ABBUOTO: Red wine variety found in central Italy. Has synonym names of Aboto and Cecubo. Used to make a deeply colored, rustic, dry wine blend with moderate aging ability of up to about 8 years or so.

ABOURION: Minor grape now rarely grown in SW. France. Used to make a red wine and thought to be the grape called Early Burgundy in California and Australia. In the latter country it has the occasional alias names Burgundy or Black Cluster.

AGIORGITIKO: aka St. George. Red-wine grape native to Greece. Used to produce intense, fruity wine in dry and sweet versions. Also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine capable of aging well.

AGLIANICO: Red-wine grapevine cultivated in Basilicata and Campania regions of Italy. In the latter province it has the alias names Agliatica, Ellenico, Ellanico, Gnanico and Uva Nera. Of extremely ancient origin, it is responsible for some of the better sturdy red wines of southern Italy - (eg: "Aglianico del Vulture"). Appears to have been used to produce Falurnum, a well-documented favorite wine of the Romans. The name "Aglianico" is reported to be late 15th century corruption of the italian word "ellenico", meaning "hellenic", presumably acknowledging the original home of this variety. The grape is also used to make good bronze-colored rosé-style wine.

AIDANI: White wine grape found mainly in the western islands off the Greek mainland. Also grown extensively on the island of Rhodes. Used as part of a white wine blend that includes the Assyrtiko and Athiri grape wine.

AIREN: Semi-classic white wine grape with the unique distinction of being the most widely planted vine variety in Spain. Highly resistant to drought, it is grown at an extraordinary low vine density per acre as low bushes. Its wines are used for distilling into brandy and also blending with deep-red grape wines to create lighter colored versions. Increasingly popular as a dry, crisp white wine made to be drunk as fresh as possible.

ALBALONGA: Grape resulting from a cross between Riesling and a Sylvaner clone. Limited growths in Rheinhessen region of Germany. Used to create good "Auslese" style white wines in better years.

ALBANA: White wine grape of ancient origin widely planted in the Emilia region of Italy. Produced as several variations of dry, semi-dry and sweet (dolce) wine of which the latter is regarded by many as the most successful.

ALBARIÑO: (a.k.a Alvarinho where grown in Portugal). White wine grape variety, used to create a serious varietal wine with pleasant citrus fruit aroma, widely grown in regions of N.W. Spain and also in northern Portugal. Thought by some to be a Riesling clone originating from the Alsace region of France.

ALBAROLA: White wine producing variety grown in N.W Italy. Used to make a blend that includes Bosco, and other grape varieties, called "Cinqueterre". Has several synonym names including Calcatella and Temosci.

ALBILLO: Small-berried table and white wine grape mainly grown in the Castile region of Spain. Often used to produce mediocre, glycerin-rich, sweet wines. However, old vine grapes have been successfully used by a Ribera del Duero winery to create an appealingly complex, aromatic wine. The grape is also widely grown in several South American regions, presumably due to colonial influence.

ALEATICO: Minor red grape commonly grown in central and southern Italy. Related to the Muscat variety, with strong aroma of that grape, it is grown extensively in the Abruzzo and Apulia regions. Some plantings are also found in the warmer regions of California and Australia.

ALEXANDRIAN MOSCHATO: Greek name for the Muscat of Alexandria grape. (see below).

ALFROCHEIRO: Variety used for red wine production in the Dão DOC, Beiras region of Portugal. Can be found in blends also containing Jaen, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Pinheira.

ALICANTE BOUSCHET: Minor grape originating from a 19th century vinifera cross using the Aramon and ancient Teinturier native vine, resulting in a variety possessing the pink flesh and deep red coloring characteristics of its ancient ancestor. This in turn was crossed with the Grenache to give the named grape - (which should not be confused with "Alicante" the old name for Grenache presumably derived from the city in Spain). Widely grown in France, California and Spain. In the latter country it is known as Garnacha Tintorera. In the cool Champagne region of France it is the main grape used to make the sweet "vin mousseux" - (sparkling wine). Often also confusingly known as "Alicante" for short - (see above). Reduced acreages can also be found in Australia. Portugal retains a limited acreage of 100 year old vines used for producing an interesting wine named "Mouchão" that requires 10 years aging for best results. Historically the canned juice has been used by many amateur winemakers for fermenting homemade wines.

ALICANTE GANZIN: Major vitis vinifera teinturier red wine grape used as one of the original parents of several crosses bred for deeply colored blending wines. Its offspring derivative crosses are mainly found in California.

ALIGOTÉ: Semi-classic grape widely grown in temperate regions of France, California and Eastern Europe. Ripens early with good productivity. Tendency to acidity in cooler years. Used to make a superior white wine, with little or no aging ability and best drunk young, for blending or as a good dry wine in the better vintage years in Burgundy, France. Successfully used in the cooler western coastal regions of N. America.

ALTESSE: Semi-classic grape grown in the Savoie region of France. Used with another local grape, the Molette, to create a blend known as "Seyssell" white wine made to be drunk as young as possible. Also used for the superior "Roussette de Savoie" white wine blend created with Mondeuse grape wine. Once thought to have origins in Cyprus, the grape is now suspected of being related to, if not actually being, the Furmint grape of Hungary.

AMIGNE: Vigorous minor grape of ancient origin grown in the Valais district of Switzerland. Used to make an occasionally delicate, perfumed sweet white wine. The dry wine versions are considered to be somewhat ponderous by some.

AMORGIANO: Alternative name for the Mandelaria red wine grape, widely grown on the Greek mainland, when found on the island of Rhodes - (see below).

ANCELLOTTA: Grape grown mainly in central Italy (Emilia) and often used for blending with Lambrusco red wine to produce a sweet (amabile) version.

ARAMON: Minor grape of mediocre quality widely grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France and mainly used to make a "stretch" wine for blending with better varieties in order to make some of the more notorious styles of "vin de table" wine associated with the Midi. There are two mutations also found there, Aramon Gris and Aramon Blanc , neither being significant.

ARBOIS: Fairly widely grown white-wine grape in the Loire region of France. Used in some blends labeled "Touraine". Also known as Menu Pineau or Petit Pineau.

