The Must Know Grapes and Associated Wine Styles
Wine is a story told through the lens of geography, history, and culture. But at its heart, it is also the story of a grape - a living,breathing organism whose journey from vineyard to glass captures the essence of its terroir, its winemaker, and its heritage. The Devices Book and associated study guides invite you to explore the wine world not as a tourist of regions, but as a traveler following the grape itself—one variety at a time. Together, we will uncover how each grape has shaped, and been shaped by, theregions it calls home.
This is not your typical wine guide. Most books follow the map: Burgundy here, Barossa there, each chapter a patchwork ofterroirs and appellations. While illuminating, this traditional approach can leave the curious wine lover piecing together threads of information scattered across different regions, wondering how one grape can express itself so uniquely in so many places. Theperspective here is different. This book is built around the grape—its DNA, its story, and its capacity to thrive and transform acrossthe world. It’s an insider’s view, written for those who crave a deeper understanding of wine, be they winemakers, sommeliers,or passionate wine lovers seeking a fresh perspective.
Take Riesling, for example. In most studies, it would appear as a recurring theme in chapters on Germany, Alsace, or New York, fragmented and reshaped by each location. But here, Riesling stands as asingular entity, a grape whose chameleon-like qualities adapt seamlessly to the volcanic soils of the Mosel, the granite slopes of Alsace, or the slate-rich terrains of Washington State. Each chapter, then, becomes a journey not just across geography but acrossthe DEVICES factors—Dirt, Environment, Viticulture, Innovation, Cuvée, Elevation, and Style—that unite and distinguish the grape’s expressions worldwide.
Our journey begins in the white wine pantheon, where Chardonnay’s quiet majesty and Riesling’s brilliant acid spine dominate the global conversation. But they are not alone. Assyrtiko, whose mineral-laden wines from Santorini evoke the very essence of the Aegean breeze, and the perfumed beauty of Viognier, whose stone fruit aromas are as seductive as they are unmistakable, remind us that greatness also resides off the beaten path.
In the realm of red wines, we navigate a world of power and nuance. The commanding Cabernet Sauvignon, with its bold tannins and unshakable structure, has carved its place as the king of reds. Yet the ethereal Pinot Noir—hailed as both the heartbreak and theholy grail of winemaking—holds its own with delicacy and intrigue. Syrah’s peppery fire from the Rhône to Barossa, andSangiovese’s earthy vibrancy in Tuscany’s rolling hills, remind us that red wine is as much about personality as pedigree.
But wine is more than a collection of grapes; it is a symphony of place.
The book will also take us to the world’s iconic regions,exploring how tradition and innovation meet to create the masterpieces we know and love. Barolo, with its effervescent power and elegance, or Riesling, whose expressiveness and richness tells a story centuries old, are as much characters in thisnarrative as the grapes themselves.
Each grape will be considered as both a traveler and a storyteller, shaped by its environment yet capable of adapting in ways that astound anddelight. The DEVICES framework will guide us through this exploration, linking the science grape. Through this lens, we will not only explore what makes each grape remarkable but also uncover the intricate threads that unite them across the world.
So, raise your glass to the vines that have shaped the wine world. This is a journey for those who seek more than just labels and tastingnotes—it is a quest to understand the interplay of grape, terroir, and human craft that defines the art of winemaking. Whether you are aDiploma-level student, a sommelier, or an enthusiast with a thirst for the deeper story, you’ll find yourself captivated by the journey. Theglass is full, the journey begins—let us explore the world of wine through its most essential protagonist: the grape.
This is not your typical wine guide. Most books follow the map: Burgundy here, Barossa there, each chapter a patchwork ofterroirs and appellations. While illuminating, this traditional approach can leave the curious wine lover piecing together threads of information scattered across different regions, wondering how one grape can express itself so uniquely in so many places. Theperspective here is different. This book is built around the grape—its DNA, its story, and its capacity to thrive and transform acrossthe world. It’s an insider’s view, written for those who crave a deeper understanding of wine, be they winemakers, sommeliers,or passionate wine lovers seeking a fresh perspective.
