Ever found yourself staring into your wine glass, wondering, what’s the rarest or oldest grape in the world? No? Just me? Well, in case you’re ever on a trivia team that takes their wine knowledge way too seriously, I’ve done the research for you. Between my ever-growing stack of wine books and the all-knowing Google, I’ve uncovered some fascinating grape facts. Let’s dive in!
🍷 THE RAREST GRAPES: EXCLUSIVITY IN A GLASS
Some grapes are so rare that finding a bottle made from them is like spotting a unicorn at your local wine shop. Here are a few of the most elusive:
- Caberlot – A secretive little grape that’s a cross between Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It’s grown on exactly one estate in Tuscany, making it the wine world’s equivalent of an exclusive members-only club.
- Roussin de Morgex – A pinkish Italian grape that’s so underappreciated, even winemakers give it a side-eye. It does grow naturally in some regions, though, so maybe it’s just playing hard to get.
- Norton – A hybrid between Vitis vinifera and Vitis aestivalis, Norton is the pride of Virginia and Missouri. If you ever want to sound fancy in a Midwest wine bar, just name-drop Norton and watch heads turn.
- Ruby Roman – Grown in Japan, this grape is famous for being sweet, juicy, and enormous. These bad boys can fetch hundreds of dollars per bunch, making them the A-list celebrities of the grape world.
- Monica – Found only on the island of Sardinia, this grape produces a medium-bodied wine with flavors of red berries and herbs. Fun fact: it has nothing to do with Friends, but I’d still drink it while binge-watching the show.
- Frontenac – A hybrid of several grape species, this one is popular in cold climates. If wine grapes had a survival show, Frontenac would be the last one standing.
There are plenty more rare grapes—Assyrtiko, Frappato, Mencía, Trousseau, Xinomavro, Limniona, Mavrodaphne—but I won’t make you memorize them. Just know that if you ever see one on a wine list, you might be in for a special treat (or at least a great conversation starter).
🍷The Oldest Grape Vine: The Grandparent of Grapes
If you think your houseplants are old, let me introduce you to the Old Vine in Maribor, Slovenia—a Žametovka grapevine that has been thriving for over 400 years. Yes, you read that right. This vine has survived wars, climate changes, and who knows how many pigeons. Here are some fun facts about this living legend:
- It produces grapes used to make a rare, soft pink wine.
- It has its own museum—the Old Vine House—filled with paintings dating back to the 1600s. That’s some serious vine prestige.
- It’s celebrated with its own festival, anthem, and even an annual pruning ceremony. If only all of us could age with such fanfare.
- Grafts from the vine are gifted to cities and institutions around the world.
- The wine from this vine has been gifted to notable figures like the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and Brad Pitt. Yes, even Brad Pitt got a taste—because, well, he’s Brad Pitt.
So next time you’re sipping a glass of wine, take a moment to appreciate the grapes behind it. Whether they’re ultra-rare, centuries-old, or just your trusty go-to bottle, they all have a story to tell. And if that story involves you getting a second glass? I fully support that decision. 🍷
