There are undoubtedly many grape varietals out there which are more famous than the other varietals, but that doesn’t mean that they are the only one who is good enough to be used in making elegant and sophisticated wines. There are a lot of grape varietals out there who is not currently on the spotlight, but still, deserve to be in the limelight.

Cabernet Sauvignon

It is the most famous and praised varieties of grapes that are found in a lot of elegant wines such as Haut Brion. Wine enthusiasts love them so much that it made the grape be a sign of delicious taste and flavor in a wine. The home of the Cabernet Sauvignon is in the Bordeaux wine region of France, but California’s own Napa Valley and Australia’s Coonawarra wine region also make Cabernet Sauvignon wines that can rival the ones made in France. Wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon have a deep red color to them and has typically moderate acidity levels.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is part of the Pinot grape family that also includes Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Meunier. They are typically cultivated in France’ Burgundy wine region. The difference in location makes the wines differ in taste, which adds up to its complexity and beauty. Pinot Noir’s fame is even known overseas, such as Australia, Germany, Italy, Chile, South Africa, California, and New Zealand.

Merlot

The popularity of Merlot is third only next to Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Its home is located in the Southwest of France. In Bordeaux, you can find the best Merlot wine in the world, rivaling the topmost wines in the world. In Bordeaux, the appellations that stand out in making Merlot wines are Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. Outside of the country, there also other places who make the best Merlot wines such as Chile, Italy, Californian, and the Washington State.

Syrah

Syrah can be found typically in Rhone Valley in southeastern France. It is also known internationally in South Africa, Chile, Italy, New Zealand, the Washington State, and Australia. This grape variety is called Syrah in France, but it could also be known as Shiraz in Australia and New Zealand’s markets

Malbec

Malbec is the national grape variety of Argentina. The Malbec wines that are making in Argentina is generally much softer and lesser tannin than the Malbec wine that is made in France, where Malbec was originated. Argentina has first regions growing Malbec such as San Juan, Catamarca, Mendoza, and La Rioja.

Grenache

Grenache is one of the most famous red grape varieties globally. Rhone Valley, France, and Rioja and Aragon, which are both located in Spain, have the best Grenache made wine in the world. Wines made from Grenache are typically berry flavored and soft to drink, albeit can be spicy at times. Not to mention that they are also generally high in alcoholic content.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is one of the most popular red grape variety in the world, especially in Italy. You can find one in every restaurant here in Italy, but the real home of Sangiovese is in Tuscany where they use it to create blends such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti, and the most famous “Super Tuscans.” Sangiovese can be enjoyed on the old side as it is capable of aging well, but it is also praised in its young age as it gives a fresh and fruit flavored taste.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is famously called “Spain’s noble grape.” It is primarily cultivated on the Iberian Peninsula, most prominent in Rioja and Ribera del Duero wine regions. Wines made from Tempranillo often makes ruby red wines and can take some very distinct aromas such as vanilla, tobacco, plum, and berries. Ageing the wines in oak barrels make the flavor and aromas much more intense.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a red grape variety and can be primarily found on southern Italy and most prominent in Abruzzo, Molise, Marche, Puglia, Latium, and Umbria. It cannot be found and grown in northern Italy since it ripens late and cannot be cultivated on colder climates. Wines made in Montepulciano has a very distinct taste, flavor, and aroma than the Tuscan wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is brewed with Sangiovese rather than Montepulciano

Takeaway

There are a lot of grape varieties out there, and cannot be only found in France. Some of them may be much more famous than the other types, but it does not mean that they are not just as flavorful, aromatic, and elegant. Most of these unheard grape varieties deserve their own time in the limelight and should be more appreciated and praised. France may be the wine capital of the world, but there are also countries that make elegant and sophisticated wine, just like France.

 Author's Bio: Scarlett Wells is a full-time writer and wine expert. She is an active critique examining all levels of wine types so she can produce reviews and articles that will help guide every consumer in selecting the right kind of wine to drink. Aside from that, she wrote a lot of blogs maximizing the real usage of wines.