ARINTO: (aka Pedernã). Moderately vigorous vine producing a white-wine grape. Widely grown in Portugal and used in the production of "vinho-verde" wines, along with others such as the Trajadura. Recommended rootstock is the 1103-P for good phylloxera and moderate nematode resistance, plus drought tolerance. Suitable for mildly chalky-soils.

ARNEIS: Minor grape grown in Piedmont region of Italy. Used to make an aromatic white wine - (e.g: "Roero Arneis", "Langhe Arneis") - lacking sufficient acidity, when fully ripened, to age well . Some regard it as reminiscent of wines made from the french Viognier grape grown in the northern Rhone region. Others find Pinot Gris of the U.S. west coast, (see below), similarities in the fruity flavor of the wine when made in the style of "Tokay d'Alsace".

ARRUFIAC: Currently unpopular white-wine grape once widely grown in Armagnac region of France. (No other information available on this grape yet).

ARVINE: (aka Petite Arvine). Minor, but of ancient origin, grape grown in the Swiss Valais district. Used to create dry white wine that is fragrant, full-bodied and faintly spicy. Thought to have been known to the Romans who occupied the region.

ASPRINIO BIANCO: White wine grape found in the Campania region of Italy. Used to produce a light, crisply acidic wine for very early consumption. Has several synonym names including Asprino, Olivese and Ragusana.

ASSYRTIKO: Widely grown in Greece this white-wine grape is usually found as a 3-way blend with Aidani and Athiri grape white-wines in order to create popular styles. Also used as the base wine, along with Roditis grape-wine, in the well-known "Retsina" blends flavored with pine resin.

ATHIRI: Commonly found on the western islands off the Greek mainland and the island of Rhodes. Usually used in a white wine blend along with the Aidani and Assyrtiko grape-wines.

AUBIN: (No information on this grape other than it was grown in the Moselle river area of France).

AUBUN: Lesser grape grown in the Southern Rhone region of France where it is used to make a red wine subsequently used in blends throughout the region.

[Image: Auxerrois]

AUXERROIS: French local name for the Malbec, aka Côt red wine grape species grown in the Cahors region of France and also, confusingly, an important white wine grape in the Alsace region called the Auxerrois Blanc that is distinct from another locally grown white wine grape called the Auxerrois Gris that is actually the Pinot Gris variety grape. Another grape, bearing the alias name Gros Auxerrois was once found widely grown in the south of France and, currently known as Napa Gamay in California, is actually the variety Valdiguié.

AUXERROIS BLANC: Local name for white wine grape grown in the northeast Moselle and Alsace regions of France. Used to produce mildly acidic wines that add a honied intensity to blends with the Pinot Blanc in the better vintage years.

AZAL: Grape cépage found in northern Portugal and used for early consumption "vinho verde" wines. The white wine version carries the extension "branco", the red is "tinto"; as in "Azal (Branco/Tinto)".

BABEASCA NEAGRA: Reputedly ancient variety grown in Moldavia and other southern regions of Romania. Used to produce a well-regarded light red wine.

BACCHUS: White wine grape cross derived from Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Sylvaner. Found in many English, German and Western Canadian vineyards because of its adaptability to a wide range of climates. Tends to be low in acidity and so is mainly vinified to be a sweet wine with Muscat-like or occasional delicate Sylvaner flavors because of its ability to reach "Auslese" style or even higher sugar levels in good years. Commonly blended with lesser grapewines in the Rheinhessen region of Germany to create "QBA" type village wines. Its popularity is only exceeded by the Kerner or Ehrenfelser varieties. (NB: An almost forgotten early 19th century American hybrid also bears the Bacchus name but is not related in any way to the above variety).

BAGA: Red wine grape widely grown in the Bairada DOC, Beiras region of Portugal. Produces acidic, tannic wines capable of aging well; especially the "garrafeira" (special reserve) versions.

BARBAROSSA: Red wine variety found in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, France and surrounding Balkan region. Has many synonym names including Barbaroux, Malaga Rose and Grec Rouge. Used to make an aromatic, robust varietal wine with moderate aging potential.

BARBERA: Semi-classic grape commonly grown in the Piedmont region and most of northern Italy. Now thought by some to be identical with the Perricone, or Pignatello, grape of Sardinia. Was probably imported into the U.S.A. late in the 19th century. Usually produces an intense red wine with deep color, low tannins and high acid and is used in California to provide "backbone" for so-called "jug" wines. Century-old vines still exist in many regional vineyards and allow production of long-aging, robust red wines with intense fruit and enhanced tannic content. Plantings in North America are mostly confined to the warm western coastal regions.

BAROQUE: White-wine grape found mainly in the Landes region, (S.W. France), adjoining the Madiran A.O.C of Armagnac. Used to create "Tursan" local varietal wine.

BATIKI: (No information at present on this white-wine grape widely grown in Greece).

BELLONE: White-wine grape used as a component in an esteemed multi-wine blend called "Velletri Bianco". Wines from good vintages considered to have excellent aging ability. Mostly found in the Castelli Romani region, Latium province of Italy.

BERNARDE: (No details as yet other than it is a white wine variety grown in the Valais district of Switzerland and has the premier synonym name Prie Blanc).

BIANCAME: Ancient variety grown in Italy and used for white wine production. Has alias name Morbidella. (No other details as yet).

BIANCOLELLA: White wine variety mostly found in Campania region of Italy. Used to produce aromatic yet acidic dry/sweet still, sparkling varietal wines, and blends in combination with such varieties as Forastera all for early consumption.

BIANCONE: Minor grape grown in Italy and Australia. Listed as an alias name for the Trebbiano (below) in some databases. May be a synonym name for the variety Mostosa found in the former country. In Australia it is also known under the alias name of White Grenache.

BICAL: Variety used for white wine production in the Beiras district of Portugal. Can be found as a crisp, mildly aromatic varietal but most often is used in sparkling wine blends.

BLACK RIESLING: Alias name for Pinot Meunier. (See below).

BLANC DE VALDIGNE: Indigenous variety grown in the Val d'Aosta region of Italy. Used to create a white wine varietal reportedly possessed of a mildly aromatic fragrance and, in some cases spritzy, delicately crisp flavor. Made as a dry wine for early consumption near the villages of Morgex and La Salle in high ski country.

