"wine century club" news and stories

My DeLong's wine grape varietal table. Photo: Gretchen Roberts

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A couple of weeks ago, we asked how adventurous a wine drinker you Slashfoodies really are, and a whopping 78 percent of you chose "I'm a player. The more choices, the better!" This post is for you, for those days when the thrill-seeker in you says, "Not another Cabernet!"

I'm working toward membership in the Wine Century Club, a geeky group you can join by tasting 100 varietals of grapes. And trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds. The big six (Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling) are no problem. Then tier two: Syrah, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel. ... But to get to 100, we're talking really esoteric varietals. Assyrtiko. Petite Arvine. Bukettraube.

After the jump, how to find unusual wines plus six to whet your appetite for more.