wine grapesWhen we think about wine, there are so many different varieties and brands to choose from. There is an art to choosing the right wine. Pick a handful of white wines and we can find that their aromas and flavors vary tremendously. This is usually due to the types of grapes used in production, the growing conditions, and how long the wine has been aged. Read on to find out more about different varieties of grapes and wines.

Grape Varieties

Barbera

  • Barbera is made from a red wine grape specific to Southern and Central Italy.
  • This wine has a fruity yet floral aroma.

Cabernet Sauvignon

  • This famous wine originates in Southern France near Médoc and Gironde.
  • While quite complex, this wine typically features a palate reminiscent of berries.

Carignan

  • Carignan grows well in warmer regions including the Mediterranean and California.
  • It is somewhat astringent if it has not been aged sufficiently.

Chardonnay

  • Chardonnay grapes grow primarily in Burgundy, France.
  • This white wine is light with a fruity flavor, sometimes similar to apples.

Chasselas

  • Chasselas is found widely in France and other parts of Europe as a popular table wine.
  • It is a white wine with a dry yet delicate flavor.

Dolcetto

  • Dolcetto grapes have been grown in Piedmont, in North Italy, from the 11th century.
  •  With a sweet, fruity, and even nutty palatte, Dolcetto is best drunk young.

Gamay

  • Gamay is cultivated in France as well as Italy, and nearby regions such as Switzerland and Austria.
  • Gamay is a light red wine with a very fruity nose.

Grenache

  • Mediterranean, South African and warm coastal areas are best for cultivating Grenache.
  • Grenache is a red wine with a spicy berry flavor and low acidity.

Marsanne

  • The South-East region of France is home to Marsanne grapes.
  • Marsanne features a high amount of alcohol and is best consumed early on.

Merlot

  • Merlot is a dominant grape cultivated in Bordeaux, France.
  • It is considered a medium-red wine, with plum and berry notes

Muscat de Frontigan

  • Muscat de Frontigan is grown in small amounts primarily in the Mediterranean regions.
  • Depending on how it is produced, it can be a sparkling wine or a fruity white wine.

Nebbiolo

  • Nebbiolo is mostly grown in Piedmont, Italy.
  • Nebbiolo, best when aged, is a red wine with a dry, fruity flavor.

Palomino

  • Palomino grapes originated in Spain and also grow in Portugal and South Africa.
  • Palamino’s low-acidity makes it a fresh, light table wine.

Pinot Gris

  • Pinot Gris is mainly grown in Burgundy and Alsace, France.
  • This is a full-bodied dry white wine with a distinctly fruity palate.

Pinot Noir

  • Pinot Noir largely comes from Burgundy, France, although other countries also grow it.
  • This deep red wine is famously known for its delightful strawberry and cherry notes.

Riesling

  • Riesling has been cultivated in Germany since the 1800s.
  • Riesling generally features a soft, sweet nose that can also be a little spicy at times.

Roussanne

  • Roussane grapes favor warm Mediterranean climates.
  • It is a white wine that tastes best when it is aged well.

Sauvignon Blanc

  • Bordeaux, France is one of the biggest producing regions for Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Sauvignon Blanc is a sweet, fruity white wine that blends well with other whites.

Shiraz

  • Shiraz comes from France’s Northern Rhône Valley.
  • The dark grapes lend a spicy berry flavor to the wine, with high acidity.

Zinfandel

  • Zinfandel grows mainly in California, and also in Italy.
  • This full-bodied red wine features high sugar and alcohol levels.

Additional Resources

  • Wine Spectator – Browse through the online edition of Wine Spectator magazine for plenty of wine articles and more.
  • Wine Enthusiast – Wine Enthusiast lists hundreds of unique wine-related accessories and gift ideas.
  • Wine Lovers Page – Read wine articles and participate in a discussion forum with other wine lovers.
  • Wine Overview – Learn about whites, reds, and sparkling wines.
  • Intro to Wine – Get an overview of wine types and how to taste and store it.
  • Wine Glossary – Find wine-specific phrases or words in this online dictionary.
  • Wine Pairings – Certain wines taste better with some foods than others.
  • Cold Climate Grapes - Look through a large series of resources on growing grapes in a cold climate for wine.
  • Wine Grapes – Read an online book on grape production for wines in the U.S.
  • Types of Grapes (PDF) – The flavor of wine depends largely on the types of grapes it is made from.
  • Red Wine – This guide delves deeper into red wine styles, varieties, and production.
  • Assessing Wines – Follow a step-by-step tutorial on how to taste a wine.
  • Wine Nutrition – Read about wine’s nutritional value, common terms, and the aging process.
  •  French Wines – France has a long history of being a top wine producer.
  • U.S. Wines – Watch a presentation about the U.S. wine industry.