[Image: Blauburger]

BLAUBURGER: Crossing of Blauer Portugieser and Blaufränkisch (by the Bundeslehr- und Versuchsanstalt für Wein- und Obstbau Klosterneuburg (NÖ) in 1923). Cultivated only in Austria, especially in the Weinviertel, some in Burgenland.

[Image: Blaufraenkischer]

BLAUFRÄNKISCH: Name for a Gamay type clone grape that is grown in Austria and used to produce dry, fruity red wines. The grape is also grown in Germany under the name Limberger. Also known as the Kékfrankos grape in Hungary and currently the main ingredient partly replacing Kadarka in the red wine blend once famous as "Egri Bikaver". According to a recent database search this variety has over 40 synonym names in countries spread over Eastern/Central Europe.

BLAUER PORTUGIESER: (aka Portugieser, see below.)

BOBAL: Red wine grape extensively grown in Spain. Produces deeply colored wine suitable for blending.

BOMBINO BIANCO: (a.k.a Trebbiano d'Abruzzo in the Abruzzo). Widely grown in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Used as a blending white wine or, in the Abruzzo region, as a local "vino di tavola" that reportedly will age well for up to 6 years. A mutation grown in Apulia is called Bombino Nero.

BOMBINO NERO: (See Bombino Bianca above).

BONAMICO: Red wine grape variety found in central Italy and Sardinia that is used for wine, raisin and rootstock production. Synonym names include Canaiolo Romano (ie. possibly related to the variety Canaiolo (Nero) below), Giacomino, Pascale di Cagliari (alias name in Sardinia), and several others.

BONARDA: (see Croatina below).

BONARDA (PIEMONTESE): Minor red grape grown in Piedmont region of Italy. Makes fruity red wine of mild intensity when blended with wine from Barbera grape.

BONARDA NOVARESE: Alternate name for Uva Rara grape. (See below).

BONDOLA: Relatively rare indigenous red wine grape of southern Switzerland.

BONVEDRO: Minor grape grown in Italy and Australia. In the latter country it is also known under the alias name of False Carignan.

BONVINO NERO: (See Cesanese below).

BORDO: Synonym name for the Cabernet Franc grape when grown in NE. Italy.

BOSCO: White wine variety mainly found in the Liguria region of Italy. Has synonym name Madea. Used to make the mildly aromatic, dry blend known as "Cinqueterre" that includes the grape varieties Albarola and Vermentino. Some consider the current versions of the wines to be less than ideal.

BOUCHET: Alternate name for the Cabernet Franc grape when grown in certain cru areas of the Bordeaux region. Conversely, in Australia, it is used as an alias name for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

BOUCHY: Local name for the Cabernet Franc grape grown in the Pyrenees region of France. Makes one of four wines blended to produce a full-bodied red wine called "Madiran". The others are Courbu, Pinenc and Tannat.

BOURBOULENC: Minor white wine producing variety, grown in southern Rhone region of France, sometimes used in local white wine blends to help create acidic balance. Has the synonym names Malvoisie in the Languedoc region of France and Blanquette in Australia. Ripens in October and susceptible to rot. Has synonym name (or possible clonal relationship to) Picardan (Blanc), a variety that has similar characteristics and is also condemned by some as capable only of mediocre white varietal wine production.

BOUVIER: Minor native grape grown in Austria. Produces soft, fragrant white wines. Most of the crop is processed into a grape juice called "Traubenmost" and also made into a sweet wine called "Sturm" that is drunk very young in the manner of "nouveau" beaujolais. The grape is also extensively grown in Hungary.

BOVALE PICCOLO: Red wine grape grown in central Sardinia. Used to make aromatic dry varietal, and rosés, (also blended wines), for early consumption. Has several synonym names.

BRACHETTO: Minor grape grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. Used to make spritzy, light red dessert wines with fruity, strawberry aroma. Best when young and served chilled. Known to be the same grape as the French Braquet

BRAQUET: (see also Brachetto above). Red-wine grape grown in the Provence region of France where, as the main ingredient, along with some Cinsaut, it is used to produce one of the better rosé wine blends found in the Bellet area of the Cote d'Azur.

BURGER: Thought to be identical with the obscure french grape known as Monbadon, this white wine grape is mostly to be found planted in the Central Valley of California, USA and used for blending. However, recent DNA study at Univ. College at Davis, California, indicates that the parents of this cultivar are Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche.

BUZZETTO: Variety mainly restricted to the Quiliano DOC in Liguria, Italy. Used to make a fresh, crisply acidic white wine considered by some to be a perfect match for local cuisine "Pesto" dishes. Listed as a Trebbiano sub-variety in some databases. May have the synonym names Lumassina and Mataosso.

CABERNET GROS: Australian synonym name for the Trousseau grape of France.

CABERNET SEVERNYI: Hybrid red wine V. Amurensis hybrid cross variety created in Russia to withstand cold climatic conditions. Small commercial/nursery acreages currently grown in Nova Scotia (Canada). Vigorous growth when rigorous cluster thinning techniques used on the secondary clusters of this prolific producer. Early budding occurs late May and the cultivar has the unusual characteristic of early closedown in anticipation of first frost causing fruit to fall off the vine within a few days. Susceptible to fungus diseases Aspergillus, Powdery Mildew and Penicilium. Hardy to -20 deg. F. with tendency to high acids in cool years. Reported to be a female pollinate and so needs planting in alternate rows with other varieties. Creates red wine with excellent color and fragant, heavy aroma recommended for blending with lighter wines. Reportedly similar in many ways to the Michurinetz grape cross - (see below) - currently grown on limited acreages in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York State (USA) and Nova Scotia, Canada.

CALABRESE: Alternate name for the Nero d'Avola grape. (See below).

CALLET: Native red-wine grape found on the island of Majorca, along with two others indigenous to the island - Fogoneu and Manto Negro. Used to produce a popular strong, spicy blend - having some aging ability - with the latter grapewine.

