Day 2 at the Falstaff wine advent calendar.

Day 2 at the Falstaff wine advent calendar.
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The Falstaff wine advent calendar: Day 2

Get under the skin of some quirky, charming grape names.

The world of wine can feel intimidating, but exploring new grape varieties becomes so much more fun once you learn the meaning behind some of these unfamiliar names. Take Romania’s most widely planted grape variety, Fetească Regală, which translates as “royal maiden”. You’ll have little trouble remembering Hungarian rarity Juhfark once you know the name translates as “sheep’s tail”, a reference to its elongated bunches. Is it any surprise that Piedmont’s Dolcetto can be so charming when its name means “little sweet one”? Greek star variety Xinomavro offers a similar stylistic clue in its translation as “sour black”.

Gabriel Stone
Gabriel Stone
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