Grape Varieties Guide -
Arneis is an ancient grape variety native to the Roero district of Italy's Piedmont. Arneis, which has been translated as "little rascal" has had a long, but not always illustrious history. Like most of Italy's indigenous grape varieties , Arneis has only recently been cultivated and bottled as a varietal.
For centuries, the local white Arneis, also known as Bianchetta and Nebbiolo Bianco, was most often blended into the Piedmont's full-bodied, rustic reds to augment their aromatic profile and soften their tannic edge. In the days before the laws of denominazione di origine controllata, even Barolo would receive a dollop of Arneis to enhance its aroma and tame its fire.
Since the s, Arneis has come of age. With the advent of technical wine equipment and the enforcement of DOCG regulations in Italy, Arneis has been rescued from extinction and born again as Piedmont's finest and most expensive dry white wine.
Arneis yields a medium-bodied wine of haunting bouquet. Spring flowers, stone fruits, and a waft of fennel are the scents and savors most associated with this charming, food-friendly varietal that is highly adaptable to stylistic interpretation. It can be enjoyed quite chilled or slightly cool, as you like it.
The Barbera grape variety is the most successful type of grapes in Italy's Piedmont region, where it makes such wines as Barbera d' Asti, Barbera di Monferato and Barbera di Alba. Its wines are characterized by a high level of acidity meaning brightness and crispness , deep ruby color, full body, and low tannin levels; flavors are berrylike.
Nevertheless, plantings have declined sharply in the United States. A few California wineries still produce it as a varietal, but those numbers too are dwindling.
Its main attribute as a blending wine is its ability to maintain a naturally high acidity even in hot climates. This wine grape varietal has more potential than is currently being realized and may stage a modest comeback as Italian-style wines gain popularity.
This strain of Sangiovese is the only grape permitted for Brunello di Montalcino, the rare, costly Tuscan red that at its best is loaded with luscious black and red fruits and chewy tannins.
Cabernet Franc grapes as a varietal in wine, usually benefits from small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and can be as intense and full-bodied as either of these wines. At its worst, it strays away from currant and berry notes into stalky green flavors that become more pronounced with age.
On a brighter note, the most successful Cabernet Franc wines exhibit chocolate and roasted coffee tones as well as rich uplifting fruit. The undisputed king of red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are remarkably steady and consistent performers through much of the world.
While it grows well in many countries, in specific appellations it is capable of rendering wines of uncommon depth, richness, concentration and longevity. Bordeaux has used the grape consistently since the 18th century, always blending it with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and sometimes a soupcon of Petite Verdot and Malbec.
The Bordeaux model is built around not only the desire to craft complex wines, but also the need to ensure that different grape varieties ripen at different intervals and to give lesser wines color, tannin, or backbone. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes classic flavors are blackberry, currant, plum, black cherry and spice.
It can also be marked by herb, olive, mint, tobacco, cedar, and anise as well as ripe, jammy notes. In warmer areas, it can be supple and elegant; in cooler areas, it can be marked by pronounced vegetal, bell pepper, oregano and tar flavors a late ripener, it can not always be relied upon in cool areas, which is why Germany, for example, has never succumbed to the lure.
It can also be very tannic, which is why it produces many of the world's longest-lived wines. The best Cabernets always start out dark ruby or purple in color, with firm acidity, a full body, great intensity, concentrated flavors, and firm tannins.
Carignan grapes varietals are also known as Carignane California or Cirnano Italy. Once a major blending grape for jug wines, Carignan's popularity has diminished, and plantings in California grapes have dropped from 25, acres in to 8, in It still appears in some blends, and old vineyards are sought after for the intensity of their grapes, especially in France's Languedoc - the grapes ancestral home.
Elsewhere, the likelihood is that other grapes with even more intensity and flavor will replace it in the future.
Found mainly in California, Charbono grapes have dwindled in acreage. Its stature as a wine in California was supported mainly by a few notable producers, who up until the 's regularly bottled it as a varietal. The better examples could age quite well.
