French term for the noblest grape varieties in the world. Of course, their use does not automatically result in a top wine in every case, but they are frequently found in such wines, either as single varieties or as blending partners in cuvées. There are no measurable criteria that make it possible to clearly assign them to the "circle of the chosen ones". Even among experts, not 100% of the varieties are named the same, but there is a relatively high degree of agreement. An important criterion is a worldwide distribution in many countries, if possible. This means that the vines or the wines produced from them have proven their high quality under different climatic conditions and different winemaking methods and have gained the highest recognition. The red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir and Syrah (Shiraz) are most frequently named as the noblest, as well as the white wine varieties Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
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Dominik Trick
Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg