While global classics such as Chardonnay and Cabernet dominate the market, a wealth of lesser-known grape varietals are quietly making their mark. These hidden gems, hailing from regions as diverse as Greece, Hungary, and Uruguay, offer unique flavors, terroir expressions, and untapped potential for wine professionals seeking differentiation in a competitive market. The Sommeliers Choice Awards highlights 15 such varietals, blending tradition with modern appeal. Learn how these unique grapes are shaping wine trends and why they deserve a place on your radar—and your wine list. 

White Varietals

Assyrtiko (Greece)

Assyrtiko, a refined white grape from Santorini, is among the Mediterranean's finest varietals, celebrated for its versatility and unique character. Known for thriving in hot, dry climates, Assyrtiko maintains crisp acidity, balancing high alcohol with remarkable precision. It excels in creating dry whites, such as the lean, mineral-rich PDO Santorini wines, and sumptuous sweet styles like Vinsanto. Beyond Santorini, it’s planted across Greece, from the Aegean Islands to the Peloponnese, showing vibrant fruit aromas and a lighter structure. With exceptional aging potential, Assyrtiko wines develop complex notes of honey, ripe fruits, and minerality, pairing perfectly with grilled seafood and fish.

Also read: Biodynamic Greek Wine

Image: Emphasis Assyrtiko 2023 

Picpoul (France)

Picpoul, or Picquepol Blanc, is a thin-skinned white grape celebrated for its lively acidity and citrus-forward profile. Originating in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France, Picpoul de Pinet is its flagship appellation, where the name translates to "stings the lip." Its zesty flavors of lemon, green apple, and a hint of salinity make it a refreshing alternative to Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc, offering a unique yet familiar experience. Traditionally aged in steel, some winemakers now experiment with lees aging, adding depth and toasty notes. Perfect with seafood, Picpoul’s light body and food-friendly nature make it a must-try.

Image: Les Équilibristes Picpoul

Furmint (Hungary)

Furmint, Hungary’s signature grape, shines across a spectrum of wine styles, from bone-dry whites to lusciously sweet Tokaji Aszú. Known for its high acidity and full body, Furmint reflects terroir with remarkable precision, often displaying aromas of quince, peach, and apricot. While commonly associated with Tokaj—where it dominates vineyards—this varietal is also found in Somló and near Lake Balaton. Its versatility extends to food pairing, complementing dishes from creamy soups to game birds and fruity desserts. Whether aged for complexity or enjoyed young, Furmint’s balance of acidity, sweetness, and oak-driven spice secures its place among the world’s finest varieties.

Image: Furmint Vom Kalk 2022

Godello (Spain)

Godello, a white wine grape native to Galicia, is gaining recognition for its ability to produce complex, world-class wines. This medium-bodied varietal boasts vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity, with notes of pear, apple, and citrus complemented by herbal touches of fennel and chamomile. Originating from the Sil River slopes, it has been cultivated since Roman times and is now a standout in regions like Valdeorras, Ribeira Sacra, and Monterrei. Known for transmitting terroir, Godello wines can range from crisp and mineral-driven to creamy and full-bodied, particularly when aged on lees or in oak. Its versatility and elegance make it a must-try for white wine enthusiasts.

Image: Pedrazáis 2019 Godello

Grüner Veltliner (Austria)

Grüner Veltliner is a standout white wine varietal that has captivated American wine lovers with its vibrant character and impressive versatility. Originally from Austria, where it accounts for over 32% of vineyard plantings, this grape shines with its zesty acidity, bright lemon-lime flavors, and hints of herbs and white pepper. Perfect for Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts, Grüner Veltliner also boasts a unique charm that sets it apart. It pairs effortlessly with light seafood, vegetables, and fried dishes, while its aging potential reveals nutty, complex layers. With affordable options and premium bottles from regions like Wachau, Grüner Veltliner is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

Image: Christoph Bauer Ried Haidsatz Grüner Veltliner Privat 2023

Verdejo (Spain)

Rueda Verdejo is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an affordable yet high-quality white wine. Produced in the Rueda region of Spain, this grape has been cultivated for over a thousand years and has earned its place as a standout in the world of crisp, refreshing whites. Verdejo wines from this region are known for their bright citrus and melon flavors, balanced by a zesty acidity. With a history rooted in both oxidized and fresh wines, modern Rueda Verdejo boasts clean, fruit-forward profiles, perfect for pairing with seafood, salads, or enjoying as an aperitif. Its versatility and value make it a go-to for everyday wine lovers.

Image: 2022 Vino de la Seca Verdejo

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Red Varietals

Schioppettino (Italy)

Schioppettino from the Colli Orientali del Friuli is a unique and treasured wine with a rich history of revival. Originally overshadowed and even outlawed, it was brought back to life in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of passionate producers. This full-bodied red wine features a purplish hue and is characterized by mellow tannins and a crisp, slightly bitter finish. Schioppettino is known for its vibrant spiciness, especially when grown on gravelly soils, and its bright berry flavors, such as raspberry, blackberry, and cherry. Over time, the wine evolves to display sophisticated aromas of autumn leaves. Perfect with grilled meats, aged cheeses, and hearty pasta dishes, Schioppettino is both a history lesson and a delightful experience in every glass.

Image: Baccichetto Vittorino Schioppettino

Blaufränkisch (Austria)

Blaufränkisch, a native variety of central Europe, is a key red grape of Austria, especially renowned in the regions of Mittelburgenland, Südburgenland, and Leithaberg. Likely a cross between Sbulzina and Weißer Heunisch, Blaufränkisch has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and is also known as Kékfrankos in Hungary. The grape produces wines with bold flavors of wild berries and cherries, complemented by a robust acidity and firm tannins. While the wines are youthful and impetuous at first, they mature into velvety, complex offerings with excellent aging potential. Ideal for hearty meats and aged cheeses, Blaufränkisch embodies both power and elegance.

