Sommelier 101: Grape Varietals

Welcome, friends! We are continuing in our Sommelier 101 series! A series for the budding sommelier and wine enthusiast. Knowing grape varietals is key to understanding the rich diversity of wines worldwide. While thousands of grape varietals exist, here are the top 25 you should know to deepen your appreciation of the art and science of winemaking.

1. Cabernet Sauvignon
   

   Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the “king of red grapes.” This varietal is known for its robust tannins, full body, and flavors of dark fruit, such as black currant and blackberry, with hints of cedar and green pepper. Originating from Bordeaux, it’s a staple in blends and single-varietal wines worldwide.

2. Merlot
   

   Another classic from Bordeaux, Merlot is softer and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers flavors of plums, black cherries, and herbs, with a velvety texture and fewer tannins. Merlot is widely planted and forms the backbone of many red blends.

3. Pinot Noir
   

   Pinot Noir is a delicate and complex varietal, producing wines that range from light and fruity to earthy and nuanced. It is highly expressive of its terroir, with flavors of red berries, cherries, and spices. Burgundy in France is the most renowned region for Pinot Noir.

4.  Syrah/Shiraz
   

   Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia, this grape offers a wide range of styles from spicy and peppery to rich and fruity. Syrah wines can be bold, with flavors of blackberries, blueberries, and notes of black pepper and chocolate.

5. Zinfandel
   

   Zinfandel is a versatile grape that produces both robust red wines and lighter, sweeter rosés known as White Zinfandel. Its red wines are known for their high alcohol content and flavors of jammy red and black fruits, spice, and sometimes a smoky finish.

6. Chardonnay
   

   As the most popular white wine grape, Chardonnay can vary significantly depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. It can produce rich, buttery, and oak-aged wines or crisp and mineral-driven styles. Common flavors include apple, pear, citrus, and vanilla.

7. Sauvignon Blanc
   

   Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright acidity and vibrant flavors of green apple, lime, and gooseberry, with herbaceous notes of grass or bell pepper. It’s a key varietal in France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux and is also famous in New Zealand.

8. Riesling
   

   Riesling is a highly aromatic and versatile grape that can produce wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. It is characterized by its high acidity and flavors of green apple, apricot, and honey. Germany is the heartland of Riesling production.

9. Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
   

   Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy and Pinot Gris in France, this grape produces light, crisp wines with flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear. In Alsace, Pinot Gris wines are richer and spicier.

10. Sangiovese
    

    The primary grape in Chianti and other Italian wines, Sangiovese is known for its high acidity, firm tannins, and flavors of red cherries, violets, and herbs. It’s the most widely planted grape in Italy.

11. Tempranillo
    

    Tempranillo is Spain’s flagship grape, producing wines with flavors of red fruits, tobacco, leather, and vanilla. It is the dominant grape in Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines.

12. Malbec
    

    Originally from France, Malbec has found a new home in Argentina, where it produces inky, full-bodied wines with flavors of blackberries, plums, and chocolate. Malbecs are known for their smooth tannins and dark color.

13. Grenache/Garnacha
    

    Known as Grenache in France and Garnacha in Spain, this grape produces wines with flavors of red fruit, spice, and a hint of earthiness. It is often used in blends, such as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Rioja.

14. Nebbiolo
    

    Nebbiolo is the grape behind Italy’s Barolo and Barbaresco wines. It is known for its powerful tannins, high acidity, and complex flavors of roses, tar, cherries, and truffles.

15. Barbera
    

    Another Italian staple, Barbera is characterized by its high acidity, low tannins, and flavors of red cherries, plums, and spices. It is widely grown in the Piedmont region of Italy.

16. Viognier
    

    Viognier is a white grape known for its aromatic qualities, producing wines with flavors of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. It is often found in the Rhône Valley of France and is used in both single varietal and blended wines.

17. Chenin Blanc
    

    Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape that can produce everything from dry to sweet wines, and even sparkling wines. Its flavors range from green apple and pear to honey and quince. It is a key varietal in the Loire Valley of France.

18. Gewürztraminer
    

    Gewürztraminer is known for its aromatic qualities and exotic flavors of lychee, rose petals, and spices. It produces both dry and sweet wines and is a specialty of the Alsace region in France.

19. Mourvèdre
    

    Also known as Monastrell in Spain, Mourvèdre produces full-bodied wines with flavors of dark fruits, herbs, and gamey notes. It is commonly blended with Grenache and Syrah in the Southern Rhône.

20. Cabernet Franc
    

    Cabernet Franc is a parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon and is known for its medium body, high acidity, and flavors of red berries, herbs, and green pepper. It is often used in Bordeaux blends and is also made as a single varietal wine.

21. Albariño
    

    Albariño is a white grape from the Rías Baixas region of Spain, known for its high acidity and flavors of citrus, melon, and stone fruits. It is a refreshing wine, often enjoyed with seafood.

22. Gruner Veltliner
    

    Gruner Veltliner is Austria’s signature white grape, producing wines with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple, white pepper, and herbs. It is a versatile grape, capable of producing both light, fruity wines and fuller-bodied styles.

23. Tannat
    

    Tannat is a red grape known for its high tannins and robust structure. It produces wines with flavors of black fruit, smoke, and spice. Tannat is the national grape of Uruguay and is also grown in France’s Madiran region.

24. Carménère
    

    Originally from Bordeaux, Carménère is now primarily grown in Chile. It is known for its deep color, soft tannins, and flavors of red fruits, green pepper, and spices.

25. Semillon
    

    Semillon is a white grape often used in blends, particularly in Bordeaux, where it is paired with Sauvignon Blanc. It produces wines with flavors of citrus, apple, and honey, and can age well to develop complex, nutty characteristics.

Explore Beyond the Classics

While these 25 grape varietals form the foundation of many great wines, there are over 10,000 different grape varietals cultivated around the world, each with unique characteristics and flavor profiles. From lesser-known gems like Touriga Nacional and Aglianico to hybrid varietals, the world of wine is vast and endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re sipping on a classic Cabernet or exploring the depths of a new discovery, every glass is an invitation to explore and enjoy the endless diversity of grape varietals. Come visit us at our location in Ozark, MO, and browse our wine collection. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to help guide you through your journey to finding the perfect wine. We also want to invite you to join our Cellar Society! This wine club was created to make learning about wine easy, fun, and approachable. We know that the wine world is hard to navigate on your own, so join us and we will navigate it together with fellow wine lovers to expand your palette and enjoy some delicious food along the way. Sip, Smoke, Savor friends, and we’ll see you soon!