Are you ready to embark on a flavorful adventure through the fascinating world of wine? Today, we’ll delve into the captivating realm of wine grapes and discover the art of inventing new grape varieties. But first, grab a glass of your favorite wine and join us on this delightful journey.
Unveiling the Wine in the Glass
As we gaze into the glass, we’re greeted by a deep, alluring purple hue. This wine is a concoction that holds the secrets of one of the least discussed aspects of winemaking: creating new grape varieties. Let’s explore its aromas and flavors to unravel the story within.
A Symphony of Aromas
As we take a sniff, we’re greeted by a medley of scents. Blackberry preserves dance with hints of plum and savory dried black olives. There’s a faint earthiness that adds to its complexity, and a delicate whiff of violets lingers in the air. This wine surprises with its abundance of black fruit flavors and a rich, savory quality that speaks of tradition and heritage.
A Palate-Pleasing Experience
Time to indulge in a sip and let the wine caress our taste buds. The wine’s tannins, bold and assertive, greet the front of our mouths and the mid-back of our palate. They possess a unique grip that brings out the wine’s character. This wine is not about smooth oak tannins; instead, it showcases the power and strength of the grape. It’s creamy in the mid-palate, thanks to the malolactic fermentation, a common practice for red wines. The grand finale reveals a ripe, savory olive note that lingers on the tongue. It’s a testament to the wine’s structure and the sunny place from which it originates.
Human-Designed Grapes: Unveiling the Mystery
Now, let’s unveil the mystery behind these human-designed grapes. Can you guess which one is in our glass?
Is it the unique and rare Pinotage from South Africa? Or perhaps the intriguing Alante B from Portugal? Maybe it’s the captivating Marelon from Spain? Let’s seek the help of an expert to uncover the truth.
The Revelations: Unmasking the Grape
Our expert, Christine, reveals the secrets behind these relatively rare grape varieties. Each of them was painstakingly created through a process of crossing different wine grapes together, resulting in unique flavors and characteristics.
Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, was invented in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Its goal was to combine the quality of Pinot Noir with the productivity and heat resistance of Cinsault. The result? A full-bodied wine with elevated alcohol levels and flavors of blackberry, fig, mint, and even a touch of wild game. While it shares similarities with our wine, it’s not an exact match.
Alante B, on the other hand, was created by HRI Bu in 1866 in southern France. It’s an exceedingly rare grape, boasting both red skins and red flesh. This tantalizing variety is a cross between Grenache and another grape called PE Bue, invented by H’s father. With its intense fruity character and deep color, Alante B comes close to our wine but doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Finally, we have Marelon, invented in 1966 by Paul Truel in southern France. This grape is a result of crossing Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aim was to create a grape variety that thrived in warm Mediterranean climates while offering exquisite black and red fruit flavors, along with a distinct savory olive and floral note. Marelon closely resembles the wine we’re savoring today.
Unveiling the Wine: Maia de la Rua from Tarragona, Spain
And now, the moment of truth. The wine we’ve been exploring is none other than Maia de la Rua from Tarragona, Spain. This exquisite blend comprises 50% Marelon and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a harmonious fusion of flavors. Winemaker J. Cams describes it as a perfect blend, with fruitiness that doesn’t overpower, creating a wine that is both beautiful and balanced.
Join the Wine Folly Club
If you’re intrigued by the world of wine and want to taste along with us, consider becoming a member of the Wine Folly Club. It’s an opportunity to explore and experience a diverse selection of wines while expanding your knowledge. Stay tuned for more captivating wine adventures and be sure to subscribe to our channel to quench your thirst for wine wisdom.
Until we meet again, happy tasting!