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The grape variety guide
Discover “Le Guide des Cépages,” a must-have resource for exploring the most popular vine varieties and their unique characteristics, to better understand and appreciate the diversity of the wine world.
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Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet: Origins and characteristics of this unique grape variety
Alicante Bouschet is a unique red grape variety, famous for its atypical characteristics that set it apart from other varieties. Born of a cross between Grenache and Petit Bouschet in the 19th... Read more -
Aligoté
Aligoté: Origins and Characteristics of This Unique Grape Variety
Aligoté is an iconic white grape variety from the Burgundy vineyards, which, although sometimes underestimated, holds a firmly rooted place in the world of wine. Originating from France, specifically... Read more - Altesse
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Artaban
The Artaban grape… Read more
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Aubun
B
- Baroque
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Bourboulenc
The Bourboulenc Grape: A Must-Know White Variety from Southern France and the RhĂ´ne Valley
The Bourboulenc is a standout white grape variety from southern France and the RhĂ´ne Valley, highly regarded for its ability to produce fresh and aromatic wines in warm climates. This... Read more -
Braucol
Better known as fer servadou, this grape variety from the southwest of France is characterized by its irregular fertility. On the palate, it gives off notes of peppers, crumpled leaves and wild berries. Read more
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- Cabernet
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet-Sauvignon
- Caladoc
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Camaralet
The Camaralet, a rare white grape from Southwest France, is a true treasure for lovers of authentic wines. Long forgotten, this ancient grape variety is now returning to the forefront thanks to its exceptional aromatic potential and the dedication of passionate winemakers.... Read more
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Carcajolo
Carcajolo, an ancient and distinctive grape variety, represents the richness of Mediterranean vineyards. Long overshadowed by more popular grapes, this variety offers exceptional aromatic potential that thrives on insular terroirs, particularly in Corsica. Rare and authentic,... Read more
- Carignan
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Carménère
Carménère, a grape variety with a tumultuous history, is today a symbol of revival and authenticity. Originally from Bordeaux and long forgotten, this grape is experiencing a renaissance thanks to its return to French terroirs. Revered for its ability to produce elegant,... Read more
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety
As the second most widely planted white grape variety in the world, Chardonnay is an essential varietal. How did this grape, the source of the most prestigious white Burgundies and the finest Champagnes, manage... Read more -
Chenanson
- Chenin
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Cinsault
Cinsault: Origins and Characteristics of This Iconic Grape Variety
Cinsault, an emblematic red grape variety of the Mediterranean vineyard, is a cornerstone of red and rosé wine blends in southern France, particularly in the Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, and Rhône Valley... Read more - Clairette
- Colombar
- Counoise
- Courbu
- CĂ´t
D
- Duras
E
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Egiodola
Egiodola is a discreet red grape variety from southwestern France, known for producing fruity, generous, and colorful wines. Created through agronomic research, this modern grape variety captivates wine lovers with its aromatic richness and smooth structure. Discover the... Read more
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Gamay
Gamay: Origins and Characteristics of This Iconic Grape Variety
The Gamay grape, an emblematic red variety from the Beaujolais region, is a very ancient grape variety mentioned since the Middle Ages! Primarily planted in France, Gamay is a grape known for its unparalleled... Read more -
GewĂĽrztraminer
Gewurztraminer: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety
An emblematic grape variety of Alsace, Gewurztraminer is undoubtedly one of the most aromatic and charming white grapes in France! With its characteristic aromas of rose, spices, and lychee, a glass of... Read more - Grenache
- Grenache Blanc
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Grenache Gris
Grenache Gris is a distinctive grape variety primarily cultivated in Roussillon. A member of the Grenache family, it stands out for its ability to produce complex dry white wines, fruity rosés, and exceptional natural sweet wines. Discover the origins, iconic terroirs,... Read more
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Grenache noir
Grenache Noir: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape
The second most planted red grape in France and the fifth most planted red grape in the world, Grenache Noir continues to charm us with its red fruit aromas and roundness. While this grape is emblematic of the... Read more - Grolleau
- Gros Manseng
J
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Jacquère
Jacquère: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety
Jacquère is a white grape variety emblematic of Savoie and Bugey. Known for producing fresh, light, and mineral wines, Jacquère is the main grape used to make the famous Savoie wines, particularly in the Apremont and...
