The world of wine is full of hidden treasures, and some of the rarest grape varieties almost disappeared forever. Once on the brink of extinction, these forgotten gems have been revived by passionate winemakers who refused to let history—and flavor—fade away.
From ancient Greek vines to nearly lost Italian cultivars, these grapes are making a well-deserved comeback, bringing their unique character and rich heritage back to our glasses. Join us as we uncover 25 extraordinary grape varieties that were saved from the edge, proving that great wine—and great stories—are always worth preserving.
1. Assyrtiko (Greece)
Nestled in the heart of Greece’s sunlit islands, this resilient grape variety has found its fame in the crisp, refreshing wines of Santorini. Known for its high acidity and citrusy notes, it thrives in the volcanic soils and warm Mediterranean climate.
The vines are often trained in a unique basket shape to protect against strong winds. Ideal for dry white wines, Assyrtiko’s revival has been nothing short of spectacular.
2. Baga (Portugal)
In Portugal’s Bairrada region, a grape with a robust personality was nearly forgotten. Renowned for producing deep, tannic red wines, it requires careful cultivation to reach its full potential.
The sandy soils and maritime climate provide a nurturing environment for these vines. Winemakers have embraced this grape, reviving its legacy and crafting wines with impressive depth and longevity.
3. Blauer Wildbacher (Austria)
Austria’s Styria region holds the secret to a grape known for its distinctive rosé wines. With a penchant for producing refreshingly aromatic and slightly spicy notes, this variety has charmed many a wine enthusiast.
It flourishes in the region’s mountainous terrain and cool climate. The dedication of local winemakers has ensured its survival, bringing this unique grape back to the forefront of Austrian viticulture.
4. Cesanese (Italy)
In the shadow of Rome, a grape with a storied past is experiencing a renaissance. This Italian variety is famed for its deep, ruby-red wines with hints of spice and earthiness.
Grown in the rolling hills of the Lazio region, it benefits from the warm days and cool nights. Modern winemakers have lovingly restored these vines, breathing new life into a once nearly forgotten treasure.
5. Crljenak Kaštelanski (Croatia)
In Croatia, a grape with a mysterious past has reemerged as a star in the wine world. Known as the ancestral cousin of California’s Zinfandel, it thrives in the Dalmatian coast’s sunny vineyards.
The Mediterranean climate and rocky soils provide the perfect backdrop for its revival. This grape now produces bold red wines, offering a taste of history in every glass.
6. Godello (Spain)
Spain’s Godello grape was once overshadowed but has now reclaimed its place in the spotlight. Celebrated for its aromatic white wines with notes of green apple and minerals, it flourishes in Galicia’s lush landscapes.
The moist, cool climate allows these vines to develop their signature flavors. Winemakers have embraced Godello, crafting wines that captivate and delight.
7. Graciano (Spain)
In the renowned Rioja region, this grape has made a remarkable comeback. Known for its intense color and aromatic profile, it adds complexity to red blends.
The warm, dry climate and clay soils create ideal growing conditions. Graciano’s revival is a testament to the dedication of winemakers who recognized its potential.
8. Gros Manseng (France)
In the foothills of the Pyrenees, a grape with a bold personality has found its voice. Known for its role in sweet and dry wines, it boasts vibrant acidity and rich aromatic profiles.
Cool weather and diverse soils of the region provide an ideal setting for these vines. Gros Manseng’s resurgence is a tribute to the passion of French vintners.
9. Kadarka (Hungary)
In Hungary, a grape once overshadowed has returned to prominence. Valued for its spicy and fruity red wines, it thrives in the Szekszárd region’s diverse microclimates.
The sandy mediums and moderate climate create a nurturing environment for these vines. Kadarka’s revival is a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of the region.
10. Malvasia di Casorzo (Italy)
In Italy’s Piedmont region, a grape known for its luscious sweet wines has found new life. With notes of rose petals and ripe berries, it creates enchanting dessert wines.
Hilly terrains and the temperate climate provide ideal conditions for these vines. The dedication of winemakers has ensured its survival and renewed appreciation.
11. Mavrotragano (Greece)
On the island of Santorini, a grape with a bold character has been rediscovered. Known for its deep red wines with spicy notes, it thrives in the volcanic soils and warm climate.
The unique basket-trained vines protect against strong winds. Mavrotragano’s revival is a testament to the dedication of Greek vintners.
12. Mencia (Spain)
In Spain’s Bierzo region, a grape once overlooked has found its moment in the sun. Renowned for producing elegant red wines with floral and mineral notes, it thrives in the area’s diverse terroir.
