Classic Varieties of Grapes

Grapes can be grown in an astounding number of varieties.
The type of grape you choose for your wine can have a large influence on the color, flavor, and overall body if the wine. Every variety of wine is named after the specific variety of grape it is produced from. Wines that have a minimum of 75% of a single variety of grape are allowed to carry the name of the grape.

Mentioned below are some classic types of grape, and the characteristics that make them unique:

Chardonnay: One of the most common white wine grapes, chardonnay is mainly grown throughout France. It is widely cultivated in the Chablis, Champagne, and Burgundy regions of the country. 

It can also be found in the cooler parts of California and North America. It is usually aged in oak barrels, to impart it with strong aromas and flavors. Known for its fruity characteristics, and imbibing the barrel flavors, the wine takes on a buttery, creamy component.

Pinot Noir: This popular variety of grape variant grows in the Burgundy region in France. The red wines made with this grape are much lighter than Merlots and Cabernets. 

Best suited for cooler regions of the world, Pinot Noir tends to be difficult to grow along the west coast of North America. This grape often adds flavors of mint, cherry, truffles, raspberry, and sometimes even gamey odors.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Considered one of the noblest grape variants available, along with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and others, this grape is perhaps one of the most popular in the world.

Grown mainly in the Bordeaux region of France, wines made from this grape are considered to be classics. Intense and complex flavors that require aging of five to ten years make this grape one of the most coveted among wine-lovers. With flavors including blackberry, black-currant, and mint, many countries have started cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon. Countries like Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and Australia have started growing them in an attempt to meet the

demand for this wine.

Merlot: This classic grape is widely planted in and around France’s Bordeaux region. The red wine produced from this grape resembles Cabernet Sauvignon and is often blended with it.

Merlot, however, tends to have softer, gentler tannins, and is less intense. It also matures much earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for the difference in flavors. In the United States, Merlot grapes are grown in Long Island as well as Washington. Around the world, countries like New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile successfully cultivate these grapes every year.

Sauvignon Blanc: Another timeless white-wine grape, Sauvignon Blanc grows well in the French eastern Loire and Bordeaux regions. It is also grown widely in the United States, though its production is seeing a downfall as more wineries favor Chardonnay. In the last few years, New Zealand has successfully grown this grape as well. With herbaceous, grassy flavors in temperate regions, and citrus flavors in warmer climates, this grape is used in the production of a variety of interesting wines.