Wines varietals go in and out of style just like fashion. A multitude of factors contribute to why some grapes become more in vogue while others fall in popularity.
One of the most classic examples of this is the 2004 movie Sideways. The protagonist in the film is a wine fanatic and loves Pinot Noir, but hates Merlot. After the movie, sales of Pinot Noir skyrocketed while Merlot plummeted.
While we always recommend drinking what you like as opposed to following what’s in style, we also think it’s important to try new varietals and expand your palette. Who knows — you may discover an entirely new style of wine that you love.
Here’s our list of five lesser known varietals that are starting to become more popular amongst the wine community.
5. Cabernet Pfeffer
It’s the new: Pinot Noir
Taste profile: Cabernet Pfeffer wines are typically light-bodied reds that have flavors of ripe red fruit, pepper, and spice. They can be aged for several years, but they are often best enjoyed young.
Background: This rare red wine grape variety is grown in very small quantities in California. It is thought to be a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and another unknown grape, and it is thought to have been bred in Los Altos Hills, California, in the late 19th Century. The grape is named after its creator, William Pfeffer, who was an orchardist and winemaker.
We recommend: I. Brand sells an old vine Cab Pfeffer that is phenomenal. Robust aromas, long finish, plenty of nuance and elegance. Stop by their tasting room while visiting the Carmel Valley region.
4. Mourvédre
It’s the new: Syrah
Taste profile: Full-bodied, tannic, spicy and flavorful. Mourvédre is known for playing a supporting role in southern Rhone blends along with Grenache and Syrah. But this thick skinned red grape is now seeing a boon in popularity as a single varietal.
Background: This grape variety is thought to have originated in Spain but is grown all over the world including Southern Rhone, Provence, US, Australia and South Africa.
We recommend: Casa Dumetz (Clementine Carter label) makes a very unique cool-climate Mourvédre in Santa Barbara. Familiar tannins and spice with intense aromatics (due to an extended cool ferment).
3. Pet Nat
It’s the new: Sparkling Wine
Taste profile: A less carbonated, less alcoholic, unfiltered sparkling wine. A wonderful way to begin a meal and typically a much lower price point than traditional sparkling wine. Note that this is not really a varietal per-se but it is increasingly popular in the wine community, as we illustrate in our post on Pet-Nat.
Background: Pet Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is a type of sparkling wine that is made using the ancestral method. The wine is then bottled before the fermentation is complete, which leaves some of the carbon dioxide produced by the yeasts in the bottle. This carbon dioxide is what gives Pet Nat its bubbles. The bubbles won’t be as fast and furious as Champagne, which benefits from a secondary fermentation in bottle before disgorgement.
We recommend: Domaine Pouillon in Lyle, Washington (Columbia River Gorge AVA) makes one of our favorite Pet Nat from Pinot Noir grapes. We had a chance to see this process in person when we worked at this family-owned winery; read about it here.
2. Trousseau
It’s the new: Gamay
Taste profile: Light-bodied red grape with intense, rich alcohol levels. It has a firm tannic grip with depth and yet weightlessness. It has aromas of deep cherry, violets, strawberry, orange marmalade, lemon peel, nutmeg and black pepper. It has a chewy and pithy texture with a creamy soft silky finish.
Background: Trousseau originates in the Jura region of eastern France. It is also known as Bastardo, Merenzao, and Verdejo Negro. Aside from France, the grape is grown in Portugal, Spain and the US. In France, Trousseau wines are typically best enjoyed young, but they can also age for several years. They are often paired with food such as grilled meats, poultry, and game.
We recommend: Analemma in Mosier, Oregon (Columbia River Gorge AVA) makes a phenomenal expression style of this varietal. Still packing a ton of flavor and spice, this is a fantastic “transition wine” when moving from whites to reds during the evening.
1. Grenache Blanc
It’s the new: Chardonnay
Taste profile: Grenache Blanc wines typically have flavors of citrus, apple, pear, honeysuckle, and spice. The grape likes heat, so most representations will have a full body and ABV typically ~13-15%. Winemakers often ferment GB in concrete to produce a superior mouthfeel without over-oaking (the fault of many CA Chardonnays).
Background: Grenache Blanc is a white wine grape variety that is related to the red grape Grenache Noir. It is thought to have originated in Spain, but is now grown in many countries around the world, including France, Italy, Australia, the United States, and South Africa.
We recommend: Joseph Swan in Sonoma is famous for their Pinot Noir’s but their Catie’s Corner Grenache Blanc is truly special. Bright and refreshing acidity with a beautifully rounded mouthfeel.
