Grape Varieties of Fine Wine

June 16, 2022

There are over 7,000 grape varieties in the world, but only a fraction of those are used for making fine wine. In this blog post, we will explore the different grape varieties that you may encounter in your wine tastings.

We will discuss the characteristics of red, white, and rose wines, and talk about how grapes from different areas of one region can taste very different from grapes grown elsewhere. Stay tuned for more information on this fascinating topic!

What do we mean by “grape varieties”?

The term grape varieties refers to the different types of grapes that are used to make wine. These grapes can be either red or white, and they each have their own unique flavour profile.

Not all types of grapes are suitable for making wine, and only a handful of grape varieties are actually used in the production of fine wines.

Each of these grape varieties has its own distinct flavour profile, which is influenced by the grape’s natural acidity, sugar content, and tannin levels. Grapes from different areas of one region can taste very different from grapes grown elsewhere. This is due to the soil composition and climate conditions in each growing region.

For example, grapes grown in warm climates tend to have higher sugar levels, which results in a sweeter wine.

Grapes grown in cooler climates tend to have higher acidity levels, which results in a crisper, more refreshing wine.

There are many different grape varieties that are used in the production of wine, but some of the most popular include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Each of these grapes produces a wine with its own distinct flavour, aroma, and body.

So, what makes each of these grape varieties unique? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of grapes used in the production of wine.

White wine grapes

White wine grapes are typically grown in warmer climates and have a higher sugar content than red wine grapes. The most popular varieties of white wine grapes are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a versatile grape that can be used to produce both dry and sweet wines. It is often described as having flavours of citrus fruits, such as lemon and grapefruit, as well as buttery or oaky notes.

Chardonnay wines are typically medium-bodied with a creamy texture.

Pinot gris

Pinot gris is another grape variety that is used to produce both dry and sweet wines. It is often described as having flavours of stone fruits, such as apricots and peaches, as well as floral notes.

Pinot gris wines are typically light-bodied with a slightly oily texture.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that is typically used to produce dry white wines. It is often described as having flavours of green apples and gooseberries, with a grassy or herbaceous quality.

Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically light-bodied with high acidity.

Riesling

Riesling is a grape variety that can be used to produce both dry and sweet wines. It is often described as having flavours of citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime, as well as floral notes.

Riesling wines are typically light-bodied with high acidity.

Muscat

Muscat grapes are used to produce a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, and still to sparkling. They are often described as having flavours of grapefruit, oranges and roses.

Muscat wines can be light-bodied or medium-bodied, depending on the style of wine being made.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a grape variety that is most commonly used to produce sweet, white wines. It is often described as having flavours of lychee, rose and spice.

Gewürztraminer wines are typically medium to full-bodied with low acidity.

Red wine grapes

There are many different grape varieties that can be used to produce red wine. Red wines are typically full-bodied with moderate to high levels of tannins.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a red grape variety that is typically used to produce medium-bodied red wines. It is often described as having flavours of cherries, raspberries and strawberries, with earthy or forest floor notes.

Pinot Noir wines are typically made using whole cluster fermentation, which can add complexity and structure to the wine.

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah (also known as Shiraz) is a red grape variety that is typically used to produce full-bodied red wines. Syrah wines are often described as having flavours of blackberries, plums, pepper and spice, with smoky or bacon-like notes.

Syrah/Shiraz wines are typically made using partial or full grape skins during fermentation, which can add tannins and colour to the wine.

Merlot

Merlot is a red grape variety that is typically used to produce medium-bodied red wines. Merlot wines are often described as having flavours of cherries, plums and chocolate, with soft tannins.

Merlot wines are typically made using partial grape skins during fermentation, which can add some tannins and colour to the wine.

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety that is typically used to produce medium to full-bodied red wines. Grenache wines are often described as having flavours of strawberries, raspberries and spice, with soft tannins.

Grenache wines are typically made using partial grape skins during fermentation, which can add some tannins and colour to the wine.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a red grape variety that is typically used to produce full-bodied red wines. Zinfandel wines are often described as having flavours of blackberries, spice and pepper, with high tannins.

Zinfandel wines are typically made using all grape skins during fermentation, which can add more tannins and colour to the wine.

But what about Rose wines?

Rose wine grapes are typically red wine grapes that have been allowed to have limited contact with the grape skins during the winemaking process. This results in a wine that has a pink or salmon-like colour.

Rose wines can be made from a single grape variety or from a blend of grape varieties.

Different grapes for different flavours

The type of grape used in a wine can have a big impact on the flavour of the final product.

For example, Sauvignon Blanc grapes are known for their grassy, grapefruit flavours, while Chardonnay grapes tend to produce buttery, vanilla-like wines.

Grapes from different regions can also produce wines with distinct flavours.

For instance, wines made from grapes grown in cool climates, like the Champagne region of France, tend to be higher in acidity than those made from grapes grown in warmer regions.

This is because grape skins thicken in warm climates, resulting in less acidity in the final wine.

So, when you’re choosing a wine, grape variety is one factor to keep in mind.

Cheers!