A few wineries still produce it, but the grape's story and relative rarity are usually more interesting than the wines it produces.
If Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of reds, Chardonnay is the king of white wines, it makes consistently excellent, rich, and complex whites. Chardonnay grapes are amazing, versatile grapes that grow well in a variety of locations throughout the world.
In Burgundy, it is used for all of that appellations exquisite whites, such as Montrachet, Meursault, Pouilly-Fuisse, and true Chablis; in Champagne, it is the sole player in Blanc de Blancs Champagnes and an integral part of nearly all of Champagne's sparkling wines.
Among the many other countries that have caught Chardonnay fever, Australia and the United States have been the most consistent in fashioning top-notch offerings. When well made, Chardonnay offers bold, ripe, rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, pineapple, lemon and grapefruit, along with spice, honey, butter, butterscotch and hazelnut flavors.
Winemakers build more complexity into this easy-to-manipulate wine using common vinification techniques; barrel fermentation, sur lie aging during which the wine is left on its natural sediment, and malolactic fermentation a process that converts tart malic acid to softer lactic acid. No other white table wine benefits as much from oak aging or barrel fermentation.
Chardonnay grapes have a fairly neutral flavor, and because they are usually crushed or pressed and not fermented with their skins the way red wines are, whatever flavors emerge from the grape are extracted almost instantly after crushing.
Hence, winemakers love to strut their stuff with this varietal. This native of the Loire valley has two personalities: at home it is the basis of such famous, long-lived wines as Vouvray and Anjou, Quarts de Chaume and Saumur, but on other soils it becomes just a very good blending grape.
It is South Africa's most-planted grape, although there it is called Steen, and in both South Africa and in California it is currently used primarily as a blending grape for generic table wines. Chenin Blanc grapes should perform better in California, and someday it may. It can yield a pleasant enough wine, with subtle melon, peach, spice, and citrus notes.
The great Loire whites vary from dry and fresh to sweet, depending on the vintage and the producer. In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is used for fortified wines and spirits as well as table wines. Dolcetto Grapes are Almost exclusive to the Piedmont of Italy, this varietal produces soft, round, fruity wines that are fragrant with licorice and almonds.
It is best drunk within three years. It's used as a safety net for producers of Piedmont's Nebbiolo and Barbera wines, which take much longer to age. There are seven DOC's: Acqui, Alba, Asti, Dinao d' Alba, Dogliani, Langhe Monregalesi and Ovada.
Beaujolais makes its famous, fruity reds exclusively from one of the many Gamay clones available. Gamay grapes produce wines low in alcohol and relatively high in acidity, the wines are meant to be drunk soon after bottling; the ultimate example of this is Beaujolais Nouveau, which is whipped onto shelves everywhere almost overnight by the third week in November.
It is also grown in the Loire, but there it makes no remarkable wines. The Swiss grow it widely for blending with Pinot Noir. Gewurztraminer grapes can yield magnificent wines, as is best demonstrated in Alsace, France, where it is made into a variety of styles from dry to off-dry to sweet.
The grape needs a cool, sunny climate to ripen fully. It is a temperamental grape to grow and vinify, as its potent spiciness can be overbearing when unchecked.
At its best, is produces a floral and refreshing wine with crisp acidity that pairs well with spicy dishes. When left for late harvest, it's uncommonly rich and complex, yielding a tremendous dessert wine. Gewurztraminer is also popular in Eastern Europe, New Zealand, and the Pacific Northwest.
Drought and heat resistant, Grenache grapes yield a fruity, spicy, medium-bodied wine with supple tannins. The second most widely planted grape in the world, Grenache is widespread in the southern RhôneValley. It figures strongly in the blend of Chateauneuf-du-Pape although there are some pure varietals , and it is used on its own for the rose wines of Tavel and Lirac; it is also used in France's sweet Banyuls wine.
