877.812.1137

touriga nacional

New and Interesting Wine Varities for Musto’s 2020 Harvest

Musto Wine Grape is always looking for new and interesting wine grapes and juices to bring to you!

Below are some of the newer additions to our winemaking portfolio.

White Wines:

Fiano

Fiano is an Italian wine grape variety that originated and is grown mostly in Southern Italy; specifically in Campania. It’s roots are so deep in Italy that historians believe it was used to make a wine the Romans referred to as “Apianum”. The Fiano grape grows well in California’s Central Coast and Central Valley due to it’s Mediterranean climate, similar to Southern Italy. Pale straw yellow in color, Fiano expresses floral, tropical, and nutty notes on the nose. On the palate slight hazelnut, apricot, blood orange, and honey notes, can be enjoyed. If the wine is aged 2-3 years in bottle, those flavors can develop into spicy notes over time.

Sourced from Central Valley and Lodi, CA in grape and juice format this fall. 

Yeast Suggestions:

Vermentino

Another grapes with it’s roots in Italy, Vermentino is known to be found in Sardinia and parts of Southern France. A light skinned grape, these wines are usually aromatic, light bodied, and very refreshing. On the nose you will find citrus and floral notes, followed by grapefruit, minerals, white fruit, spice, and pie crust. A fun and refreshing wine to try if you are looking to create something other than a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Sourced from Lodi, CA in grape and juice format this fall

Yeast Suggestions:

Albarino

Originating from Spain, this grape is one of the oldest in Spain. Some vines are up to 400 years old! Our growers have noticed the delicious potential of Albarino to grow in regions like Lodi and Central Valley due their similar weather patterns as Spain. If you’re interested in a crisp and bright white wine then Albarino is for you! Notes of ripe pear, citrus, and slight minerality; this wine is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or paired with seafood and white meats. Lively acidity, this wine is usually light bodied and well rounded.

Sourced from Lodi, CA in grape and juice format this fall

Yeast Suggestions:

*All white wine grape varieties are available in 36lb cases or in 6 gallon fresh juice pails from Lodi, CA.  For more notes on White Winemaking click here -> from grapes, from juice. For Sterile Juice options that can be shipped year-round with no refrigeration click here

Red Wines:

Teroldego

Teroldego is an ancient variety with a traditional, earthy old-world style. The thicker skin of the Teroldego grape lends tremendous tannin content to the finished wine. The wine boasts flavors of baking spices, red fruits, and pine. Hints of tar and leather come most directly from the grape skin. This grape will add a tannic punch to any blend and can help to add mouthfeel to a thinner red variety. While we may not be able to travel to Italy to create an old-world style wine, we now can bring Italy to us, in the form of this beautiful grape.

Sourced from Lodi, CA in grape and juice format this fall. Available in frozen must by pre-order only. 

Yeast Suggestions:

Touriga Nacoinal

Touriga Nacional-Winemaking Grapes

Similar to Petit Verdot because it adds structure to wines, Touriga Nacional is also a delicious wine on it’s own. A widely known and celebrated grape in Portugal, Touriga Nacional is now being used to make dry reds and the traditional port wines. You can expect dark red fruit flavors like blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry, with notes of coffee and spice. Medium bodied, these wines are usually very concentrated and have a lot of aging potential.

Sourced from Lodi, CA in grape and juice format this fall. Available in frozen must by pre-order only. 

Yeast Suggestions:

Tannat

Known as Uruguay’s “National Grape” Tannat is a popular planting in hot regions of California and parts of South West France. Many winemakers use it to blend in with their Bordeaux style blends to add complexity and structure. However, made as a single variety this wine shines. If you’re looking for a wine that is leathery, has intense red fruit flavors, earth, and spice, this is a great wine to add to your portfolio.

Sourced from Lodi, CA in grape and juice format this fall. Available in frozen must by pre-order only. 

Yeast Suggestions:

*All red grape varieties are available in 36lb cases, in frozen must by request, or in 6 gallon fresh juice pails from Lodi, CA. For more notes on Red Winemaking click here -> from grapes, from juice, from must. For Sterile Juice options that ship year-round without refrigeration click here

For more information regarding the Fall Harvest please feel free to contact us at sales@juicegrape.com or give us a call at 877-812-1137. We are looking forward to helping you with your next great wine!

Touriga Nacional

 

touriga nacional-winemaking grapes-winemaking

Touriga Nacional is a thick-skinned grape, considered one of Portugal’s premier grapes.

The grapes are rich in color and tannins, giving excellent structure and ageing capacity. Intense flavors, ranging from floral to fruity – ripe blackcurrants, raspberries – with complex hints of herbs and licorice create a party on your palate. If you’re looking for a new interesting wine to make this year, Touriga Nacional is a great contender.

Look for it on Musto Wine Grape’s dock in early September.

Keep track of wine grape and juice arrivals via MWG’s Harvest Tracker