The world of wine is full of little-known treasures. Beyond the famous grands crus, there are some unusual wines made from rare grape varieties and using surprising winemaking methods. These wines, often produced in small quantities, offer unique aromas and textures that seduce the curious wine-lover.
Let's discover these wine nuggets from the four corners of the globe.
Rare grape varieties with unexpected flavours
The Rkatsiteli, the jewel of Georgia
Rkatsiteli is one of the world's oldest grape varieties. Native to Georgia, it produces white wines with a spicy, slightly tannic profile thanks to prolonged maceration. This technique gives rise to the famous amber wines, also known as orange wines.
The Assyrtiko, Santorini's treasure
This emblematic Greek grape variety grows on the volcanic soils of Santorini. It produces white wines of intense minerality, with notes of lemon and gunflint. Its lively acidity makes it an excellent choice for seafood.
Trousseau, a discreet but powerful red grape variety
Originally from the Jura region of France, Trousseau is little known outside the region. It produces light, concentrated red wines with aromas of red fruits and spices. It has recently been adopted by vineyards in California and Australia.
Norton, an outstanding American red
Norton is one of the few red grape varieties indigenous to the United States. Unlike European varieties, it possesses marked acidity and powerful tannins. Its ageing potential makes it an interesting wine for those interested in new discoveries.
Outstanding winemaking methods
Wines aged under the sea
Some producers are experimenting withimmersing bottles in the sea for aging. This process enables maturation in a constant environment, without temperature variations or vibrations. The result: wines with a softer texture and subtly modified aromas.
Ice wines, a miracle of the cold
Ice wines, or Eiswein, are made from grapes harvested in the middle of winter. The frost naturally concentrates sugars and aromas, producing wines of great intensity. This type of wine is particularly popular in Germany and Canada.
Orange wine, an age-old tradition
Vin orange is a white wine vinified like a red. The grapes macerate with their skins for several weeks, even months. This process, widely used in Georgia and Italy, gives the wine a tannic structure and aromas of dried fruit and spices.
Fortified wines under sail
In some regions, such as Jura and Andalusia, wines are aged under a veil of yeast, which protects them from oxidation while adding complex aromas of nuts and dried fruit. Such is the case with Vin Jaune du Jura and Spanish Sherries.
The most surprising wine regions
The Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile has been producing wine for centuries, but some winemakers have taken up the challenge of exploiting arid lands like those of the Atacama Desert. Thanks to an ingenious irrigation system, they have succeeded in cultivating resistant grape varieties that produce wines of great purity.
The volcanic vineyards of the Canaries
The Canary Islands are home to spectacular vineyards, where vines grow on volcanic ash. This soil gives the wines an exceptional minerality, especially the white wines made from the Listán Blanco grape variety.
The Nordic vineyards of Sweden and Canada
With global warming, some northern regions are starting to produce quality wine. In Sweden and Canada, winemakers are experimenting with hybrid grape varieties capable of withstanding cold temperatures.
Why taste these unusual wines?
These unusual wines are an invitation to travel and discover. Each bottle tells a story, the story of a unique terroir, a rare grape variety or an original winemaking method.
- Perfect for surprising your guests at a tasting.
- Ideal for getting off the beaten track and enriching your cellar.
- Excellent for understanding the influence of terroirs and winemaking techniques.
Conclusion
The world of wine never ceases to evolve and surprise us. Between rare grape varieties, original winemaking methods and atypical wine-growing regions, there are an infinite number of bottles to explore. Dare to break away from the classics and let yourself be tempted by these little-known treasures!
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