Take Riesling, for example. In most studies, it would appear as a recurring theme in chapters on Germany, Alsace, or New York, fragmented and reshaped by each location. But here, Riesling stands as asingular entity, a grape whose chameleon-like qualities adapt seamlessly to the volcanic soils of the Mosel, the granite slopes of Alsace, or the slate-rich terrains of Washington State. Each chapter, then, becomes a journey not just across geography but acrossthe DEVICES factors—Dirt, Environment, Viticulture, Innovation, Cuvée, Elevation, and Style—that unite and distinguish the grape’s expressions worldwide.
Our journey begins in the white wine pantheon, where Chardonnay’s quiet majesty and Riesling’s brilliant acid spine dominate the global conversation. But they are not alone. Assyrtiko, whose mineral-laden wines from Santorini evoke the very essence of the Aegean breeze, and the perfumed beauty of Viognier, whose stone fruit aromas are as seductive as they are unmistakable, remind us that greatness also resides off the beaten path.
In the realm of red wines, we navigate a world of power and nuance. The commanding Cabernet Sauvignon, with its bold tannins and unshakable structure, has carved its place as the king of reds. Yet the ethereal Pinot Noir—hailed as both the heartbreak and theholy grail of winemaking—holds its own with delicacy and intrigue. Syrah’s peppery fire from the Rhône to Barossa, andSangiovese’s earthy vibrancy in Tuscany’s rolling hills, remind us that red wine is as much about personality as pedigree.
But wine is more than a collection of grapes; it is a symphony of place.
The book will also take us to the world’s iconic regions,exploring how tradition and innovation meet to create the masterpieces we know and love. Barolo, with its effervescent power and elegance, or Riesling, whose expressiveness and richness tells a story centuries old, are as much characters in thisnarrative as the grapes themselves.
Each grape will be considered as both a traveler and a storyteller, shaped by its environment yet capable of adapting in ways that astound anddelight. The DEVICES framework will guide us through this exploration, linking the science grape. Through this lens, we will not only explore what makes each grape remarkable but also uncover the intricate threads that unite them across the world.
So, raise your glass to the vines that have shaped the wine world. This is a journey for those who seek more than just labels and tastingnotes—it is a quest to understand the interplay of grape, terroir, and human craft that defines the art of winemaking. Whether you are aDiploma-level student, a sommelier, or an enthusiast with a thirst for the deeper story, you’ll find yourself captivated by the journey. Theglass is full, the journey begins—let us explore the world of wine through its most essential protagonist: the grape.
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Taken from the Table of Contents (chapter numbers):
3. Albarino 10 4. Assyrtiko 19 5. Chardonnay 27 6. Chenin Blanc 37 7. Cortese 47 8. Falanghina/Fiano/Greco 55 9. Garganega 63 10. Gewürztraminer 71 11. Gruner Veltliner 79 12. Marsanne/Roussanne 88 13. Moscato 96 14. Muscadet 104 15. Picpoul 112 16. Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris 120 17. Riesling 130 18. Sauvignon Blanc 145 19. Semillon 156 20. Torrontés 167 21. Verdejo 175 22. Verdicchio 183 23. Vermentino 191 24. Viognier 199 25. Aglianico 208 26. Barbera 217 27. Blaufränkisch 226 28. Cabernet Franc 236 29. Cabernet Sauvignon 246 30. Carignano/Carignan 258 31. Corvina 265 32. Dolcetto 273 33. Gamay 282 34. Grenache Noir 292 35. Malbec 301 36. Merlot 310 37. Mourvèdre (Monastrell) 319 38. Nebbiolo 328 39. Nerello Mascelese 338 40. Pinot Noir 347 41. Pinotage 358 42. Sangiovese 365 43. Syrah/Shiraz 374 44. Tannat 385 45. Tempranillo 392 46. Touriga Nacional 401 47. Zinfandel 410 48. Zweigelt 419 |
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