CANAIOLO (NERO): Minor grape grown in the Tuscany region of northern Italy. Red wine from this variety is often used for blending with Sangiovese Grosso in some of the Chianti range of red wines. Is also an ingredient in other local blends. Has many synonym names including Caccione (Nero), Tindillaro and Uva Fosca.

CAPE RIESLING: Not related to the Riesling grape cépage in any way. Is actually the Crouchen varietal now sparsely grown in the Pyrenees region of France and is thought to have been translocated to South Africa in the mid-19th century where the grape has been subsequently also known as the South African Riesling, or Paarl Riesling, presumably due to an identification error. This same grape is similarly misidentified as the Clare Riesling in Australia. The misnamed Cape Riesling can legally be sold under a "Riesling" non-varietal white wine blend label and is known to have good bottle-aging potential. (The true, german Riesling grape is locally known as the Weisser Riesling, or White Riesling, in South Africa).

CARIGNAN: (aka Carinena and Mazuelo in Spain, Gragnano in Italy, Carignane in California). Normally ripens in late season around the end of September. Semi-classic grape commonly used for making red wines in Southern France and Spain. It is also successfully grown in California's Central Valley, often ending up in generic blends and "jug" wines, although some old plantings allow small lots of premium extract wine to be made. Blended with other varieties such as Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, it has been used to create red wines in California similar to the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend of the southern Rhone region of France. In Australia it has the occasional alias name Black Portugal.

CARIGNANE: Californian synonym name for Carignan grape. (See above).

CARINA: Variety developed in Australia and used to produce dried grapes.

CARINENA: Spanish synonym name for the Carignan grape. (See above).

[Image: Carmenere]

CARMENÈRE: Very limited plantings of this red wine grape are now found in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France where it is used to produce deep red wines occasionally used for blending purposes in the same manner as Petit Verdot. The worlds largest vineyard area under cultivation of this variety is now found in the Santiago region of Chile in South America. Recent genetic research has shown that the variety may be distantly related to Merlot. It is claimed by some that the variety name is an alias for what is actually the Vidure, a local Bordeaux name for a Cabernet Sauvignon clone once thought to be the grape from which all red Bordeaux varieties originated. Another theory holds that the true name should be Biturica, thought to be an ancient variety that originated from Iberia - (modern Spain/Portugal) - as claimed by Pliny, and currently a popular blending variety with Sangiovese in Tuscany called "Predicato di Biturica".

CARMINA: Developed at the Gweilerhof Research Institute, Germany, this cultivar is a cross between the Portugieser and Spätburgunder varieties. It is mainly used as a teinturier-style colorant grape.

CARMINE: Red wine grape cross derived from same parents and by same oenologist as Carnelian below and similar in most respects. Claimed to be very similar to Merlot yet somewhat more cold- hardy when grown in cool climates. Mainly used to make a "stretch" blending wine for lower-priced varietal wines in California and elsewhere.

CARNELIAN: Released in the early 1970's, this red wine grape was created by Dr. H. P. Olmo, a U. Davis oenologist, some 30 years earlier and derived from crossing Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan. Currently grown in Central California and, more successfully, in Texas.

CARRICANTE: White wine variety mainly found in the Etna DOC region of Sicily. Synonym names are Catanese Bianco and Nocera Bianca. (No other details as yet).

CASTELÃO FRANCÊS: Red-wine grape grown in the Ribatejo and other regions of southern Portugal. Has synonym name of Periquita where grown in the Estremadura region nearby and (reportedly) Trincadeira in the Alentejo region. Used to make a popular, robust, varietal wine.

CATARRATO BIANCO: White wine grape native to Sicily where it is found widely grown along the western coast. Usually blended with Grillo and the Inzolia grape-wines to create versions of historically interesting "Marsala" wine in several dry, or sweet dessert, styles.

CENICERO: Red-wine grape local to the Rioja Alta region of Spain. Used to make good regional varietal wine.

CENTURION: Red grape cross with same parents as Carnelian above and created by same viticulturist. Used for blending with lesser wines to improve perceived quality.

CERCEAL: White-wine grape grown in Portugal. The Sercial grape grown on the island of Madeira is identical and is the corrupted english synonym name.

CESANESE: (aka Bonvino Nero). Red wine grape of ancient origin mostly found in the Latium region of central Italy.

CÉSAR: (a.k.a Romain). Red-wine grape grown in area close to Chablis region of Northern Burgundy, France. Mainly blended with Pinot Noir to create a light red wine known as "Bourgogne Irancy".

CHARBONO: Red-wine creating grape grown on small acreages in California. The name there is thought to be an early Italian immigrant corruption of Charbonneau, a french synonym for the Douce Noir grape variety still found in the Savoie region of France that has many synonym names, including Corbeau Noir. Some strongly believe that these varieties share a clonal relationship to the Dolcetto variety widely grown in northern Italy. Others argue that the relationship is to the Barbera variety of Italy. The vine bears small berries that are used to make a very dark red wine that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is flavorful and quite tannic.

CHARMONT: White wine variety with Chasselas X Chardonnay pedigree grown in the Valais district of Switzerland. Has synonym name Pully 1-33.

CHASAN: ("sha-sawn"). Wine grape cross derived from the Chardonnay and Listan varieties. Developed by the U. of Montpellier in France. Claimed to produce a wine with varietal similarities to the Chardonnay parent, including such flavors as honied floral aroma and crisp acidity.

CHASSELAS: Minor grape grown in Switzerland, France, Germany and New Zealand. Recent research indicates that the Viognier grape may be clonally related. Widely grown in the cantons of the first country where it has several regional synonym names, the main one being Fendant in the Vaud and Valais districts. It is also known as Perlan in the Mandement district. Mostly vinified to be a full, dry and fruity white wine. Also suitable as a Table grape. In France it is mostly grown in the Loire region where it is converted into a blend with Sauvignon Blanc called "Pouilly-sur-Loire" and in the Savoy region where it is treated in the Swiss manner. German growers of the Baden region know it under the name Gutedel. In New Zealand it is mainly made into popular sweet white wines. Californian and Australian growers know this variety under the alias names of Chasselas Dore or Golden Chasselas.

