What is the grape variety of a wine ?

When you're interested in wine, there are certain vocabulary words that are important to know and the term  grape variety  is certainly one of them.  This is indeed a word that you will hear very often if you go to a trade fair or if you  visit a wine estate!

But then, what is a grape variety? Well, it's simply a variety of vine producing a specific grape .  Some grape varieties are red , others are whites , and there are some more than 6,000 intended for making wine ! Fortunately for your memory, only a handful of them allow the production of the  vast majority of wines around the world.

Single-varietal wines and blends

Depending on the region, the name  Or  THE domain , a wine can be single varietal (made from a single variety of grape) or a  assembly  (product  with at least two grape varieties).

For example, the region of  Burgundy is recognized for its tradition of single-varietal wines: white wines are thus produced with the only  Chardonnay grape variety while the red wines are made with  Pinot noir , all with a few exceptions.

Conversely, although there are single-varietal wines Bordeaux , the region is known for its tradition of blended wines Or Merlot , Cabernet Sauvignon And Cabernet Franc play the leading roles.

So you understood it, The grape variety plays a key role in the identity of a wine , giving him his aromas , her acidity , a certain alcohol level or of  tannins etc.

Of course, the grape varieties are shaped by the place . So, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy will not resemble a Pinot Noir from the South-West, soils and climate  of the two regions not being the same.

Finally, Human know-how is also of capital importance in the making of wine. Consequently, wines produced in two nearby estates from the same grape variety may  however, can be very different if the two winemakers do not follow the same philosophy.

Some white grape varieties to remember

Now that you understand the importance of grape varieties in the world of wine, here is... white varieties that you will most often come across during tasting. If you want a  awareness  even more complete on the subject, do not hesitate to read our article on all the white grape varieties you need to know !

Chardonnay

Originally from Burgundy ,  Chardonnay  is probably the most famous white grape variety in the world. This one is in fact  present on all continents  ! France, Italy, Spain, United States, Australia, Chile, Argentina...this one is a real 4x4 adapting to almost all types of climates and terroirs for very varied results.

Indeed, if its expression is mineral and carried on citrus fruits when it evolves in cool latitudes as in  Chablis , this one will be  capable of expressing a lot of roundness and power on warmer terroirs as is the case for example in California.

THE  Sauvignon blanc

Originally from the  Loire Valley , Sauvignon  is a very popular grape variety and adored for its particularly expressive aromatic . Carried by a bright acidity , this one evolves in fact on aromas  citrus, peach, apricot or even tropical fruits. 

In France, its preferred region remains the Loire but it is also found in the Bordeaux where he makes dry whites as well as delicious sweet wines  ( Sauternes ) or even in the Southwest Internationally, it is also very present in New Zealand, South Africa and the United States.

THE  Chenin

Another very important white grape variety in the Loire, the Chenin  has several strings to its bow. This allows it to produce dry, semi-dry, sweet white wines and even effervescent  !

Its aroma can therefore be very diverse depending on its profile but it often develops aromas of quince and citrus fruits.

Note that Chenin is also very present in South Africa where he is called Steen .

The Viognier

The Viognier  is a grape variety whose preferred region is the Rhone Valley .

Renowned for its deliciousness , this one presents a weak acidity, a dense matter  and exhale aromas of apricot, peach or even honey and white flowers . 

Beyond the Rhone Valley, Viognier is also found in the Languedoc-Roussillon as well as in Provence .

Some red grape varieties to remember

After the white grape varieties,  Let us now discover some red varieties . If you wish  To delve deeper into the subject, do not hesitate to  read  our article on the main red wine grape varieties  to know  !

Cabernet Sauvignon

Emblematic grape variety of Bordeaux ,  Cabernet Sauvignon  is an international star because he is simply the most planted variety in the world !

It is found in France in different regions (Bordeaux but also Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Loire and even South-West) but also  internationally such as in the United States, Australia, Lebanon, Greece and Chile.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety renowned for its ability to produce  great wines red on guard .He therefore proposes a nice acidity , a significant tannic structure and exudes aromas of black fruits and spices. In many cases, it is blended with other varieties and it is rare that it makes up the entire cuvée.

Merlot

Faithful companion of Cabernet-Sauvignon in Bordeaux,  Merlot  is the most planted grape variety in this region as well as  the second  most planted variety in the world  !

This one  ideally complements Cabernets thanks to a delicacy  manifest as well as tannins  sweet . Accessible from youth , Merlot develops delicious aromas of red and black fruits. Like its favorite partners, it is mainly used in blends.

Cabernet Franc

With Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Cabernet Franc forms a solid triptych. The three friends are in fact regularly assembled, notably in Bordeaux or in certain appellations of the South-West. We also find this beautiful grape variety in the Loire where it is this time vinified alone (AOC  Chinon ,  Bourgueil ,  Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil  etc.)

Cabernet Franc presents good acidity , of the structured tannins and its aroma evolves on fruity notes strawberry, cherry, raspberry as well as bell pepper (green or red depending on maturity).

Pinot noir

GOOD  that it is complex  to get the best out of it, Pinot noir is one of the noblest grape varieties there is.

HAS  its simple evocation, we immediately think of the Burgundy and its renowned appellations. Nevertheless, Pinot noir is  also very present in Alsace  as well as internationally. It can be found, for example, in California, New Zealand, Germany and South Africa.

Wonderful of delicacy, This one presents for tasting a fresh acidity , of the light tannins as well as elegant aromas of cherry, strawberry and raspberry.  It is a grape variety  able to offer nice wines of friends  but also and above all of magnificent complex wines with good ageing potential .

Syrah

Finally, to finish the tour of our red grape varieties, it was absolutely necessary to mention  Syrah .

A great grape variety of the Rhône Valley, this magnificent variety has also  widespread in other French regions such as the Languedoc-Roussillon or the Provence as well as internationally (California, Australia, South Africa, Italy, etc.). Nevertheless, it is in its cradle that it expresses its best.

So she  built for example  all wines of the appellations  Roasted Rib ,  Saint Joseph ,  Hermitage  Or  Crozes-Hermitage . 

Syrah  usually presents a velvety text , of the tannins present but smooth  as well as a very seductive aromatic evolving into violet, morello cherry, blackberry or even pepper.

Conclusion

There you have it, now you know the definition of a grape variety.  and also have  several  notions about the most important varieties. From then on,  All you have to do now is move from theory to practice. , which, let's face it, is  even more  captivating!

Cheers and see you soon at  The Illuminated Cellar  !