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WINE: THE 15 GRAPE VARIETIES YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

2957 Views Posted on: 2024-06-11
 

Discovering Grape Varieties: White and Red

Introduction to Grape Varieties

The vine belongs to the Vitaceae family, which includes several plants, with the Vitis genus being the source of the various grape varieties used in winemaking. Although there are nearly 10,000 grape varieties worldwide, only a few dozen are widely cultivated for producing wines, either as single-varietal or blended wines. Whether red or white, here are the 15 grape varieties you must know to make informed choices about your future wine purchases.

Major White Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most popular white grape varieties globally. It is used to produce some of the finest dry white wines and is also used in champagne. Its adaptability to both warm and cool climates allows it to offer a range of notes from fruit to floral and mineral, depending on the terroir.

Sauvignon Blanc

Famous for its Sancerre and Bordeaux white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is an expressive variety with notes of citrus and fresh grass. It’s ideal for those who enjoy vibrant and aromatic wines.

Chenin Blanc

Primarily grown in the Loire Valley and South Africa, Chenin Blanc is still relatively niche. It stands out for its acidity and mouthfeel, making it suitable for dry, demi-sec, or sparkling wines.

Gewurztraminer

Widely grown in Alsace and Germany, Gewurztraminer is known for its unique aromas of lychee and rose. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or with dessert.

Viognier

Viognier is a flagship grape variety of the Rhône Valley's white wines, offering aromas of peach or apricot in full-bodied wines.

Sémillon

Sémillon is the star of sweet white wines such as Sauternes. It is valued for producing rich and complex wines.

Riesling

Riesling, often compared to Chardonnay, is extensively grown in France, especially in Alsace. It produces wines with mineral aromas and is considered one of the finest white grape varieties.

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Major Red Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a highly esteemed grape variety, particularly for its grand wines from Burgundy. It yields elegant wines with red fruit notes and a silky texture.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, the most widely planted black grape variety, is a star in Bordeaux Châteaux. It is extensively grown in Western France and produces red wines with strong tannins and a complex bouquet, suitable for aging.

Merlot

Often paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is widely grown in Bordeaux. It produces fruit-forward, easy-drinking wines, especially in their youth.

Grenache

Grenache is the most widely planted black grape variety and is a key player in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. It offers notes of prunes, chocolate, and garrigue.

Syrah

Syrah is primarily found in Australia but is also central to red wines from the Rhône Valley, such as Côte-Rôtie or Hermitage. This grape variety produces powerful aromas and allows for the creation of age-worthy wines.

Cabernet Franc

Appreciated in France, particularly in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc produces silky wines with notes of cassis and leaves.

Gamay

Gamay is synonymous with Beaujolais. It offers fruity and charming wines that are easy to drink in their youth.

Mourvèdre

Less known to the general public, Mourvèdre is used in Provence for producing Bandol wines. It produces powerful, nearly black wines that age into notes of leather and truffle.

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