CHAUCHÉ GRIS: Mutation of the Trousseau vinifera grape grown in France. Currently known in California as Grey Riesling and mainly used in a white-wine blend that also contains some Chenin Blanc and Sylvaner varietals.

CILIEGIOLO: Red-wine grape used as a component in a multi-wine blend known as "Velletri Rosso". Wines from good vintages are known to have excellent aging ability. Mainly grown in the Castelli Romani region, Latium province of Italy.

CINSAUT: (a.k.a Cinsault). Semi-classic grape widely grown in southern France, Italy and also in the Lebanon. Has many aliases. In the southern Rhone region it has the alias name Picardan (Noir). In Apulia, Italy it has the synonym name of Ottavianello. Used as blend component in many red or rosé wines. Transplanted to South Africa, where it was erroneously thought to be a Rhone Hermitage grape, and now a widely grown variety making a popular red wine in that country, and often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. It has also been used to create the hybrid grape species known as Pinotage. Also grown in Australia under several alias names that include Black Prince, Blue Imperial, Oeillade and Ulliade.

CLAIRETTE: Minor grape grown in the south of France and used with the Muscat grape to create a sparkling dry or semi-dry white wine blend. Best known product, known as "Clairette de Die", comes from the eastern Rhone region of France. Considerable plantings are found in Australia where it is also confusingly known under the alias misname of Blanquette which name in turn is more commonly used elsewhere as an alias for the Jaen grape variety mainly grown in Spain.

CODA DI VOLPE: White-wine grape grown in Campania, Italy, especially near Naples, and used as a blending wine in the "Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio" white version along with Verdeca, Greco di Bianca and Falanghina.

COLOMBARD: Better known as French Colombard in North America. Old vine grapes are crushed by some northern Californian producers and made into a fruity white wine of interesting character in both dry and sweet versions. Mainly grown in California to provide backbone, due to its natural acidic character, for white "jug" wine blends. Still grown in France where it is used for white wine blends known as "Bordeaux Blanc" and is also used for distilling into brandy. Also widely grown in South Africa.

COLORINO: Variety occasionally used in a light-bodied blend, based on Sangiovese, with other red wines of Tuscany, Italy. The grape has several synonym names. (No other details as yet).

COMETTA: Red wine variety grown in central Italy. Used as an ingredient in sweet wine blends. (No other details as yet).

COMPLETER: (a.k.a Lafnetscha). White-wine grape native to Switzerland and used in the Grisons canton region to make aromatic wine blends with some aging ability.

COMTESSA: Cool climate cultivar derived from the Traminer and Madeleine Angevine varieties. Claimed to produce fruity white wines similar to those of White Riesling. Has good winter hardiness and bunchrot resistance. Ripens at the same time as Chardonnay and White Riesling in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.

CORNALIN: (a.k.a Rouge du Pays). Vigorous ancient variety indigenous to Switzerland and used to produce rich, plummy, concentrated red wine claimed by some to be reminiscent of french central Rhone versions and often requires similar aging.

CORTESE: ("cor-teh-zeh") Minor grape grown in the Piedmont region of Italy and used to make the "Gavi" - (e.g: Cortese di Gavi), white wines.

CORVINA: (a.k.a Corvina Veronese). Used with several other grapes to create the light red regional blends known as "Bardolino" and "Valpolicella" that have a mild fruity flavor with hints of almond. The blends include Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara (and Rossignola for the latter wine). Mainly grown in the Veneto region of northeast Italy.

CORVINONE: Was long regarded as a clone of Corvina but is a grape variety of its own. Produces a wine with similar characteristics but of somewhat lesser quality. Mainly grown in the Veneto region of Italy and used to create the "Valpolicella" and "Bardolino" blends, along with the Molinara, Rondinella and Corvina grape wines.

CÔT: Synonym name in the Bordeaux region of France for Malbec variety. (See below). Also has alias name of Pressac in the same region.

COUNOISE: Semi-classic grape grown in the southern Rhone and Pyrenees regions of France and used in the red wine blends of Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Banyuls, and other local wines of those regions to create aroma and acidic freshness. Thought by some to be of unknown Spanish grape origin.

COURBU: Minor grape used to create a red wine blend known as "Madiran", found in the Pyrenees region of France. The other wines in the blend are made from the Bouchy, Pinenc and Tannat grapes.

COURTILLER MUSQUE: Thought to be one of the parents of Goldriesling below. (No other details as yet).

CRIOLLA CHICA: Argentine synonym for the Pais grape grown in Chile. The mutation known as Criolla Grande is used to make a generally mediocre white wine.

CRIOLLA GRANDE: (See Criolla Chica above).

CROATINA: Minor grape grown in the Piedmont, (Piemonte), region of Italy. The Bonarda of the "Colli Piacentini" and "Oltrepo Pavese" is actually this grape.

CROUCHEN: (aka Cruchen) White-wine grape translocated from France to Australia and South Africa. In Australia it has been historically known as Clare Riesling presumably because of an identification error. See Cape Riesling above for main information.

CSERSZEGI FUSZERES: Hungarian cross derived from Irsai Olivér and Traminer varieties. Used to create a grapey white wine laden with floral aromas reminiscent of Muscat.

DALNIEWOSTOZNYD RAMNING: Usually referred to as "Dalni Ramning" by growers. Is severe cold resistant (-30 deg. F.) variety, weak in growth, that ripens very early (mid-August) in Minnesota. Berries are very attractive to birds. (No other information on this grape at present).

DEBINA: White wine grape found widely grown in N.W. Greece and Albania. Mainly used to produce a sparkling, fresh young wine.

DECKROT: Developed at the Freiburg Research Institute, Germany, this is a red-fleshed teinturier cultivar derived from a Pinot Gris and Teinturier cross.

DIMIAT: White wine grape widely grown in Bulgaria. Used mainly to produce sweet wines for early consumption.

DINKA: Widely planted white wine grape to be found in Hungary.

DIOLINOIR: (No details yet other than the variety is reported to be a red wine producing grape widely grown in the Valais region of Switzerland).

DOLCETTO: Well-known grape widely grown in Piedmont region of Italy. Usually made into fast maturing, fruity and robust dark red wine with faintly bitter flavor. May be identical with the Douce Noir grape of the Savoie region of France and the variety known as Charbono in California.

