SYLVANER A high-yielding white-wine grape widely grown in the Alsace region of France, Germany and Central Europe. Used to produce a lightly spicy white with floral flavors and mild intensity. Less popular in California than Johannisberg Riesling. A parent to several hybrids, including the Muller-Thurgau and the Scheurebe. Also known as Silvaner.
SYRAH A red-wine grape variety of Persian origin grown in the Rhone Valley region of France, where it is used to create the notable Hermitage red wine. In Australia, it is known as Shiraz. Also grown in California to produce reds that may be spicy and complex, or simple. Not related to the Petite Sirah.
T
TANNAT A red-wine grape characterized by a deep red color and high tannins grown in the Pyrenees region of France. Blended with Bouchy, Courbu and Pinenc to make the full-bodied red wine known as Madiran.
Tannin A natural compound found in the skins and seeds of grapes that gives a wine acidity. Most prominent in red wines. See also Acidity.
Tart See Astringent, Green.
TEINTURIER An ancient red-wine grape with genetic presence in the majority of varieties grown for blending to add color. Alicante Bouschet is one notable descendant. Also known as Teinturier du Cher.
TERRET NOIR A minor grape grown in the southern Rhone region of France. Still allowed in local red wine blends as far as is known but finding less favor as the decades advance.
Thick See Full-bodied.
Thin Lacking in body and flavor. Opposite of full-bodied.
Tired Past its peak in maturity.
TOCAI FRIULANO A white-wine grape widely grown in the Fruili region of Italy. Also grown in Argentina. Possibly identical to the Sauvignon Vert grape of Chile. Used to produce light-bodied, flowery whites that are drunk best young.
TOKAY D`ALSACE Another name for Pinot Gris.
Tough See Hard.
TRAMINER The parent grape of the popular Gewurztraminer clone, which is now favored for its greater spiciness and intensity. Still grown in small acreages in France and California.
TREBBIANO Another name for Ugni Blanc.
TROLLINGER The German name for the Schiava red-wine grape originating in the Tyrol region of Italy.
TROUSSEAU GRIS A mutation of the Trousseau grape grown in the Jura region of France. Possibly identical to the Grey Riesling of California, unrelated to the Riesling cepage. Possibly also identical to the Bastardo of Portugal and the Cabernet Gros of Australia.
U
UGNI BLANC A white-wine grape widely grown in Italy and southern France. Used to produce a fruity, acidic white wine, best drunk young and chilled. In the Cognac region of France, it is known as Saint-Emilion. Also known as Trebbiano.
UVA RARA A minor grape found in the Piedmont region of Italy. Blended with Nebbiolo (i.e., Spanna) to add roundness to otherwise hard, tannic wine. Also known as Bonarda Novarese.
V
VACCARESE A minor grape grown in the southern Rhone region of France. Used to add color and body to local red wine blends.
