The grape varieties that dominate the world’s wine production are not likely to change any time soon. But, at Pier450, we are having fun introducing wines from indigenous grapes or, at a minimum, wines from grapes outside the top ten international best sellers (numbers 4 and 10 were complete surprises to us).

Pier450’s Around-the-World Tasting Dinners introduced so many local wines, often from indigenous grapes to pair with the tastings’ authentic foods. We wanted to put them all on the wine list! It’s been a fun journey to pair authentic foods and wines – a diversity we would venture to say you could not find in many, if any, other restaurants in America. From Armenia to Lebanon to Argentina to Portugal and beyond, many of you have joined us on the worldwide journey. A few bottles remain of some of these tasting wines and we bring them out for on-the-fly wine tastings – watch our Facebook page to see when we’re pouring. While not all could make our wine list, below are four wines well outside the international top 10 that are worth trying:

Joao Ramos Vinho Verde, Portugal. A crisp white wine thats high acidity allows it to pair well with seafood. It’s a bargain and if you like Sauvignon Blanc, you will love this similar but less aggressive wine.

Licia Albarino, Spain. Another crisp, acidic yet citrusy white wine. Perhaps a more complex white wine than the Vinho Verde, this wine has a long finish. Another great wine for seafood or even pork.

El Enemigo La Esperanza Bonarda, Argentina. Efforts to resurrect the Bonarda grape after so many vineyards were ripped during the Malbec craze have taken hold. Today, Argentina is home to 85% of the world’s Bonarda vineyards. A juicy and fruity yet earthy red wine that is tamer than a Malbec and feels a bit like a Pinot Noir. Great with grilled meats.

Jeff Runquist Barbera, California. The Barbera grape variety produces food-friendly wines with moderate tannins and non-overbearing fruit notes. Its acidity makes it a zesty, tangy wine. Great with grilled meats, pastas with tomato sauces and mushroom dishes.

Enjoy!