DOÑA BLANCO: White wine variety grown in N.W Spain. Found in the El Bierzo region between Leon and Galicia. Known as Doña Branca where grown in Portugal. Is reported by some to be a clone, or synonym name, of the Tamares variety. (No clarifying details available as yet).

DORADILLO: Australian alias name for the Jaen variety used for red wine production in central Spain and also Portugal. The grape is also confusingly known as the Blanquette in the Hunter Valley.

DORNFELDER: Recent vine cross gaining wide popularity in Germany. Creates red wines from grapes that have every important red-wine variety suitable for central Europe in their geneology, ie. one parent is the hybrid cross result of Trollinger and Frühburgunder and the other parent hybrid was the result from crossing Portugieser and Lemberger. Mainly grown in the Rheinhessen and Pfalz regions, it is increasingly available as a bottled varietal with aging potential.

DUNKELFELDER: Developed at the Freiburg Research Institute, Germany, this is a red-fleshed teinturier cultivar derived from the Portugieser and Färbertraube varieties.

DURAS: Minor grape grown in the area well to the southeast of Bordeaux. Used to create red and rose' blended wines along with wine made from the Negrette, Syrah and Gamay Noir grapes.

DURELLO: Is alias name for Nosiola variety grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Used there to make still and sparkling dry white wines of crisply acidic character. Other synonym names are Cagnina, Durella and Rabiosa.

DURIF: (aka Duriff). Minor grape grown in France, California and Australia. A recent, (9/1997), DNA analysis report shows this variety likely to be a cross between Peloursin and Syrah. Is definitely one of the grapes known as the Petite Sirah variety extensively planted in California although other analysis has shown that in vineyards with the most reliable planting records it may only be one of three distinct varieties known collectively as "Petite Sirah". Also old plantings of Durif are currently (1997) found, and used to produce popular wine, in the Rutherglen (N.E Victoria) region of Australia. (For more information see "Petite Sirah" below).

DURIZE: (No details as yet other than it is a red wine producing variety, possibly indigenous, grown in the Valais district of Switzerland and having the synonym name of Rouge de Fully).

EARLY BURGUNDY: (See Abourion above).

EHRENFELSER: Grape resulting from the crossing of Riesling and a Sylvaner clone. Many consider it second only to the Kerner grape-cross as a frost-resistant Riesling type substitute for the better known Müller-Thurgau grape widely grown in Germany and elsewhere. Mild acid content discourages aging. Claimed to have excellent Riesling grape similarities in taste etc. Moderately large acreages can now be found in the Okanagan region of western Canada where, according to local lore, it was originally planted in the late 1970's in lieu of a shortage of select clone Riesling cuttings. Subsequently the vine proved so adaptable and successful that it now, (1990's), constitutes British Columbia's 5th largest white variety crop.

[Image: Elbling]

ELBLING: (a.k.a Weisser Silvaner). White wine grape of ancient origin mostly found in limited plantings in the Mosel-Saar-Ruhr region of Germany, used to produce a traditional dry, sparkling wine.

EMERALD RIESLING: White wine hybrid variety developed by H. C. Olmo of UC Davis from a crossing of Muscadelle de Bordelais and (White) Riesling. Probably the most successful of the attempts to breed high quality/quantity white wine grapes for specific use in California.

ERBALUCE: Minor grape grown in the Piedmont region of Italy and used to make dry white wine. Better known for the full-bodied, sweet wine versions made with dried grapes, (i.e: Passito). Also a fortified version with 16% alcohol, (i.e: Liquoroso).

ERMITAGE: Synonym name for the white-wine Marsanne grape where grown in Switzerland.

ESGANA (CÃO): Synonym for the Sercial grape widely grown on the island of Madeira and known as Cerceal where grown in Portugal.

ESPADEIRO: Red-wine grape grown in northern Portugal and also in bordering Galicia, Spain. Mostly used in "vinho verde", young wines for early drinking.

EZERJÓ: White wine grape widely planted in Hungary and mainly used to produce dry wines.

FABER: (aka Faberrebe). Derived from the crossing of the Weissburgunder and Müller-Thurgau with the aim of achieving frost resistance. High acid grape used for blending in the Rheinhessen region of Germany.

FALANGHINA: White wine grape found in the Campania region of Italy. Wine made from the ancestor of this grape was known to the Romans. Makes a popular, fruity, varietal and is also used as a blending wine, along with Coda di Volpe and others in the popular "Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio" wine.

FAVORITO: Minor grape grown in the Piedmont region in Italy and having pleasant citric flavors. Mainly used in white wine blends.

FENDANT: Synonym name for the Chasselas grape where grown in the Vaud and Valais districts of Switzerland.

FER: Also known as Fer Servadou, Brocol, Braucol, Mansois and Pinenc. The name apparently refers to the iron-hard woodiness of the vine. Grown to a limited extent in southwest France and used to impart color, intensity and aroma to regional red wine blends. The variety grown in Argentina and called by this name is now thought to be a clone of Malbec.

FERNÃO PIRES: White wine variety widely grown in the Ribatejo and other regions of Portugal. Used to make aromatic and somewhat spicy-tasting dry, sweet and sparkling wines. Has synonym name of Maria Gomes in Bairrada.

Regala FETEASCA: (a.k.a Fetiaska). Several varieties are grown. The Feteasca Alba, is reportedly a Romanian developed variety seemingly most favored in that countries provinces of Moldavia and Transylvania where it is mainly used to produce dry or semi-dry white wines, although the Cotnari region is famous for semi-sweet and sweet wine versions. The widely grown Feteasca Regala is reportedly a crossing of the "Alba" version with an un-named variety and is used to produce fresh, crisp, flavorsome white wines. They are also widely planted in Bulgaria and Hungary. In the latter country the "Alba" variety is better known as the Leányka. The selected variant used to produce red wines is the Feteasca Neagra, reputedly indigenous to Romania. It is mainly grown in several areas of central and southern Moldavia and also in Muntenia province. Usually vinified to produce dry or semi-dry deep red wines with a flavor described as "blackcurrant", requiring some aging.

