Noble grapes

Noble grapes is the classical term used to describe the grapes traditionally associated with the highest quality wines. There are two qualifications for a grape in order for it to be called "Noble."

1. It has to be able to make top quality wine by itself without any additions or modifications.
   
2. It has to be grown in different regions of the world, not just in its native region.

Most of the noble grape varieties originated in France; as a result, grapes such as nebbiolo and zinfandel, while known for making fine wines, generally are not listed among the noble grapes.

The term is not as commonly used today, partly because of the proliferation of hybrid varieties, and partly because the term originated in France, and some feel that the term unfairly slights varieties grown in other regions. Historically speaking though, the noble grapes were comprised of only six varieties. The white noble grapes included Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay. The red noble grapes included Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Today, the term remains useful mainly for the purpose of understanding the history of wine. Many of the so-called noble grapes are now known as "international" grapes by some authorities due to their widespread distribution and consumption.

White noble grapes

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Chardonnay

Red noble grapes

• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot

Use of the term in Alsace

In Alsace wine, where varietal labelling has a long tradition, only four varieties may be used in Alsace Grand Cru wine and the late harvest wines (Vendange tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles). These varieties are Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Riesling, and they are generally referred to as the four noble grapes, or cépages nobles.

References

MacNeil, Karen, The Wine Bible. Workman Publishing, 2001, ISBN 1563054345.

Koeppel, Fredric. "Noble Grapes." Home & Garden Television. 06 Dec. 2007 http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_entertaining_wine/article/0,,hgtv_3120_1390809,00.html.