Wine Varietals

Worldwide there are over 10,000 varieties of grapes. Of those only about 180 types impart the qualities of flavor and aroma to become finished wine. The natural genetics of a particular variety of grape along with unique soil type, climate and environmental characteristics of the growing region impacts the ultimate quality and distinctive flavors and aromas.

For example, Chardonnay is a classic and elite white wine grape. Its most famous growing region is Chardonnay France but is also grown in other areas of the world including California in the U.S. and in Australia. When grown in cooler climates, Chardonnay grapes produce an abundance of fruit-type flavors such as apple, pineapple and frequently a hint of peach. In warmer areas the fruit flavors are diminished in favor of honey, vanilla and hints of roasted flavors. Some will impart coconut, pear, almond, hazelnut and even a slight butter flavor.

Common White Grape Varietals		Common Red Grape Varietals
Chardonnay (shar-dohn-nay) Gewüztraminer (gah-vertz-trah-mee-ner) Muscat (moos-kaht) Reisling (rees-ling) Sauvignon Blanc (soh-veen-yown-blahnk) Sémillon (say-mee-yohn)		Cabernet Sauvignon (cab-er-nay soh-veen-yohn) Gamay (gah-may) Grenache (greh-nahsh) Merlot (merh-loh) Pinot Noir (pee-noh-nwahr) Sangiovese (san-gee-oh-vay-see) Syrah/Shiraz (see-rah) Zinfandel (zin-fan-del)