Varietals and Wine Styles

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Norton: New World nobility

The experts surmise Norton is likely a cross between V. aestivalis and an unknown V. vinifera species. There is possibly s

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Barbera

Barbera frequently comes in with high acidity but, with the right winemaking approach, it makes a food-friendly red for people who drink win

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Verdelho: More than Madeira

Verdelho is the most widely planted grape on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

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Tempranillo: Spanish nobility

Tempranillo is the predominant black grape variety from the northern wine region of Spain we know as the Rioja, and other regions of the Ibe

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Colombard: Crisp and versatile

Despite its innocuous character, Colombard is a good choice for home winemakers, as it is easy to work with and allows for a wide scope of t

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Sauvignon Blanc: The ‘wild white”

Sauvignon Blanc originated in the Loire Valley of France, and people started cultivating it as a wine grape starting sometime in the 19th ce

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Grenache: An international blender

In the vineyard, Grenache is extremely vigorous and needs a long growing season to mature all of its fruit.

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Riesling: German nobility

To this day, I consider that Riesling vintage one of the best wines I ever made, and I wish I could find a bottle or two in my cellar to tas

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Merlot: Noble grape of Bordeaux

. . . Merlot is the most common grape variety grown in France with about 280,000 acres.

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Nero d’Avola: The red grape of Sicily

. . . Sicily’s legacy of red wine is all about Nero d’Avola, second only to Catarratto Bianco. There are almost 18,000 hectares (about 4

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Marquette: A hardy cold-climate hybrid

If you are looking for a cold-tolerant red grape, Marquette might be the varietal for you. Bred in Minnesota, this hybrid can withstand temp

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Montepulciano

To understand Montepulciano the grape, you also have to understand the difference with Montepulciano the place. Chik Brenneman takes you on

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Versatile Viognier

It was not long ago that Viognier was almost an extinct grape varietal. Luckily for wine fans, both grape growers and winemakers have learne

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Cabernet Sauvignon: Master Class

Grab a seat, take out your pencil, and get ready for an introduction into the master class on the world’s most popular grape. Guest lectur

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Chocolate Infused Wine

Wine and chocolate are a match made in heaven. But it doesn’t have to be two separate delicacies. Home winemakers can actually combine the t

Wine-wizard

Making White Zinfandel

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Amarone: A Taste of Valpolicella

Find out how to replicate the method of making Amarone — the famed red “straw wine” from the Valpolicella zone of Italy’s Veneto province

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High Acids, Low Tannins: Barbera

Barbera is a favorite among winemakers because its high acidity makes it a useful grape for blending and also a unique varietal wine. Get ti

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Making Pear Cider/Perry

Hard cider doesn’t have to be made from apples. Try making a pear cider (perry) this summer!

Technique

Cold Climate Grape Growing

Growing grapes in cold climates has its challenges — from finding varieties that will work to keeping vines alive over harsh winters — 

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Pinotage: The Red Grape of South Africa

Pinotage is the most recognized — though not the most widely grown — South African red wine grape.

Technique

Making Sherry-Style Wines

Sherry is the fortified wine from Jerez, Spain, made in soleras and conditioned with flor yeast.

Technique

Using South American Grapes for a Second Winemaking Season

Got the urge to make wine from grapes in the spring? All you need to do is get your hands on some grapes from the Southern Hemisphere.

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La Crescent: Cold-Climate Hybrid

Looking for a cold-hardy white to grow in a colder northern clime? Meet the University of Minnesota’s La Crescent.

Technique

Making La Crescent Wine: Tips from the Pros