09/04/07 U.S. & Italian Grapes

Welcome to Vine to wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today we are going to discuss growing, what are traditionally thought of as, Italian grape varieties here in the United States. We are drinking a lot more wines made from grapes or blended with varieties such as Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. These are grapes traditionally grown in Italy and the basis for many famous Italian wines. So - what is the deal growing Italian grapes in the United States? Well it is no different than growing grapes from anywhere. In the Old Wine World tradition created laws defining where certain grape varieties could be grown. The specificity of that created regionally recognized wines. Today in the New Wine World we tend to grow grapes in places we believe they are best suited. We have no dictates of tradition. Sometimes the grapes flourish and may even perform better in a new region as it may be better suited than the traditional area. Just like Petite Sirah thrives in the warmer California climate and Malbec seems to thrive and really show off in Argentina. So Italian grapes varieties such as Sangiovese are standing alone and lending their characteristics blends made in our two largest wine regions California and the state of Washington. I say who cares where they traditionally came from let's enjoy the differences! Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.