Grape Varieties

There are more than 10,000 different varieties of vine and they have all originated from one source ‘Vitis vinifera’ – “the wine-bearing grape”. However, a mere handful is used in commercial wine production today and this next section concentrates on the 12 most popular varieties.-

White Grapes

Chardonnay

The Chardonnay grape is widely grown across the world; in fact only Portugal appears to have avoided its charm. Chardonnay dominates both the Australian and the United States wine industry and is responsible for the wine drinkers’ favourite – Chablis. It is a very flexible grape, without a distinct taste, which makes it perfect for blending or drinking alone. The appley quality mixed with a hint of lemon acidity makes it a very popular choice. Possibly more than other wines it has a natural affinity with oak and once matured this way produces a rich creamy, buttery wine that mimics classic white Burgundy produced in a fraction of the time.

Sauvignon Blanc

This classic variety has been grown in France for years, however more recently it has become popular in the New World regions where it produces a wine of varying flavours. In contrast to Chardonnay it tends to be a pale, light acidic wine most often vinified without oak and possesses a distinct perfume. It can exhibit a range of fruit flavours from sour gooseberry to exotic passion fruit and mango.

Riesling

Germany’s prize white grape variety is a versatile performer and produces some of the finest dry white wines as well as some classic sweet wines. Most of the production is still concentrated in Germany and into Alsace, however more recently it has migrated into the southern hemisphere. It nearly always has both the taste and aroma of lime (either bitter or sweet); the riper ones can have a hint of peach or apricot as well as a mild floral aroma.

Sémillon

For one of the most popular grape varieties in France, Sémillon has a very low profile. This is because it has traditionally been blended with Sauvignon Blanc in its native Bordeaux. However in Australia and Chile it is positively shining unblended. Where dry honey and lime peel are the dominating flavours and it can take on a woodiness even when unoaked in the Hunter Valley. When blended with Chardonnay it produces a refreshing lemon and lime tang.

Chenin Blanc

One of the worlds most versatile grape varieties with a repertoire that ranges from bone-dry to the sugary sweet and can include sparkling. In France Chenin Blanc is grown mostly in the Loire Valley, but is also a favourite in South Africa and California. When the wine is young and dry it gives off hints of tart green apple and pear, however as the style becomes sweeter these flavours are overlaid increasingly with honey.

Gewürztraminer

This pink skinned grape will certainly make an impression on you. Gewürztraminer is most definitely not reserved with a wild character that includes flavours of lychee, roses, ginger and cinnamon. It has important bases in Germany, Austria, Spain and Eastern Europe but is most famously known in Alsace where it has three styles dry, medium sweet and lusciously sweet.

Red Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

The king of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown most places where there are vineyards. Originating out of Bordeaux it has spread throughout the world without losing the classic character it is famous for. It is highly adaptable to different climates and soils, however in general is relatively low yielding. Like Chardonnay, Cabernet responds very well to oak ageing producing a full-bodied wine. Classic flavours such as blackcurrants, plum and damson are prevalent and after several years aging it can take on the aromas of warm leather, dark chocolate and Indian spice.

Merlot

Merlot has tended to go hand-in-hand with Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux where it is commonly blended, however more recently it is gaining solo appeal with a wine that is fat and juicy and not too tannic. It is the most widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux but has also weaved its way into most of Central and Eastern Europe as well as into a significant proportion of the New World. Traditionally known for blackcurrant and black cherry flavours, in the US it tends towards a rich melted chocolate whereas in Chile and Argentina a softer plummy wine is produced.

Pinot Noir

A temperamental grape variety that is difficult to grow and vinify, however although awkward, the challenge of producing a fine Pinot Noir has strong appeal and if successful will charm even the most conservative of wine drinkers. Outside of its native Burgundy, Pinot is grown in select areas of the New World and some parts of Central Europe where producers have worked hard to provide it with the correct environment. Producing a lighter wine than Cabernet with aromas of raspberry, strawberry and cherry, and an element of meatiness this wine has a beautiful silky texture.

Syrah (Shiraz)

Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia this is a noble grape that has the ability to produce world-class wines. Its home is northern Rhône the site of two great reds – Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, but it is Australia that has truly embraced the Shiraz where it is the most planted grape variety. It can smell of almost any dark purple fruit and has a peppery kick in northern Rhône. In Australia it blends well with Cabernet Sauvignon but shines alone with its chocolate, vanilla and distinct floral note.

Gamay

A classic grape variety that is predominantly used in the production of red Beaujolais and hence has not strayed as far as the other great grape varieties. There is a splatter of production in Central Europe and a minute amount in California but mostly it has stayed close to home. At its ripest strawberries are the over-riding constituent, however there are elements of peardrops and bananas.

Grenache

Grenache is a highly versatile grape variety that has made its mark on both Rioja and Château-neuf-du-Pape. Originating from Spain it is now widely grown throughout the world and usually marries a light red fruit to spiciness. In the hotter parts of Australia it can be tarry and chocolaty supported by sweetness, imitating the structure of vintage port.