Did you know there are over 10,000 different grape varieties cultivated across the world? That’s a lot of tasting notes, and unfortunately Tasteful Times and Cork Cracker don’t quite have the shelf space for them all! While this number includes grapes used in wine, it also encompasses those cultivated for table use, raisins, and jams.
When it comes to wine production, only a small fraction of grapes dominate the global market. The ten most widely planted wine grapes in commercial winemaking include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Airén
- Chardonnay
- Tempranillo
- Syrah/Shiraz
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Trebbiano Toscano
- Pinot Noir
- Garnacha/Grenache
But what about Graciano, Falanghina, or Carignan? If those names don’t sound familiar, you're not alone. As the wine industry evolves, so does our exposure to lesser-known varietals. Many of these grapes are gaining traction due to their sustainability, climate resilience, and revival of native varieties. With climate change altering growing conditions and consumer interest shifting toward uniqueness and origin, now is the perfect time to explore these emerging wines.
Graciano (Spain – Rioja & Navarra)
Graciano is a low-yielding, thick-skinned red grape traditionally used in small quantities in Rioja blends to add color, structure, and aging potential. Native to northern Spain, it was historically considered too finicky to grow commercially due to its low productivity and susceptibility to disease. However, Graciano thrives in warm, dry climates and offers outstanding depth when allowed to take center stage.
Why Now: As climate change threatens more delicate varieties, Graciano is drought resistance and late ripening are winning traits. Modern winemakers in Spain, as well as emerging regions like California and Australia, are rediscovering its potential as a single-varietal wine. Graciano wines are deeply colored, with aromatic complexity...think violets, black cherry, and baking spices, supported by firm tannins and bright acidity. The grape’s natural balance also gives it exceptional aging potential.
Recommendation: Bodega Lanzaga Corriente or Voché Selección Graciano
Carignan (Southern France, Spain)
Once considered a workhorse grape, Carignan (called Cariñena in Spain) was the most widely planted grape in France until the late 1980s. It became a symbol of overproduction and was often associated with low-quality table wines. In 1988, the European Union incentivized farmers to uproot excess vineyards in an effort to control the wine glut—Carignan vines were among the first to go. Additionally, its susceptibility to rot and mechanical harvesting difficulties made it less appealing to winemakers.
Why Now: Today, Carignan is experiencing a renaissance, especially when produced from old vines (50+ years). Though lower yielding, these vines produce concentrated, complex wines with aging potential. Expect deep ruby hues, dark berries, plum, black olive, and earthy spice, all supported by structured tannins and balanced acidity.
Recommendation: Cantina Mesa Buio Carignano
Assyrtiko (Greece – Santorini)
Assyrtiko is the pride of Santorini, where it grows in volcanic soil and thrives under intense sun and wind. Known for its high acidity, minerality, and citrusy, saline character, Assyrtiko is a crisp white wine that offers a vibrant alternative to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Remarkably, it maintains its acidity even in hot climates.
Why Now: As Mediterranean travel rebounds and the diet gains popularity in the U.S., so does Greek wine. Assyrtiko’s adaptability to warm climates is appealing to growers in California and Australia, and sommeliers praise its food pairing versatility and potential for premium bottlings.
TT Recommendation: Santo Santorini Assyrtiko
Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s most planted grape, accounting for roughly one-third of the country's vineyards. Its name translates to “Green wine from Veltlin,” a region in the lower Alps that is now part of northern Italy. Gruner often draws comparisons to unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio and features a signature peppery note thanks to the aromatic compound rotundone (also found in Syrah).
Why Now: Its versatility with food and approachable price point make Grüner Veltliner increasingly attractive. Growers in the U.S., particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and around Lake Michigan, are embracing the grape for its cool-climate compatibility.
Recommendation: Buchegger Grüner Veltliner Holzgasse
Falanghina (Italy – Campania)
This ancient grape hails from the Campania region near Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii. Its name derives from falanga, the wooden stake traditionally used to support vines. Falanghina survived the phylloxera outbreak of the early 20th century thanks to Campania’s volcanic soils, which proved inhospitable to the pest. Still, its popularity waned in favor of more profitable international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Revived in the 1970s by Leonardo Mustilli, Falanghina is now prized for its bright citrus and floral notes, soft texture, and refreshing minerality. It's often compared to unoaked Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even Chenin Blanc.
Why Now: Its resilience to heat and adaptability to various soil types, especially volcanic, make it ideal for warmer growing regions like California. As U.S. consumers show renewed interest in indigenous Italian grapes, Falanghina is stepping into the spotlight.
Recommendation: Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina
Conclusion
Grapes like Merlot and Pinot Noir are facing heat-related challenges in many traditional regions. Meanwhile, varieties like Zinfandel are becoming more expensive to produce due to labor demands and yield volatility. Climate change, evolving consumer tastes, and the desire for sustainable and culturally rooted wines are opening the door for these emerging varietals to shine.
Whether you're looking to expand your palate or simply enjoy something new and delicious, these grapes offer exciting opportunities for discovery and we are thrilled to have unique options on our shelves at Tasteful Times and Cork & Cracker.