noble grapes

Noble grapes is the classical term used to describe the grapes traditionally associated with the highest quality wines. There are two qualifications for a grape in order for it to be called "Noble."

1. It has to be able to make top quality wine by itself without any additions or modifications.
   
2. It has to be grown in different regions of the world, not just in its native region.

Most of the noble grape varieties originated in France; as a result, grapes such as nebbiolo and zinfandel, while known for making fine wines, generally are not listed among the noble grapes.

The term is not as commonly used today, partly because of the proliferation of hybrid varieties, and partly because the term originated in France, and some people feel that the term unfairly slights varieties grown in other regions. Still, the term remains useful in understanding the history of wine, and many of the so-called noble grapes are now known as "international" grapes by some authorities due to their wide distribution.

White noble grapes

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Chardonnay
• Chenin Blanc
• Pignot Blanc
• Pignot Gris

Red noble grapes

• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah/Shiraz
• Sangiovese

References

MacNeil, Karen, The Wine Bible. Workman Publishing, 2001, ISBN 1563054345.

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