard of…and Why They Rule!

 By Kaitlin Ohlinger

 

Well, maybe you have heard of them. If that’s so, then congrats! You win! But today I wanted to talk about one of my all-time most favorite things about wine: there’s ALWAYS a grape you haven’t heard of! So if we get to mask our drinking with a little bit of learning? Perfect! Let’s do it.

 

Weird Grape #1: Colombard. Colombard just wins all kinds of races. An extremely friendly and versatile grape, it blends well with many other grapes, notably Ugni Blanc (probably another one you haven’t heard of). It’s incredibly easy on the pocketbook and can offer truly incredible value when you’re on the hunt for a Summertime thirst-quencher. Known for it’s citrusy, tart and clean palate, you can find fun accents of peaches and flowers as well. It’ll be most common to see French versions on the shelves, although it is grown in Central California and often used in sparkling wine production. Do you like Sauvignon Blanc? Chances are Colombard could be your new jam.

 

Weird Grape #2: Arneis. Arneis means “little rascal”, which makes me love this grape even more! An Italian varietal, it is found in the Piedmont region of Italy. You’ll probably see it as being from Roero or Langhe (those are places- Italian wine labels are notoriously challenging to comprehend). In the last year, I’ve personally noticed a lot more options popping up in the less than $20 range, which is exciting. Arneis is a medium-bodied white, with a generous palate that usually features notes of honeysuckle, almonds, apricots and pears. Silky and effortless. Definitely one to look out for! You may even see some efforts being made in California with this grape, and Ponzi Vineyards in Willamette also has a stunning rendition that is a bit hard to acquire.

 

Weird Grape #3: Vermentino. Another grape that is mostly Mediterranean in origin, but certain crazy wahoos in California have gotten ahold of- with great results! A beautifully aromatic grape with leafy green hints. If you’ve had and loved a Viognier, this would be one to try. This grape tends to enjoy life by the sea; Sardinia and the Tuscan Coast are places that produce notable versions. It is known for it’s expressive floral highlights and pleasing acidity. Take one from California, and you may even get some additional tropical notes of melon and tangerine. A really fun grape to explore.

 

So once again- I leave you with nothing but.. HOMEWORK! But before you get high school flashbacks, remember that this homework just involves drinking. Breathe a sign of relief that you are a grown up. And head to the wine store!

 

Recommended bottles: 

Uby Colombard/Ugni Blanc, 12 France  $9

Montgravet Colombard, 13 France  $10

Taliano Michele “Serni” Roero Arneis, 12 Italy  $15

The Dirty Pure Project “The G Spot” Vermentino/Roussanne, 12 California, Lodi  $16