FETIASKA: (See Feteasca above).

FIANO: Minor, but of ancient origin, grape grown in Campania region of southern Italy. Makes balanced, elegant white wine with attractive nut-like hints in the aroma.

FIÉ: White wine grape of ancient origin once widely grown in the Loire region of France. Now thought by some to be the ancestor of the Sauvignon cépage variety. Current remaining acreage is used to create wine for blending with Sauvignon Blanc grapewine in order to further enrich the latter wine.

FINDLING: A mutated version of the Müller-Thurgau grape. (See below).

FOGONEU: Native red-wine grape indigenous to the island of Majorca along with two others named Callet and Manto Negro. (No other details yet).

FOLLE BLANCHE: Minor white wine grape once used in the distilled wines of the Cognac region of France. Small acreages still remain in the western Loire region that are used to produce an often light, sharply acidic wine called "Gros Plant du Pays Nantais" locally claimed to be a useful foodmatch alternative to Muscadet de Bourgogne. Also grown in the S. Rhone region where it has the synonym name Piquepoul (Blanc).

FORASTERA: Variety used for white wine production found mainly in the Ischia, Campania DOC of Italy. Used to produce a dry, fresh wine reputed to be a good accompaniment for regional fish-based meals. Has the synonym name Uva dell'Isola. Often blended with the wine made from the Biancolella grape to create "Ischia Bianco" a light wine best drunk as young as possible.

FORTANA: Red wine variety grown in Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Used to make a full-bodied, crisply acidic varietal wine. Has several alias names including Brugnola and Uva d'Oro.

FRANCAVILLA: Variety used for white wine production in Apulia, Italy. Found in a blend with Impigno wine. (No other details as yet).

FREISA: Minor grape grown in Piedmont region of Italy and used to make both dry and spumante-style sweet red wines.

FREISAMER: (No details as yet other than it is a white wine producing variety grown in the Valais district of Switzerland derived from a Silvaner X Pinot Gris cross and has the synonym name Freiburger).

FRÜHBURGUNDER: Thought to be a mutation of Spätburgunder. (See below).

[Image: Frueroter Veltliner]

FRÜHROTER VELTLINER: (a.k.a Malvasier). White wine producing variety grown in Austria. Despite the first glance similarity in the synonym name spelling the grape is reportedly not related in any way to the Malvasia cépage.

FUMIN: Limited amounts of this indigenous variety grown in Valle d'Aosta region of N.W. Italy. Used in good light bodied red blend, with other local varieties, reportedly needing moderate aging (3-5 years) to be at its best. (No other details as yet).

[Image: Furmint]

FURMINT: Widely grown grape in Hungary and used to make the ultra-sweet "Tokaji" white wines. Also grown in Austria where it is known as the white-wine grape Mosler. Smaller plantings are found in Slovenia (former Yugoslavia) where it is known as the Sipon grape.

GAGLIOPPO: Red-wine grape used to produce strong, young-drinking, wines in the Calabria region of Southern Italy.

GAMARET: Vigorous red wine grape cultivar grown in Switzerland. Derived from a cross of Gamay Beaujolais and Reichensteiner. Makes a spicy, tannic, structured wine suitable for blends.

GAMAY: At least three different vitis vinifera grape species are permitted to use the term "Gamay" as their lable-specified variety in the U.S.A. The Gamay Noir, Gamay Beaujolais and Napa Gamay. At one time or another, each one were thought to be the true Pinot Noir of Burgundy, before it was discovered that many cepage clones existed.

GAMAY BEAUJOLAIS: The Gamay Beaujolais grape is a widely grown, early-ripening clone of Pinot Noir that can do well in the temperate climates of the northwest U.S. and if picked promptly will produce a good red wine.

GAMAY DE BOUZE: (see Teinturier below).

GAMAY NOIR: The Gamay Noir grape is a clone of Pinot Noir. The version thought to be responsible for the Beaujolais wines of France is the Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, as distinct from other Gamay teinturiers - (i.e: Gamay vine mutations of ancient origin noted for their deep red coloring capacity in blends). In the Beaujolais region growers use a variety of clones that include numbers 222, 358, 509, 656 grafted to suitable rootstocks such as Vialla for granitic soils, the standard lime resistant versions such as 161-49C and the American 420A. Its maturation before Pinot Noir makes it suitable for cooler climates. High yields and disease control require intensive attention.

GAMZA: The Gamza grape, currently widely grown in northern Bulgaria, is identical with the Kadarka of Hungary. Capable of producing an excellent red wine of full-bodied, tannic content suitable for aging.

GARGANEGA: White wine grape widely grown in the Veneto region of NE. Italy. It makes the base wine of the well-known "Soave" blend along with up to 30% of Trebbiano derived wine and is also a major portion of the popular "Gambellara" wine blend. At its best this grape will give a good, rather delicate, wine laden with aromatic hints of lemon and almonds.

GARNACHA: Alternate name for Grenache grape in Spain. (See below)

GARNACHA TINTORERA: (See Alicante Bouschet above).

GIRÒ: Old variety used for red wine production in S.W. Sardinia. High alcohol potential makes it suitable for unfortified Port-style sweet wines best consumed within 2-3 years of release. Has several alias names including Gliata and Zirone.

GODELLO: White wine variety grown in the Rias Baixas and El Bierzo/Valdeorras regions of N.W Spain between Galicia and Leon. Used to make a well-regarded varietal wine with fragrant aromas described as "apples and mangoes", plus good acidity levels and complexity.

GOLDEN CHASSELAS: Known under the name Chasselas Doré in France where it is mainly grown as a table grape. Highly respected in Switzerland where it has a long history as the Chasselas in the Savoie region. The mis-named grape grown in California under this name is actually the Palomino and bears no relationship.

GOLDMUSKATELLER: White-wine grape used to produce dry and dessert wines, best consumed early, in the Alto Adige region of N.E. Italy. Noted for its pleasant aromatic qualities. Has synonym name of Moscato Giallo.

GOLDRIESLING: Supposedly ancient grape producing mainly mediocre white wines. Listed by some as a cross between Riesling and Courtiller Musque. Mostly grown on small acreages to be found in former East Germany or northern Austria.