M
- Macabeu
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Malbec
Malbec: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Grape Variety
Malbec, an essential grape variety in Argentina’s renowned red wines from the Mendoza region, is often forgotten as a French red grape variety. Indeed, Malbec originally hails from Southwest France and is also... Read more - Malvasia
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Marsanne
Marsanne: Origins and Characteristics of This Unique Grape Variety
Marsanne, a relatively underplanted yet rapidly expanding white grape variety, deserves a prominent place in the wine world for its uniqueness and the exceptional quality of the wines it produces. Native to... Read more - Marselan
- Mauzac
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Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Grape Variety
The Melon de Bourgogne, a discreet yet fundamental grape variety in the French wine landscape, is the cornerstone of the renowned Muscadet white wines. This unique white grape variety, contrary to... Read more - Merlot
- Minustellu
- Mollard
- Mondeuse du Bugey
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Mourvaison
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Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety
Mourvèdre is a red grape variety emblematic of sun-drenched Mediterranean wine regions. It contributes to the creation of many renowned red and rosé wines, especially in southern France, Spain (where it is known as... Read more -
Muscadelle
Muscadelle: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety
Muscadelle is a white grape variety inseparable from the great sweet wines of Bordeaux and the South-West of France. Although less well-known than SĂ©millon and Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle plays a crucial role in... Read more - Muscaris
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Muscat
Of Greek origin, Muscat grapes have small, firm, juicy white berries that enable the production of rosé and dry white wines. Its wines release aromas of orange, brown sugar, barley sugar and raisins. Read more
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Muscat de Hambourg
Muscat of Hamburg, a red grape variety with white flesh, originated from the cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Frankenthal. This Muscat variety is renowned for its intense aromas and sweet taste, making it a preferred choice for both dessert wine production and table... Read more
- Muscat Ă petits grains
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Nielluccio
Nielluccio (or Niellucciu): Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety
Nielluccio, also known as Sangiovese in Italy, is a red grape variety emblematic of Corsica. Often considered one of the island’s oldest and noblest grape varieties, it plays a key role in the... Read more - Négrette
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- Orbois
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- Petit Courbu
- Petit Manseng
- Petit Verdot
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Picardan
Picardan: The Rare and Ancient White Grape Variety of Southern France
Picardan is a rare and ancient white grape variety predominantly cultivated in the south of France. Despite its relative obscurity, it plays a crucial role in the production of renowned wines,... - Picpoul
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Pineau d'Aunis
Pineau d’Aunis: Origins and Characteristics of this Grape Variety
Pineau d’Aunis is an ancient and emblematic red grape variety from the Loire Valley in France, known for producing red and rosé wines with distinctive aromas of pepper and spices. Though less renowned than... -
Pineau d’Aunis
- Pinot Auxerrois
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Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Exceptional Grape Variety
Often overshadowed by its more famous cousins, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier plays a crucial role in the creation of Champagne. This unique grape variety, with its fruity aromas and... Read more -
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir: Origins and Characteristics of this Grape Variety
Ranked among the top 10 most planted grape varieties in France and worldwide, Pinot Noir is a must-know variety. As a key red grape of the finest Burgundy wines, sometimes priced beyond reach, Pinot Noir... Read more -
Pinot blanc
Pinot Blanc: A Versatile Grape Variety
Pinot Blanc is a versatile white grape that produces refined still and sparkling dry white wines. This grape variety is emblematic of the Alsace region, though it originally hails from Burgundy. Although less known than the main... Read more -
Pinot gris
Pinot Gris: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Noble Grape Variety
A true emblem of the Alsace wine region, Pinot Gris is a noble grape variety with multiple facets. Versatile and highly valued, it is known for its ability to produce a range of wine styles, from dry... Read more -
Ploussard
- Poulsard
