We did our encore edition of red noble grapes and now it’s time to talk about the white noble varietals. These three grape varietals are agreed upon as being able to grow in multiple regions and produce quality wine. In this episode the biddies discuss Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

*This is a re-recorded version of Episode 5 – White Noble Grapes.

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Show notes for White Noble Grapes:

CHARDONNAY:

  • One of the most popular grapes in the world
  • Can be made in a range from light Blanc to Blanc to creamy, oaky, full bodied Chardonnay
  • Easy to grow and has no standout flavors so a lot of profile is left to the winemaking and climate
  • Yellow Apple, Starfruit, Pineapple, Vanilla, Butter
  • Grown almost everywhere in the world but native to France (most likely Burgundy)
    • France, United States, Australia, Italy
  • Break out and try: Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier, Savatiano, Trebbiano Toscano

SAUVIGNON BLANC:

  • Strong herbaceous flavors derived from compounds called methoxypyrazines (found in bell peppers)
  • One of the parent grapes to Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Chameleon: True barometer of soil, site and viticultural practices
  • Highly associated with NZ even though a Bordeaux grape
  • Gooseberry, Honeydew, Grapefruit, White Peach, Passion Fruit
  • France, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, Moldova before US
  • Branch out and try: Gruner Veltliner, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Verdejo

RIESLING:

  • An aromatic white wine that can produce white wines in a range from bone dry to very sweet
  • Called the “Queen of Grapes”
  • Rarely blended
  • Trick: if it’s 12 percent or higher it will be a drier riesling 
  • Germany is the most important producer
    • Followed by US, Australia, France, Ukraine/Russia
  • Lime, Green Apple, Beeswax, Jasmine, Petroleum
  • Branch out and try: Furmint, Assyrtiko, Loureiro, Muller Thurgau