In the world of grape varieties there is such a thing as “disguise” – the same grape variety exists under different names in different regions or different situations. How can we, as wine lovers, see through their disguises? What are the different meanings behind their “disguises”? This article will take you inside a few varieties of grapes that are interpreted by different names and explore their wonderful flavors.
ZinfandelZinfandel is an iconic California grape variety that is very prone to uneven ripening, so at harvest we often see some grapes drying out and others not yet ripe. The wines made from this very ripe Zinfandel tend to be rich and full-bodied, with aromas of red and black fruits, dried berries and licorice, and occasionally subtle herbal notes from the unripe fruit. In addition to making red wines, Zinfandel is also used in California to make White Zinfandel, a rosé wine. This wine is light in color, fruity, medium sweet, and low in alcohol, making it ideal for early drinking.
In addition to California, Zinfandel is also grown in abundance in the hot climate of Puglia, Italy, but the locals call it “Primitivo”. The best Primitivo reds here are full-bodied, with medium to high tannins, showing ripe berry fruit and spice notes. SyrahSyrah has two different identities: in France it usually exists as “Syrah”, while in Australia it is named “Shiraz”. Syrah has a thick skin and small grains and a deep color, so it produces wines that are dark and rich in color, full-bodied, with plenty of tannin, moderate acidity, and aromas of black fruits like blackberries and chocolate. With ageing, Syrah can develop more complex flavors such as leather, wet leaves, and earth.
Syrah does not ripen in cooler climates, so the mild climate of France’s Northern Rhone Valley is the northernmost zone where it can fully ripen. With its unique terroir, it has produced many great Syrah wines that have received perfect scores from Robert Parker, with a more refined and delicate style, rich tannins, black fruit and berry flavors with hints of pepper or floral notes. For example, E. Guigal’s Syrah-based Three Musketeers “La La La” has become a legend in the wine world with 30 perfect scores from the Robert Parker Team for its excellent quality. ace,MAC,Winery,