1. One of Italy’s most popular and most planted grapes.
2. The key ingredient in Chianti Classico and Chianti, in which it must make up at least 80% and 70%, respectively, of these wines
3. Most planted grape in Tuscany (Toscana) where Chianti Classico and Chianti come from.
4. Also known as Brunello, Morellino, Nieluccio and Prugnolo Gentile.
5. Also planted in Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Africa and the United States, with tiny amounts growing in other wine regions.
6. Too late ripening for New Zealand’s cool and maritime climate.
7. High acid grape with thin skins.
8. Slow and late to ripen so it needs warm dry climates to grow in.
9. Most often blended with other grapes to soften its fierce acidity.
10. Traditionally blended with Canaiolo, Ciliegolo, Colorino, Malvasia (white), Mammolo and Trebbiano (white).
Joelle Thomson is a wine writer, journalist and author. She’s an avid lover of wine and currently writes for Capital magazine, Good magazine, NZ Winegrower, Drinksbiz, and her own site, www.joellethomson.com