The combination of cool climate and varied soils allows Mencia to develop its unique character. Its resurgence is celebrated by winemakers and wine lovers alike.
13. Nascetta (Italy)
In the heart of Italy’s Langhe region, a grape with a storied history is experiencing a revival. Known for producing aromatic white wines with hints of citrus and herbs, it thrives in the area’s diverse soils.
The moderate climate and hilly terrain are perfect for these vines. Nascetta’s resurgence is a testament to the passion of local vintners.
14. Negroamaro (Italy)
In the sun-drenched Salento region, a grape with a rich heritage has reclaimed its place. Known for its bold red wines with earthy and spicy notes, it thrives in the region’s warm climate.
It’s the calcareous soils and abundant sunshine that create ideal conditions for these vines. Negroamaro’s revival is a celebration of Italy’s winemaking tradition.
15. Petit Manseng (France)
Nestled in the Jurançon region, a grape with a distinctive character has charmed winemakers. Known for its role in both sweet and dry wines, it boasts vibrant acidity and complex aromatics.
The region’s cool climate and diverse soils provide an ideal setting for these vines. Petit Manseng’s revival is a testament to the dedication of French vintners.
16. Picolit (Italy)
In Italy’s Friuli region, a grape once on the brink of extinction has been lovingly revived. Celebrated for its luscious dessert wines with notes of honey and apricot, it thrives in the region’s hilly terrain.
The cool climate and varied soils create a nurturing environment for these vines. Picolit’s resurgence is a tribute to the passion of Italian winemakers.
17. Pineau d’Aunis (France)
In France’s Loire Valley, a grape with a quirky personality has found its niche. Known for its light, peppery red wines, it thrives in the region’s diverse terroir.
The combination of cool climate and varied soils allows these vines to develop their signature flavors. Pineau d’Aunis’s revival is a celebration of the Loire’s rich winemaking heritage.
18. Ramisco (Portugal)
In the coastal Colares region, a grape with a tenacious spirit has weathered many storms. Known for its unique red wines with high acidity and tannins, it thrives in the sandy soils.
What makes for ideal groth conditions for these vines are the maritime climate and ocean breezes. Ramisco’s revival is a testament to the resilience of Portuguese winemakers.
19. Roussette de Savoie (France)
In the alpine vineyards of Savoie, a grape with a delicate nature has been nurtured back to life. Known for its aromatic white wines with floral and mineral notes, it thrives in the region’s cool climate.
Various growing mediums and mountainous terrain create a nurturing environment for these vines. Roussette de Savoie’s revival is a celebration of French viticulture.
20. Romorantin (France)
In the heart of the Loire Valley, a grape with a noble pedigree has been preserved. Known for its crisp white wines with bright acidity and citrus notes, it thrives in the region’s varied terroir.
The cool climate and diverse soils provide ideal conditions for these vines. Romorantin’s revival is proof of the dedication of Loire winemakers.
21. Schioppettino (Italy)
In Italy’s Friuli region, a grape once nearly lost has been joyfully reclaimed. Known for its spicy red wines with notes of black pepper and dark berries, it thrives in the area’s diverse soils.
The cool climate and hilly terrain are perfect for these vines. Schioppettino’s revival is celebrated by winemakers and wine lovers alike.
22. Sercial (Portugal)
On the island of Madeira, a grape with a storied history has stood the test of time. Known for its role in the island’s famous fortified wines, it boasts high acidity and a crisp finish.
The volcanic soils and maritime climate create ideal conditions for these vines. Sercial’s revival is a tribute to the enduring tradition of Madeira winemaking.
23. Timorasso (Italy)
In Italy’s Piedmont region, a grape with a bright future has been rediscovered. Known for its rich white wines with notes of honey and stone fruit, it thrives in the area’s varied soils.
Actually, the only things this grape vine need are the cool climate and hilly terrains. Timorasso’s resurgence is a loving proof of the passion of Piedmontese vintners.
24. Trousseau (France)
In the Jura region, a grape with a unique character has found its place. Known for its light red wines with earthy and fruity notes, it thrives in the area’s diverse terroir.
What these vines need to develop their signature flavors are the cool climate and varied soils. Trousseau’s revival is a celebration of Jura’s winemaking tradition.
25. Zibibbo (Italy)
On the island of Pantelleria, a grape with a sun-kissed personality has been lovingly preserved. Known for producing aromatic sweet wines with notes of orange blossom and apricot, it thrives in the island’s volcanic soils.
The Mediterranean climate and abundant sunshine provide ideal conditions for these vines. Zibibbo’s revival is a testament to the dedication of Italian vintners.