GOUAIS (BLANC): (a.k.a Gwäss or Gwaess). Obscure, heavy bearing, white wine variety historically used to produce a light neutral wine for blending, or distillation for use in brandy-type fortified wines, in France. Presently only found in Australia, France and Switzerland. Reportedly planted in Australia around 1874. At least one producer in Rutherglen, N.E Victoria (and also one each in Bordeaux, France and the Valais, Switzerland) currently (1997) makes wine from this grape.

GRACIANO: Late-budding red-wine grape found in the Rioja region of Spain. Sensitive to diseases such as "Downy Mildew". Has the alias name of Xeres in California and Morrastel in France. Confusingly is also an Australian synonym for the Mourvedre hot climate grape. (See below).

GRAGNANO: Italian synonym name for the Carignan grape. (See above).

GRASA DE COTNARI: Variety claimed as grown in Romania for 500 years since the days of Stephen the Great. Used to create a late harvest white wine from botrytis affected grapes with sugar content commonly exceeding 240 grams/litre.

GRAUER BURGUNDER: Alternate name for the Pinot Gris grape in both Austria and Germany. (See below).

GREY RIESLING: (aka Chauché Gris. See above).

GRECO BIANCO; (See Greco Nero below).

GRECO NERO: White wine grape of ancient origin, probably Greek, grown extensively in southern Italy. A sub-variety is known as the Greco Bianco. Both varieties are used to produce dry, (eg: "Greco di Tufo"), and sweet wines from semi-dried grapes, the Nero grape being the preferred source.

GRENACHE: Also confusingly known under the synonym names Alicante in the south of France and Guarnaccia in the Ischia DOC, Campania, Italy. It should not be confused with the shortened name for the late nineteenth century cross Alicante Bouschet. Grenache is currently widely grown in Spain, (where it is known under the name Garnacha), the south of France and also in California. Is now believed to be descended from the grape named Cannonau, an ancient variety widely grown in Sardinia. It is the main grape used in the red wine blend known as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and, along with the Mourvèdre, Cinsaut and some others, makes good wine blends under the appellation "Cotes du Rhone Villages". In the warmer regions of California the Grenache grape tends to produce pale red wines that are mainly useful for blends. Older vines give juice that produces a creditable varietal. Often "hot" due to high alcohol content and with a distinctive orange colored tint. Also used to make some of the better rosé wines of Provence in southern France.

GRENACHE GRIS: Thought to be a mutated version of Grenache. Used to produce undistinguished white wines in southern France. Has premier synonym name Garnacha Rosa in Spain. Also known as Grey Grenache. Is one of the parent varieties used to create the cross named Symphony mainly grown in California. (See below).

GRIGNOLINO: Commonly grown grape in the Piedmont region of Italy. Makes light red color wine with very fruity aroma and strong acid/tannins.

GRILLO: Widely grown white-wine grape variety in Sicily, where it is mainly used in the blend known as "Marsala" dry and sweet wines. The other grape-wines are derived from the Catarrato Bianco and Inzolia grapes also common to Sicily's west coast.

GROLLEAU: Widely grown grape in the temperate regions of France. Also known as the Groslot. Used as a blend with Gamay Noir and Cabernet Franc to create a somewhat rustic dry and semi-sweet Anjou rose' wine in the Loire region.

GROPELLO: Synonym for the Rossignola red wine variety. Is used for creating the Valtenesi Rosso wine blend found in Brescia DOC, Lombardy, Italy that competes well with the better known Valpolicella and Bardolino wines of the Veneto DOC. As a varietal it is made as a dry, medium-bodied wine with a nut-like finish that ages well for up to 5 years in good vintages.

GROSLOT: (see Grolleau above).

[Image: Gruener Veltliner]

GRÜNER VELTLINER: Widely grown in Austria. Is white-wine grape used to create the famous same name fresh, fruity young wines. Also known as (Green) Veltliner. Ripening around mid-late October, it is commonly consumed very young yet has very good aging potential (up to 15 years) when made from the finest vintage year grapes.

GUTEDEL: aka Weisser Gutedel. Is the german synonym name for the french Chasselas grape when grown in the Baden region of Germany.

GWÄSS: (a.k.a Gwaess). Indigenous white wine grape of Switzerland now rarely found. Synonym name in France and Australia is Gouais Blanc.

HAMBURG MOSCHATO: Muscat cépage table-grape widely grown in Greece. Also used for making a mild blending wine. (See also Muscat Hamburg below).

HEIDA (PAÏEN): White wine grape found in the Valais district of Switzerland. Of ancient origin it is thought to be identical to the Savagnin grape of French Savoie.

HIMBERTSCA: (No details as yet other than it is a white wine producing variety probably indigenous to the Valais district of Switzerland).

HUMAGNE: White wine grape grown in the Valais district of Switzerland. Not related to the Humagne Rouge cultivar as far as is known.

HUMAGNE ROUGE: Red wine grape of ancient origin indigenous to Switzerland. Can yield rich, plummy wines similar to those of Cornalin.

HUXELREBE: Grape created by crossing the Chasselas and a Muscat variety that contributes its ubiquitous aroma to wines made from the grape. Grown mostly in the Rheinhessen region of Germany and used mainly for sweet white wines of no particular distinction that can qualify for "Auslese" Prädikat standards in better vintages.

IMPIGNO: Variety used for white wine production near Brindisi in Apulia, Italy. Usually blended with Francavilla wine to make a crisp tablewine that matches local seafood dishes. Also grown in Argentina where it has the alias name Nessun. (No other details as yet).

INZOLIA: Extensive plantings of this variety are found on the west coast of Sicily where it is made into a wine commonly blended with the Grillo and Catarrato Bianco grape wines in order to create the famous dry and sweet "Marsala" white wines of historical significance. The grape is also found in Tuscany region of Italy where it is known by the alias name Ansonica.

IRSAI OLIVÉR: Hungarian tablegrape cross variety developed in early 1930's. Used to produce grapey white wines with Muscat aromatic reminders. (No other details as yet).

ITALIAN RIESLING: (aka

Index of Variety Names