Grenache is also important in Spain , where it's known as Garnacha Tinta; it is especially noteworthy in Rioja and Priorat. Grenache used to be more popular in Australia, but has now been surpassed by Syrah, although a few Barossa Valley producers are making wines with Grenache similar to Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
In California, it's a workhorse-blending grape, although occasionally old vines are found and its grapes are made into a varietal wine, which at its best can be quite good. It may make a comeback as enthusiasts of Rhône style wines seek cooler areas and an excellent blending grape.
Malbec was once important in Bordeaux and the Loire, where it figured into various blends, but it has steadily lost ground in recent years. This 'not very hardy' grape as been steadily replaced by Merlot and the two Cabernets.
However, Argentina is markedly successful with this varietal. In fact, some of that country's finest wines are made exclusively from Malbec. Mourisco Tinto. Muscat Hamburg. Negra Mole. Nerello Cappuccio.
Nerello Mascalese. Nero d'Avola. Nero di Troia. Petit Verdot. Petite Sirah. Pineau d'Aunis. Pinot Meunier. Pinot Nero. Pinot Noir. Plavac Mali. Prieto Picudo. Prugnolo Gentile. Refosco di Faedis. Ruby Cabernet. Schwarzblauer Riesling. Sev Areni. St Laurent. Tinta Amarela. Tinta Barroca.
Tinta Cão. Tinta Carvalha. Tinta Miúda. Tinta Negra. It also grows in other regions on N. Italy but they are often less good examples. It's also extremely sensitive to soil. It's one of the few grapes that can be identified by its colour- brick orange tinge at the rim and blackish ruby in colour.
Its perfume is intensely aromatic, roses, autumn undergrowth, wood smoke, violets and sometimes tar. High acid and tannins. A very old variety originating in Georgia. The vines have low yield and concentrated high-quality fruit.
A brilliant, high-quality red variety mainly grown in western Georgia. The wines are full-bodied with high tannin and high acidity. Late ripening in the classic Bordeaux blend.
Warm years can have a peppery spice. Grows well in New world regions and can often be seen in single varietal wines in countries like Argentina, USA or Australia. Produces vibrantly fruity wines, often with a heavy oak influence. A relatively early ripener, suits cooler to medium climates due to needing time to develop the unique characteristics.
Thin skinned, makes light wines but can be extremely difficult to grow as often affected by rot. The greatest Pinot Noir is the greatest red Burgundy. Flavours include raspberries, strawberries, cherries, violets and with time game, liquorice and autumnal undergrowth can appear.
The parent to many other grape varieties Gamay, Chardonnay, Melon deBourgogne. Spatburgunder Germany Blauburgunder Austrian and Swiss German name.
With high tannins and acidity, this is a grape best destined to age rather than drink young. It is really only found in the small Portuguese DOC Colares where it is hit hard with poor weather and often rot.
The notable attraction to the variety and the area is the fact the vines are not grafted onto American rootstocks. This is due to the area being phylloxera free as the soil is mainly sandy. A famous Italian grape most known for its starring role in Chianti. It has the potential to make both terrible and brilliant wines ranging from confected sweets to cherry, plum leather and tobacco.
Due to the high acidity and tannins the use of oak is very common and actually part of the law in Chianti DOCG. A highly tannic, rich variety and the most popular red grape in Georgia. An Austrian variety descended from Pinot Noir commonly oak aged and blended. Also commonly referred to as Shiraz as anyone from Australia will remind you.
This grape is key in the Northern Rhone producing the finest wines of Hermitage and Cote-Rotie. The ability to grow in a wine range of countries and climates mean that Syrah can show a wide range of variety, but the characteristic note that will be seen in all of these grapes is black pepper.
It is commonly blended with other varieties such as Grenache and Mouvedre. A very distinctive tannic variety known as the main ingredient in Madrian but also grown in other French regions. They are naturally astringent due to thick berry skins. This grape is best known for its starring role in Rioja Spain.
Its has savoury flavours rather than fresh ripe fruits and great aging potential, showing notes of leather, tobacco. It is often blended with other grapes like in Rioja where Grenache, Graciano and Mazuelo are its partners.
