Noble grapes

From ArticleWorld

The term Noble grapes is used to describe the six grape varieties used in creating history’s great wines. Not commonly used today, the term is thought by many to be biased towards French wines exclusively.

History

Wine production has spread all over the world, with great wines being produced in many regions outside of France. Historically speaking though, the noble grapes were comprised of just six varieties. The white noble grapes included sauvignon blanc, Riesling, and chardonnay. The red noble grapes included pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.

The noblest

The Riesling grape, also known as Johannesburg Riesling, White Riesling, Weisser Riesling, Rheinriesling and Riesling Renano, has been grown in Germany's Rhine and Mosel Valleys since the 14th century. It is the most planted grape in the Rhine Valley: people who talk about a Rhine wine are referring to a Riesling. Known as the noblest of the noble grapes, Riesling wines were also very popular in England over the centuries, so popular in fact, that the wine found its way into literature. In Shakespears’ Hamlet, the wine that the Danish court gets drunk on is a Rhine wine.

Noble grape

There is one variety of grapes actually named the Noble grape. It is derived from crossing the Thomas and the Tarheel grapes. It is widely grown in the U.S., in the Southeastern States, and the Gulf States. It is used to produce red wines and juices, and it is also recommended as a table grape, due to its high sugar content.