Lesser Known Wine Varietals of Sonoma County

Sonoma County, nestled snugly in the epicenter of California's world-renowned wine country, has become synonymous with exceptional viticulture. Known widely for varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, the region takes pride in these famous staples. Beneath the spotlight lies a treasure trove of lesser-known wine varietals offering an enticing and distinct world of tastes. As a wine enthusiast, delving into these lesser known varietals might offer you brand new experiences and flavors; you may even find your new favorite wine. In this guide, we journey through some often overlooked wine varietals, illuminating their unique characteristics, understanding the artistry of their creation, and celebrating the bold wineries that create these rare wines.

Marsanne: The White Wine Virtuoso

To start our expedition, we encounter Marsanne, a little-known white wine varietal. Marsanne's roots trace back to the Rhône Valley in France, but it seems to find an affinity with the cooler climate of Sonoma. Characterized by an aromatic profile and a plush texture, this delightful varietal often exhibits flavors reminiscent of ripe pear, honey, with a subtle hint of spice, creating an enchanting taste voyage.

Grenache Noir: A Hidden Gem Among Reds

Next on our route is Grenache Noir, a red wine varietal that, despite its humble stature, holds its ground. With Spanish origins, the Grenache Noir grape thrives in the warm climes and sandy soils of Sonoma, yielding wines brimming with vibrant red fruit flavors, supple tannins, and a touch of spice that evokes a sense of rustic romance.

Roussanne: The Elegant White Mystery

Roussanne, another intriguing white wine varietal in Northern California, has traveled from the Rhône Valley to flourish here. Known for its rich texture, floral aromas, and a sophisticated flavor profile featuring ripe stone fruits, honey, and a hint of nuttiness, Roussanne offers a distinctive white wine experience.

Counoise: The Quirky Red Trailblazer

An interesting detour on our tour introduces us to Counoise. This red varietal is traditionally used as a blending grape in the Southern Rhône. With its bright acidity, enticing red berry flavors, and a fascinating medley of spice notes, Counoise introduces a lively and offbeat character to the wine palette.

Vermentino: A Refreshing White Revel

Moving ahead, we discover Vermentino. Originally from Italy's coastal regions, this white varietal thrives in Sonoma’s maritime climate. Offering refreshing acidity, vibrant citrus flavors, and a hint of minerality, Vermentino provides a crisp and invigorating wine tasting experience.

Carignane: Echoes of Elegance From Old Vines

Carignane, an old-world red grape variety, has found a new chapter in its wine story in California. Carignane wines, with their profound color, balanced tannins, and flavors embodying dark berries, spices, and earth, exhibit a timeless elegance that echoes the resilience and adaptability of this veteran vine.

Petite Sirah: The Potent and Flavorful Dark Horse

While Petite Sirah may not be completely obscure, its role as a potent red wine variety deserves recognition. Petite Sirah wines are hearty, with robust flavors that remind one of ripe blackberries coupled with a hint of loamy earth, making them a bold choice for wine enthusiasts.

Albariño: A Spanish Sojourn in a Glass

Albariño, hailing from Spain's Rías Baixas region, has found a comfortable home in the west coast's mild climate. With notes of nectarine and honeydew suggesting subtle sweetness, this dry, light-bodied wine is best served chilled, making it an ideal companion for a variety of seafood dishes.

Cinsault: The Fragrant Red Rhapsody

Cinsault, a traditional blending grape from the Southern Rhône and Languedoc regions, has emerged in Sonoma as a standalone varietal. With its gentle structure, floral aromatics, and flavors of red berries and spices, Cinsault wines offer a fragrant and graceful experience to the palate.

Grüner Veltliner: The Austrian Intrigue

Meet Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian native that has found a unique niche in the California wine scene. With its dynamic acidity, citrus and green apple flavors, coupled with a hint of white pepper, Grüner Veltliner wines present an intriguing and refreshing divergence from the norm.

Picpoul Blanc: The Lip-Stinger

Originally from the Languedoc region of southern France, Picpoul Blanc, often referred to as the "lip-stinger" because of its high acidity, has found its way further west. It's a bright, crisp wine with notes of green apple and citrus, perfect for seafood pairings or sipping on a warm day.

Fiano: Italy's Aromatic Gift

A white grape variety hailing from Italy's Campania region, Fiano thrives in diverse climates. Fiano wines often carry an intriguing blend of floral and nutty aromas, with flavors of honey and spice on the palate, making them a complex yet delightful white wine offering.

Tempranillo: The Spanish Virtuoso

Originating in Spain, the red Tempranillo grape flourishes in warmer areas. Tempranillo wines are often packed with a balance of red fruit, tobacco, and vanilla flavors, leading to a medium-bodied wine with an exciting flavor profile and smooth finish.

Dornfelder: The German Marvel

Dornfelder, a dark-skinned variety from Germany, is a relative newcomer to the United States. It produces deeply-colored wines with a bouquet of dark fruit and herbal notes. Its rich, velvety texture and balanced acidity make it a captivating red wine choice.

Falanghina: The Ancient Italian

This ancient Italian white grape variety has been resurrected, and it now thrives in the sun-drenched vineyards. Falanghina wines are aromatic, boasting floral scents, and vibrant fruit flavors such as citrus and green apple, with a delightful minerality.

Tannat: The Robust Invader

Tannat is primarily grown in the Madiran region in southwestern France. Known for its hefty tannins and high acidity, Tannat wines carry flavors of dark fruit and spice. With its rich texture and intense flavors, it's a varietal meant for the bold red wine enthusiast.

Arneis: Italy's Little Rascal

Arneis, an Italian white grape variety known as the "little rascal" due to its historically difficult cultivation, has found success in many new microclimates. Arneis wines offer delicate aromas of pear and apricot, paired with an enticing nutty flavor, creating a complex and delightful tasting experience.

Nero d'Avola: The Sicilian Ambassador

Nero d'Avola is well known as Sicily's most important red wine grape. Wines made from Nero d'Avola are typically bold and full-bodied, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and peppery spice. It's a hearty red with plenty of character.

Verdelho: The Iberian Charm

Verdelho is a white grape varietal from Portugal and Spain. Verdelho wines offer an alluring mix of tropical and citrus fruit flavors, backed by refreshing acidity, creating a light and sprightly wine perfect for a sunny day.

Montepulciano: Italy's Generous Gift

Montepulciano, a prolific Italian red grape variety, has quietly established a presence in Sonoma. These wines exhibit a deep ruby color and offer generous flavors of ripe red and black fruits, with a hint of spice. Its vibrant acidity and moderate tannins make Montepulciano an approachable and versatile wine choice.

At the end of the day the true magic of Sonoma County lies not just in its renowned wine varietals, but also in its hidden treasures. From Marsanne to Grenache Noir, Roussanne to Carignane, each offers wine enthusiasts a chance to explore uncharted tastes and textures. Sonoma’s winemakers celebrate these varietals' diversity, crafting exceptional wines that highlight the region's rich viticultural legacy. So, on your next Sonoma visit, dare to step off the beaten path and delight in these enchanting discoveries that await you—from vine to glass.