varietal wine; varietal
[vuh-RI-ih-tuhl]
A wine that uses the name of the dominant grape from which it’s made, such as CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CHARDONNAY, and RIESLING. This practice occurs primarily in areas where many different grape varieties are grown in close proximity, principally in growing regions of North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and recently in parts of Europe. There are rules in most areas about what can be called a varietal wine. For example, in the United States, at least 75 percent of the wine must come from the grape variety named on the label, while it’s 85 percent in Australia and Europe. Instead of using varietal names, Europeans have long labeled their better wines with the names of regions, districts, or villages, thereby giving the wine’s origin utmost importance. In Europe, most quality wines are governed by each country’s APPELLATION system, which defines what grapes can be grown in specific areas and encourages the production of quality wines.
Related Links:
Alsace, Aquileia DOC, Breganze DOC, fighting varietal wine
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc.
1995 based on THE WINE LOVER'S COMPANION,
by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst.
|
|
E-Mail 
Digg this!
del.icio.us