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Riesling
Riesling: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Iconic Grape Variety
The Riesling grape, emblematic of Alsace, is far from confined to the borders of France. In fact, it is widely grown in Germany and throughout much of Central and Eastern Europe, and today, it is found... Read more - Rolle
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Romorantin
Romorantin: The Unique and Iconic Grape Variety of the Loire Valley
Romorantin is a rare and iconic white grape variety from the Loire Valley in France. Known for producing elegant and refined dry white wines, it is primarily cultivated in the renowned AOC Cour-Cheverny... Read more - Roussanne
- Roussette
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Roussette du Bugey
S
- Sauvignon
- Sauvignon
- Sauvignon Gris
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Savagnin
Savagnin: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Exceptional Grape Variety
Savagnin is undoubtedly the iconic white grape variety of the Jura region. This unique white grape stands out for its atypical character and its ability to express the rich terroir of the Jura.... Read more -
Sciaccarello
Sciaccarellu: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Corsican Grape Variety
Sciaccarellu, also known as Sciaccarello, is an emblematic red grape variety of Corsican viticulture. Valued for its delicate aromas and finesse, it is often used to produce elegant red and rosé... Read more - Solaris
- Soreli
- Souvignier Gris
- Sylvaner
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Syrah
Syrah: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Renowned Grape Variety
As the third most planted red grape variety in France and the fourth most planted red grape variety in the world, Syrah is a grape you must get to know! While Syrah is the cornerstone of Northern RhĂ´ne... Read more -
SĂ©millon
SĂ©millon: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Exceptional Grape Variety
SĂ©millon, a white grape variety with many facets, holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts. Originating from the Bordeaux region in France, it has become a cornerstone of some of the... Read more
T
- Tannat
- Tempranillo
- Terret Blanc
- Tibouren
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Touriga Nacional
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Trebbiano
Ugni Blanc: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape
Have you ever heard of Ugni Blanc? If this grape variety doesn’t ring a bell, know that it is simply the most planted white grape in France! Indeed, while it is much less known than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni... Read more -
Trousseau
Trousseau: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Jura Grape Variety
Trousseau is an iconic red grape variety from the Jura region of France, renowned for its fine and spicy wines. Although it may be relatively discreet in the French wine landscape, it offers wines of... Read more
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Vermentino
Vermentino: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Grape Variety
While Vermentino is a white grape variety primarily cultivated in Italy, it also produces outstanding white wines in southern France. Known as Rolle in Provence and Vermentinu in Corsica, Vermentino is... Read more - Vieux Carigan
- Viognier
A grape variety is a type of vine. France allows more than two hundred of them, but about twenty account for most of the bottles you open. This guide presents them one by one, with their aromas, their regions and the dishes that suit them, then points you to the wines of our independent winemakers.
Grape Variety Guide: Discover the Richness of French Vineyards
The French vineyard, renowned worldwide, is a true treasure trove of diversity thanks to the multitude of grape varieties that compose it. Each grape variety, with its unique aromatic characteristics, tells a story and offers wines with varied profiles, suited to every taste and occasion. With our Grape Variety Guide, dive into this unparalleled richness and explore the iconic grape varieties that contribute to the global reputation of French wines.
What is a Grape Variety?
A grape variety refers to a specific type of grape cultivated for wine production. It determines a significant portion of a wine's characteristics: its aromas, structure, acidity, and color. In France, each wine region cultivates specific grape varieties suited to their unique terroirs, providing an infinite aromatic palette. For example, Pinot Noir is the star of Burgundy, Grenache dominates the south, and Chardonnay shines in the prestigious crus of Champagne. Our Grape Variety Guide offers a comprehensive journey into the world of French grape varieties, from the most famous to the most niche. Discover red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Gamay, as well as white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, and Viognier. Each detailed profile helps you better understand their specificities, preferred regions, and ideal food pairings.
