There are a seemingly endless number of wines made from grapes from all over. But, surprisingly, what remains in the world is just a fraction of what once existed. Before downy mildew, powdery mildew, phylloxera, and the World Wars of the 20th century hit the shores of Europe, destroying vineyards of native vines, there were likely hundreds of thousands of grape varieties with millions of clones. The biodiversity and possibilities for great wine were even greater than they are today.
But there is a movement afoot to revive grape varieties that are nearly extinct. It started in Portugal, spread to Spain and Italy, and now is a badge of pride for regions that are able to bring these grapes back from the brink.
In this show I cover 12 grapes with interesting stories of near extinction and revival:
Italy
Whites: Arneis - (Bianchetta), Timorasso, Nascetta, Fiano
Red: Schioppettino
Greece: Malagousia
Spain
Whites: Godello, Verdejo
Red: Graciano
Photo: Godello Source: Food and Wine From Spain
France
White: Viognier
Reds: Carménère, Tibouren
There are so many other grapes out there that have been saved, but these are the stories I find most interesting. Enjoy!
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