Tinta Amerla. Tinta Barroca. Tinto Cao. A grape used in the production of port in Portugal with a great name! Tinta Roriz. Touriga Franca. Touriga National. The most famous variety used in the production of port. High tannin, acid and deeply coloured wines. Its also grown in Spain, USA, Australia and South Africa.
Depending on whether you are in the Douro Valley Tinta Amerla or the rest of Portugal Trincaderia the grape goes under two names.
It is planted throughout Portugal and can produce a complex, fruity style of wine when the grape reaches full ripeness. It grows best in the sunnier locations without the threat of rain as it is prone to rot.
Prolific vine originally from the S. W France also known as Napa Gamay. The grape that makes the Naoussa PDO wine in northern Greece.
High tannin, acidity and fresh fruit flavours. An uneven ripening grape that causes many issues for the growers.
The wines burst with red berries and red fruits. Old vines tend to produce the best and most complex wines. Home Grapes Regions Styles Explore About.
Back Grape Guide Grapes Varieties Explained. Back About Me Subscribe Contact. Grape guide. With over 1, grape varieties world wide it can be hard to choose. From traditional, noble varieties to something completely new it is best to know the grapes characteristics to truly enjoy your wine.
Here is a key selection for you to explore. Want to learn more? Some varieties have more detailed information click on the name to find out more. White Grapes Airén Potentially the worlds' most planted grape, grown mainly in central Spain hence why relatively unknown.
Albariño The main variety in Rias Baixas. Aligoté Hiding in the shadow of Chardonnay this grape used to be widely planted in Burgundy Alvarinho Aka Albariño Artino A Portuguese classic found in the majority of regions due to its versatility and refreshing acidity.
Assyrtiko This grape is produced in Santorini and produces high acid and citrus wines. Bacchus Named after the God if wine this variety suits the UK Bianchetta Trevigiana This is a white grape variety grown in the Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto regions in northern Italy. Chardonnay Without question one of the most famous grapes in the world, with each individual having their own opinion.
Chenin Blanc Producing a huge variety in styles of wine, this versatile grape produces some of the wines finest sweet wines and excellent dry examples as well as some sparkling examples.
Colombard Producing mainly inexpensive examples of crisp and fruity wine its rather neutral character rarely stands out but still widely planted in California, South Africa and in some areas of France. Cortese Best know for its starring role in Gavi, Piemonte Italy.
Fiano A vine mainly grown in Italy producing age worthy wines. Sipon Garganega Most famous for its staring role in Soave where it produces citrus and nutnotes that can both be enjoyed young or the best wines can age well.
Glera The grape used in the production of Prosecco, a sparkling wine its shows fruity characteristics, with high acidity. Glera Lunga This is known as a lesser mutation of Glera. Godello Found primarily in north-west Spain and to a lesser amount in Northern Portugal, this grape is full of delicate, mineral flavours.
Grechetto A grape known in Umbria, Italy producing citrus, full bodied, tangy wines. Greco Used in Campania its known for its pungent aromatics. Grüner Veltiner When people think of Austrian wine this is the grape that comes to mind. Hanepoot Aka. Muscat of Alexandria in South Africa Hárslevelü A grape used in the production of Tokaji, a sweet wine from Hungary.
Italian Riesling Aka Welshriesling Johannisberg See Sylvaner Kisi A high-quality indigenous Georgian grape from the Kakheti region. Khikhvi A popular white variety that is grown in Eastern Georgia. Laski Rizling See Welschrieling Loureiro Grown in Portugal and Spain it can produce crisp, dry wines with low alcohol.
Macabeo Common in Spain and used in white Rioja known as Viura. Viura, Maccabeo, Maccabeu Malvasia Fina Mostly used in the production of madeira a fortified wine. It is also used in White Port Mtsvane Goruli Translates as green Gori. Mtsvane Kakhuri Translates as green Kakheti and often just called Mtsvane however, this can be confused with Goruli Mtsvane.
Marsanne Producing full bodied wines with nutty flavours. Minutolo Often confused with Fiano as it was originally called Fiano Aromatico this grape from Puglia produces both dry and sparkling styles.
