AROUND THE WORLD IN 52 GRAPES

Nebbiolo is Italy’s answer to Burgundy. It has long been revered as one of the world’s great wines, but perhaps has never been more popular than now. It’s increasingly sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors, though prices still haven’t caught up to Burgundy – at least for the time being.

For decades now, the wine trade has prophesized a Riesling revolution. Guess what: it’s just not going to happen. The labels are confusing. The wines can be ­– gasp – sweet. And consumers still haven’t forgotten Blue Nun and Black Tower. But why would we want to change things anyway? Some of the best Rieslings are remarkably good value, precisely because they lack the popularity of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

We just have to come out and say it: Syrah is the greatest red grape on the planet. There’s probably not a wine that it doesn’t make better, and we’re not just talking about Rhône red blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After all, there’s a reason that Bordeaux chateau historically added a dollop of Hermitage to bolster their wines. But forget the blends. What really excites us is when Syrah is the star.

Semillon is responsible for some of the world’s classic white wines ¬– both dry and sweet. And yet no one really seems to drink them. Which is good news for us, because it means they’re some of the best values in the world of wine.

Tempranillo is one of the most planted red grapes, responsible for some of the best red wines in the world. And yet it’s oft-overshadowed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We say no more.

When it’s good, Viognier is world-class. When it’s bad – well, there’s a reason it’s not always the wine trade’s favourite grape variety.