French alternative varieties
...overlooked in our pursuit of 'Mediterranean' varieties
In this issue French wine varieties, Wine map of France, Saperavi Symposium, alternative wine offer.
The big change in the varieties available in Australia over the past decades has been the introduction of so-called Mediterranean varieties. This rather misleading name has been applied to varieties from Italy, Portugal and Spain. It generally excludes France, which has a Mediterranean coast, Portugal of course doesn’t.
What French Varieties are ‘Alternative’?
Well let’s look at the ones that aren’t first. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz for the reds and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for the whites.
Maybe Chenin Blanc could be regarded as marginal - mainstream or alternative, depending on who you talk to.
That leaves quite a few that are alternative. All of those below have a role in Australia.
Aligote, Carmenere, Clairette, Colombard, Cot (Malbec), Counoise, Fer, Gamay, Gouais Blanc, Marsanne, Meunier, Muscadelle, Petit Manseng (or is it Gros), Petit Meslier, Petit Verdot, Picpoul, Red Sémillon, Roussanne, Savagnin, Sauvignon Gris, Tannat, Trousseau (Bastardo), Viognier.
How many have you tried?
You can learn about French wine regions and varieties with this detailed digital Wine Map of France.
Next Taste and Talk
Our next monthly Zoom meeting will be held on Thursday 19 September, from 5pm. I will send a reminder closer to the event. See you there. Bring a friend.
Saperavi Symposium in Stanthorpe
Rare wine lovers, growers and producers from across the nation are set to descend on Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Granite Belt Wine Country for the 2024 Australian Saperavi Producers Symposium this 6th and 7th of September.
Joining them will be the Georgian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Beka Dvali to present awards following recent judging of the Saperavi International 2024 show held in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Staged over two days at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe, day one, Friday the 6th September will include the Saperavi Producer’s Symposium and conference dinner at Varias restaurant located at the College.
Day two, Saturday 7th September, will be a free public event with the chance to taste Saperavi from many regions across Australia and gain an insight into this rapidly growing in popularity variety.
Booking details can be found here.
Buy Some Alternative Varieties Here
You can always find a few bargains at our online wine merchant partner.
Have a browse around starting here the offers are usually good value, sometimes you will find some real bargains.1
I receive a small commission if you buy after clicking on links here. It helps defray my costs of operating this community and Vinodiversity.com
Note correct date for Taste and Talk 19 September..
I have drunk or made wines from 14 of those you listed.