The Journal / Fruit

Mystery Grapes: Follow the clues!

Welcome to the curious case of grape varietals.

A quiz that takes you on a journey through the grape varieties of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite—from South America to China via Bordeaux and the Corbières.

Dear detectives, welcome to The Great Grape Mystery. Ready to channel your inner wine sleuth?

Every grape has its own personality, its own shape and scent, its own little quirks. Your mission? To uncover the identities of these mystery grapes. Grab your magnifying glass, comb through the clues, sniff out the aromas, picture the landscapes…and name the grape. Let’s embark on a whirlwind world tour across the estates of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite. The game is afoot!

(Please scroll to the bottom of the page to view the answers.)

Mystery grape No. 1 – Château Duhart-Milon (Pauillac, Bordeaux):

My leaves are five-lobed and dark green, with keyhole-like notches; my bunches are small and tight, my berries thick-skinned and deeply coloured.
On the nose? Blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of tobacco leaf.
On the palate? Structured and precise, with firm tannins and a noble austerity. People say I age beautifully. (Their words, not mine.)
You’ll find me at the heart of the great Pauillac blends, where gravelly soils and Atlantic breezes shape me into something timeless.

Mystery grape No. 2 – Domaine William Fèvre (Chablis, Burgundy)

My leaves are round and modestly lobed.
My bunches are neat and medium-sized; my berries, small and delicate-skinned.
On the palate I bring citrus and white blossoms. Always crisp, always composed.
Locals call me the tightrope walker of Chablis: always walking the line between tension and balance.

Mystery grape No. 3 – Domaine d’Aussières (Corbières, Languedoc)

My leaves have five lobes, my bunches are long, and my berries oval with thick skins.
I’m a Mediterranean star, sun-soaked and quick to ripen.
You’ll know me by my scents of violet, black pepper and dark fruit, all wrapped in a deep, moody robe.
My partner in wine: a hybrid of Cabernet and Grenache, with hefty bunches and teeny berries.
Together, we craft bold, spicy wines, perfect for those who like their bottles with backbone.

Mystery grape No. 4 – Domaine de Long Dai (Shandong, China)

I like a view. Granite terraces and elevation are my thing.
A French-born cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, I’ve found a lovely new home in China.
My leaves are wide and deeply cut, my bunches tight, my berries small and thick-skinned.
I make wines that are deep in colour and rich in fruit. Think dark berries, spices and the occasional floral flourish.

Mystery grape No. 5 – Château L’Évangile (Pomerol, Bordeaux)

My leaves are rough and crinkled like puff pastry; my bunches are generous, my berries round and thin-skinned.
I ripen early and seduce the palate with plum, truffle and dark fruit.
Some say my skin’s as bumpy as a toad’s. Rude, but not entirely inaccurate.
Together with my usual blending partner, we weave wines of softness and depth.
We’re the darlings of Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

Mystery grape No. 6 – Bodegas CARO (Argentina)

I was born in France but made it big in Argentina. I’m a true expat success story.
My berries are jet-black and thick-skinned; my bunches are small and tightly packed.
On the palate, expect plum, blackberry, violet…with whispers of chocolate and tobacco.
My wines are bold, deeply coloured and tannic—like ink in a glass.
Once dubbed ‘the black wine of Cahors’, I now reign supreme in Mendoza.

Mystery grape No. 7 – Los Vascos (Colchagua, Chile)

Originally from Bordeaux, I’ve become something of a national treasure in Chile.
My leaves turn a glorious crimson in autumn, and my bunches are long and elegant.
I ripen late, usually the last one picked.
You’ll catch red and black fruit on the nose, with green pepper, spice and the occasional hint of cocoa.
Often mistaken for Merlot in the past, I’m now celebrated in my own right—fresh, spicy, and utterly charming.

Answers:

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