I’m constantly looking for the most exciting wines available in St. Louis. Here, three obscure grapes you’ve probably never heard of but should definitely seek out. Try one – or all three – this weekend.
1. Picpoul: This grape is originally from the Languedoc area of southern France. “Picpoul” is an Occitan word meaning “mouth bitter” or “lip stinger” – how cool is that? This brilliant, clean wine tastes of citrus with perfect dryness and acidity. If you enjoy New Zealand sauvignon blanc, give this wonderful wine a try.
Buy this: Domaine La Croix Gratiot Picpoul de Pinet. Available at The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton, $10. 2. Bracetto: This wild grape, one of the rarest in Italy’s Piedmont region, is usually made into sweet wine. However, the dry version is quite amazing with brilliant raspberry tones and intense minerality. This versatile wine pairs with anything from dark chocolate to smoked fish or balsamic vinegar.
Buy this: Matteo Correggia Anthos Vino da Tavola. Available Parker’s Table, $20. 3. Nero di Troia: Italy’s Puglia region doesn’t produce a lot of wine, but the obscure varieties created from its Nero di Troia grape are fantastic, holding notes of olives and citrus fruit. This is a rich, wild red wine perfect with a grilled meats or brisket. My pick from the great Michele Biancardi is one of the best single-varietal Italian wines with flavors of wild fruit, complex oak notes and just a hint of pepper and straw.
Buy this: Anima di Nero. Available at The Wine Merchant in Clayton, $19.
This article appears in April 2015.