Morgon is a French appellation located in Beaujolais that produces juicy red wines from Gamay grapes. These age-worthy wines are usually full-bodied and robust with well-structured and firm tannins. They have a very distinct character and typically display notes of red fruit, ripe stone fruit, and fruit brandy, which may be complemented by mineral notes.
With age, they become more refined and intense, and the best examples are stored from five up to ten years. These wines can match hearty and powerful dishes, and they pair exceptionally well with lamb, beef, and game. They can also work with flavorful cheese varieties.
Bobal is a native red Spanish grape that is native to southeastern Spain. This dark-skinned grape is cultivated in several regions, but it flourishes in Utiel-Requena DO, located in the province of Valencia, where it is the undisputed king.
It is estimated that it is the second most common red grape in the country, after Tempranillo. Bobal produces rounded red wines with medium to full body, rich tannins, and great acidity. The wines are deeply colored, dense, and fruity. They are rich but manage to stay fresh.
Located in the Loire Valley, Saumur-Champigny is a French appellation and the sub-region of Samur. The name is used only for the finest Saumur wines that are mainly based on Cabernet Franc, while other permitted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis.
The wines produced in the region are straightforward reds characterized by their intense ruby color and notes of red and dark berries that are complemented by nuances of violets, iris, undergrowth, and spices. These full-bodied wines have supple and well-structured tannins.
Tannat is a French red-skinned grape primarily associated with south-western France and the Madiran appellation, though it is suggested that it could have Basque origin. This grape typically produces big, bold, and richly-colored tannic red wines with good acidity and excellent aging potential.
Because of those rich tannins—which is why it probably got its name—Tannat is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Fer to soften its natural astringency. The wines are usually harsh in their youth, but modern techniques are often oriented towards supple expressions that can be enjoyed young, though all benefit from age.
VARIATIONS OF Tannat
Beaujolais Nouveau is a light red wine that is produced in Beaujolais region from the Gamay grapes. Because of an excellent global promotion in the second half of the 20th century, this young wine soared in popularity in France and worldwide.
It is released each year on the third Thursday in November, a day which is often celebrated as Beaujolais Day. Since it is released after only six to eight weeks in the cellar, the wine is low in tannins and high in acidity, with fruity and vibrant aromas of grapes, red berries, figs, and bananas.
Lagrein is an ancient Italian red grape mainly cultivated in Trentino-Alto Adige in Northeast Italy. The grape has ancient origins, and though it was once common, it was later mainly replaced by Schiava (Vernatsch), which proved to be more resistant and productive.
Only recently, local winemakers have been promoting it as an excellent native grape that, if treated properly, has incredible potential to produce rounded and well-balanced wines. The grape is used in varietals (included in several regional appellations) and blends.
Mencía or Jaen is a grape whose origin is associated with the Iberian peninsula. In the past, it was believed that Mencía and Jaen are two separate varieties, but recent research has shown that they are genetically identical.
In Spain, the grape is mostly associated with the Bierzo appellation that is located in the province of León. While for most of its history, Mencía was used in the production of light, somewhat bland table wines, some winemakers have seen the potential to produce more concentrated and better quality varietals with a medium body and good natural acidity.
Haut-Médoc is a French appellation located in the renowned Médoc wine region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are the signature grapes in the region, but some percentages of Malbec, Carménère and Petit Verdot are also used.
The whole appellation includes twenty-nine communes, out which six (Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis and Listrac) have their separate appellations, and are considered to produce some of the best wines in the world. The wines produced under the general Haut-Médoc label are elegant, complex and not overpowering.
Bairrada is a small and narrow Portuguese appellation situated along the Atlantic Ocean. The region is best known for varietal red wines made from the local Baga grape. This high-yield grape usually produces powerful reds that age well and are typically high in tannins and acidity.
Although Baga is the undisputed king of the region, other Portuguese grapes (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz) and some international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir) are planted and mostly used in blends. Apart from the flagship red wines, Bairrada also includes small amounts of bottle-fermented sparkling wines and fresh, mineral whites usually made from Fernão Pires, Bical, and Arinto.
Bardolino is a type of dry red wine traditionally produced around Verona, on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda. It is predominately made with a blend of Corvina and Rondinella grapes, while other, minor varieties may include Rossignola, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Moinara.
Bardolino DOC and Bardolino Classico DOC, which is produced in original, traditional vineyards, are harmonious and pleasant wines that go well with various strong and light dishes. Other styles include full-bodied Bardolino Superiore that must be aged for a minimum of one year, Bardolino Chiaretto rosé, and the refreshing young Bardolino Novello.
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