Why Consult the Grape Variety Guide?
Whether you are a wine enthusiast, curious learner, or connoisseur, our guide is an essential resource to deepen your knowledge. It will help you make more informed wine choices based on the grape varieties and aromas you enjoy and offers a curated selection of wines to explore each variety. It's also a valuable tool for preparing tastings or discovering new appellations.
Avenue des Vins' Grape Variety Guide celebrates the richness and excellence of French wine heritage. Explore the grape varieties that shape France's finest wines and let yourself be inspired for your next tastings!
How to read a grape variety: appellation, blend, colour
The grape variety is the simplest way to choose a bottle. If you enjoyed a Loire Sauvignon Blanc, you will probably enjoy a Sauvignon from Bordeaux or the South West, even though the label says something different. The reverse is also true: two bottles from the same appellation can please you or not, depending on which grape leads the blend. Three ideas are all you need.
Grape, appellation, blend: three words people mix up
The grape variety is the plant. The appellation is a place, with rules that say which grapes may be planted there. A blend is a mix of several grapes in one wine. A red Côtes du Rhône usually blends Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. A red Burgundy is almost always pure Pinot Noir. An Alsace wine puts the grape name on the label, which makes life easier.
A single-varietal wine is neither better nor worse than a blend. The single varietal shows the grape on its own; the blend looks for balance. Both schools make great wines, and you will find both among our winemakers.
Reds or whites: where to start
Red grape varieties are read first through their tannins, the sensation that dries the mouth. From the softest to the most structured: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat.
White grape varieties are read through their acidity and their aromatic register. From the crispest to the roundest: Melon de Bourgogne, Riesling, Sauvignon, Chenin, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewurztraminer. Each tab details the main grapes of its colour, with food pairings and the questions we hear most often.
Choosing a wine by grape from our winemakers
At Avenue des Vins, every bottle leaves the cellar of the winemaker who made it. We hold no warehouse stock: the wine stays with the producer, at the right temperature, until you order. You know who planted the grape, who made the wine, and you buy from that person directly. To find a wine from a grape you like, open its page in the list above, or browse our red wines and white wines shipped straight from the estate. Delivery is calculated per winemaker, one parcel per estate.
Frequently asked questions about grape varieties
What is the difference between a grape variety and an appellation?
A grape variety is a type of vine, such as Merlot or Chardonnay. An appellation is a defined geographical area with precise production rules, including the list of permitted grapes. One appellation can therefore bring several grapes together: a red Bordeaux blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, while an Alsace Riesling contains nothing but Riesling.
Which grape variety should a beginner choose?
For reds, start with Merlot or Grenache, round, fruity and low in tannin, or with a Beaujolais Gamay served cool. For whites, Chardonnay for roundness, Sauvignon for liveliness. These four grapes have a clear profile that is easy to recognise from your first tastings. You will quickly know which one you prefer, and you can explore the others from there.
Is a single-varietal wine better than a blend?
No, it is a different approach. The single varietal, common in Burgundy, Alsace and the Loire, shows the grape as it is on its terroir. The blend, the rule in Bordeaux and the RhĂ´ne, looks for balance between complementary grapes: one brings fruit, another structure, a third freshness. Quality depends on the winemaker, not on the formula.
Which grape for which style of wine?
For a dry, tense white: Riesling, Melon de Bourgogne or dry Chenin. For a round, full white: oak-aged Chardonnay, Viognier or Roussanne. For a highly perfumed white: Gewurztraminer or Muscat. For a light, fresh red: Gamay or Pinot Noir. For a generous, spicy red: Grenache or Syrah. For a structured red to lay down: Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre or Tannat.
Why buy wine directly from the winemaker?
Because the bottle has not moved. It stays in the estate's cellar, in the winemaker's own storage conditions, until you order, and it is shipped to you from there. You know exactly where the wine comes from and who made it, and the producer keeps the value of their work. Avenue des Vins brings these independent winemakers together in one place, with one parcel per estate and delivery calculated per winemaker.