Image: Franz Weninger Blaufränkisch

Mencía (Spain)

Mencía, an Iberian grape known for its intensity and character, produces wines rich in red and black fruit flavors, enhanced by floral aromas and a distinct minerality. Widely associated with Spain, particularly the Bierzo region, it is also grown in Portugal's Dão, where it's known as Jaen. Mencía wines are medium-bodied with a unique profile, offering cherries, wild berries, and earthy floral notes. The grape thrives in mild continental climates with warm days and cool nights, excelling at higher elevations. Though still relatively new in Australia, it has found success in regions like McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.

Image: Albamar O Esteiro Mencía

Negroamaro (Italy)

Negroamaro is a full-bodied grape variety native to Southern Italy, particularly the Puglia region. Its name is derived from the Italian words "negro," meaning black, and "amaro," meaning bitter, referring to its deep color and tannic structure. The grape produces earthy wines dominated by dark fruits such as prunes, plums, blackberries, and sweet cherries, often accompanied by herbaceous or spicy notes like thyme, allspice, or clove. Frequently used in blends with other varietals like Malvasia Nera, Sangiovese, and Primitivo, Negroamaro shines in the Salice Salentino DOC. Its versatility makes it an excellent pairing for grilled meats, charcuterie, and summer salads.

Image: I Muri Negroamaro

Aglianico (Italy)

Aglianico is an ancient, late-ripening grape variety from southern Italy, known for producing full-bodied wines with high acidity and firm tannins. In its youth, Aglianico delivers bold flavors of dark fruits, such as blackberries and plums, with touches of chocolate, black pepper, and antipasto meats. As it ages, the wine evolves into more complex layers, showcasing flavors of vine-dried prunes, figs, and leathery notes. Ideal for warmer climates, Aglianico thrives in southern Italy's toasty conditions. These wines can be divided into two styles: one bold and robust with dark berries and oak richness, and the other, still full-bodied, but more ethereal and rounded.

Image: Sperciasepe Aglianico 2023

Touriga Nacional (Portugal)

Touriga Nacional is Portugal’s flagship red grape, celebrated for its depth and complexity. Renowned for its role in port production, it is also a standout in dry reds from the Dão region. Known for its small, concentrated berries with thick skins, Touriga Nacional wines boast deep color, intense tannins, and bold dark fruit flavors, often complemented by a distinctive floral nose. Although it thrives in Portugal, particularly in the Douro and Dão valleys, this low-yielding vine is also cultivated in regions like Australia, California, and South Africa. Perfect for aging, Touriga Nacional wines offer impressive longevity and are ideal for collectors.

Image: Dourpo Cistus Touriga Nacional 2005

Tannat (Uruguay)

Tannat is a bold and robust red grape variety celebrated for its intensely tannic and richly flavored wines. Originally from Southern France, Tannat has found remarkable success in Uruguay, where the warm climate enhances its potential. Known for its complex flavors of black plum, cherry, and black currant, Tannat also carries rustic notes of smoke, licorice, and tobacco. Its high tannins and medium-to-high acidity make it ideal for aging in oak, producing structured wines that pair beautifully with hearty dishes. Whether traditional or modern in style, Tannat offers a unique drinking experience and boasts one of the highest antioxidant concentrations among wines.

Image: Larentis Reserve Tannat

Pineau d'Aunis (France)

Pineau d'Aunis is a rare dark-skinned grape variety rooted in the Loire Valley, with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. Once favored by royalty, it now primarily contributes to the region’s rosés and light reds, prized for their distinctive peppery spiciness. In warmer vintages, Pineau d'Aunis also produces unique, characterful red wines. The grape thrives in balanced soils of clay, sand, and gravel but is notoriously challenging to cultivate due to irregular yields and susceptibility to rot. Found in appellations like Anjou and Saumur, Pineau d'Aunis is often blended with Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Pinot Noir to create expressive Loire Valley wines.

Also read: Here's How French Wine Importers are Bringing the Best of France to American Shores

Image: La Tesnière Pineau d'Aunis

Teroldego (Italy)

Teroldego, a deeply pigmented red wine grape, is the pride of Trentino in northern Italy. Known for its vibrant, fruit-forward character, Teroldego wines are approachable when young but can develop gracefully for up to a decade. Historically trained on pergolas to manage vigor, modern vineyards favor the Guyot system to enhance quality. While mainly cultivated in Trentino's Campo Rotaliano—home to the Teroldego Rotaliano DOC—this ancient variety is also grown in Tuscany, Sicily, and beyond, often to add color in blends. Despite challenges like late ripening and susceptibility to rot, Teroldego remains an emblematic and versatile grape of Italian winemaking.

Image: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Teroldego Morei 2017 Foradori

Professionals in the beverage industry can discover a world of discovery, innovation, and opportunity by exploring lesser-known grape varietals. These unique grapes not only challenge the status quo but also offer fresh perspectives for wine lists, retail shelves, and educational programs. By embracing the potential of these hidden gems, you can captivate adventurous consumers and elevate your offerings with distinctive flavors and stories. Whether it's a crisp Assyrtiko from Greece or a bold Touriga Nacional from Portugal, these varietals are a testament to the diversity and richness of the global wine landscape—ready to inspire the next wave of industry trends.

Header image sourced from Adobe Express

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