Müller-Thurgau This white grape can produce great wines to rather average bottles. Muscadelle One of the whites used in Bordeaux, and more commonly in Bergerac producing fruity wines to be drunk young or it can be used in the production of sweet wines. Muscat This is a family of grapes rather than an individual variety.
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains One of the best known members of the Muscat family used in making Asti- A sparkling wine from Piemonte also used for many sweet wines in France. Muscat of Alexandria Used mainly in the production of Spainish fortified wines that can range from off dry to very sweet and tend to have a jammy orange flavour.
Aka Moscatel Gordo, Zibibbo Olaszrizling See Welshrieslinh Palomino This is a key grape in the production of sherry, therefore in the hot conditions of southern Spain is good at withstanding drought. Parellada Used in the production of Cava in Spain, due to its high acidity.
Passerina An Italian grape used predominately in Abruzzo and Marche. Pecorino An elegant wine, with floral and fruit notes mainly found in the Abruzzo and Marche regions in Italy.
Pedro Ximenez Often used in the production of sweet sherry as its thin skins easily dry out concentrating the sugar, acid and flavours in the grape.
PX Perera This is a white grape variety which is also called Pevarise. Petit Manseng A small yielding wine with thick skins allow the berries to shrink whilst remaining full of flavour, used mainly for sweet wines. Picolit A grape used within Friuli- Venezia Giulia producing passito style sweet wines.
Aka Piccolit, Piccolito Pinot Blanc A mutation of Pinot Grigio it is used mainly as a blending wine. Pinot Beaurot Piquepoul High acid and relatively full body are the key characteristics of this grape.
Rabigato Used for White Port production. Riesling Grown all around world but irrefutably its home lies in Germany. Rkatsiteli The most popular white grape in Georgia. Roussanne The quality of this grape is very varied and grown mainly in the Northern Rhone.
Bergeron Sacy Mainly grown in France, this early ripening grape is low in acidity, alcohol and colour. Sauvignon Blanc An extremely well know grape making wines all over the world.
Sauvignon Gris This darker skinned grape is increasing in popularity as it produces complex, smokey wines. Savagnin Used mainly in the production of sherry, it also has great aging ability. Semillon The grape has the ability to be made in a variety of style from dry to sweet noble rotted wines.
Síria Used in White Port production. Sylvaner At its lower end it produces neutral styles of dry white wine but when produced in low yields and at good quality it can produce fruity dry wines.
Johannasberg in Switzerland, Silvaner Timorasso An almost extinct variety found in Piemonte, Italy. Torrontes An Argentina grape, producing full-bodied wines with floral, herb notes and a crisp, refreshing acidity.
Tourbat Used in Côtes du Roussillon for the production of vins doux naturels sweet fortified wine Trebbiano An Italian variety planted all around central to southern Italy.
Aka Ugni Blanc, Talia. Treixadura Low in acidity, low in flavour and aroma intensity it is most commonly used in blended wines.
Aka Trajadura. Tsitska This grape is grown in the Georgian region of Imereti. Tsolikouri This is the most popular white grape variety in Western Georgia. Ugni Blanc See trebbiano, this is the French name for the same grape however this is more commonly used in the production of Cognac and Armagnac.
Verdejo Grown in Rueda, Spain loving high altitudes. Verdelho Produces the driest style of Madeira in Portugal. Verdicchio Best known for its alternative bottle shape. Verdiso This is a local Italian white grape variety which is mainly grown in Treviso, one of the provinces in Veneto.
Vernaccia Producing full-flavoured wines, with crisp acidity and citrus fruits, nutty aromas are also common. Vidal A hybrid grape used in the production of icewine in Canada Viognier This variety produces famous wines from Condrieu in the Northern Rhone.
Skip to main navigation. Logging Grale in. Browse Liver detoxification essentials Red. Red wine Grape Varieties Guide Ancient Varieyies hieroglyphics record the cultivation of purple grapes, and history attests to the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans growing purple grapes for both eating and wine production. Alicante Bouschet. 
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