Wine Varietals
Explore the diverse world of wine grapes and the regions they thrive in.
White
Albarino, a very thick-skinned grape, is widely planted in northwest Spain and in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal. It is considered by many to be Spain’s best white grape variety. Albarino combines Viognier’s rich aromatics and apricot and...
Red
Barbera results in refreshing wines with high acid levels and low tannins. Similar to Dolcetto, the best Barbera originates from Italy’s Piedmont region. With little to no oak and moderate ripeness, Barbera results in a fresh and spicy wine that...
Red
Cabernet Franc, one of the five official Bordeaux varieties, often comes across as a lighter, softer, spicier and more herbaceous version of Cabernet Sauvignon and is routinely used as a blending grape. For those interested in more of an old...
Cabernet Sauvignon is a hybrid offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc and is one of the five classic Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot). Cabernet Sauvignon often displays dark fruit flavors...
White
Chardonnay is to white wine as Cabernet Sauvignon is to red wine. Chardonnay is a very versatile and popular grape that is planted in both warm and cool climates throughout the world with Burgundy’s Chablis, Macon, Pouilly-Fuisse, Montrachet,...
White
Chenin Blanc, a native of France’s Loire Valley, is able to grow in several different soil types and in climates that are too hot for many other varieties. It is also a dependable producer and, as a result, has traditionally been used in the U.S....
Red
The thin-skinned Dolcetto produces a well structured, light to medium-bodied wine with bright fruit flavors and significant peppery spiciness. The grape is widely planted in the Piedmont region of Italy, and similar to Beaujolais Nouveau from...
White
Gewurztraminer is a Traminer clone known for its spicy and perfumed “Gewurz” aromatics. It is a thick-skinned grape that does best in moderately cool climates such as France’s Alsace region where extended hang times can produce ripe grapes with...
Red
Grenache, similar to Sangiovese, can be produced in a wide range of styles. One of the most common characteristics of Grenache is its spicy, red fruit flavors. Although Grenache is highly productive and can be grown in a wide range of climates,...
Red
Malbec, one of the five classic Bordeaux varietals and the principle grape of Cahors, produces wines that range from fruity and spicy to rich and powerful. Malbec is commonly used as a blending grape except in Argentina where it's exceptional...
White
Marsanne is widely planted in France’s Rhone Valley and is used to produce medium to full bodied wines with low acidity. Marsanne balances a spicy minerality with pear, honey, almond and citrus flavors. As Marsanne ages it becomes more complex...
Red
Merlot is one of the five classic Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot), and is the foundation for high quality wines produced in the St. Emilion and Pomerol regions of France. During the 1990s and...
Red
Mourvedre originated in Spain and is a thick skinned, hot climate grape that results in wines with mouth drying tannins and deep, dark colors. Mourvedre’s herb and spice flavors are typically much more pronounced than its fruit flavors. These...
Red
In many ways (tannins, body, acidity) Nebbiolo is nearly Pinot Noir’s opposite. But in regards to the difficulty in working with, Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir are nearly identical. Both varieties present numerous challenges to both viticulturalists...
Red
Considered by many to be America’s best native grape, although there are indications that it is actually a French-American hybrid, Norton is a hardy grape that flourishes in areas where vitis vinefera can’t be grown. Cynthiana is generally...
Red
Petite Sirah’s small berries result in well-structured wines with dark color, firm tannins and good acidity that allow for years of aging. In addition to black fruit flavors, Petite Sirah often displays strong black pepper, bacon, brown sugar and...
Red
Petit Verdot, one of the five classic Bordeaux blending grapes, is a very late ripening grape that can only reach full ripeness in a limited number of regions. It is characterized by its heavy tannins, deep color and spicy flavors. Because of its...
White
Pinot Blanc is a genetic mutation of Pinot Gris and, as a result, Pinot Noir. The grape is usually used to make medium- to full-bodied white wines with good acidity. The grape is popular in the Alsace region of France and in Germany and Italy....
Pinot Gris’ diverse styles and years of being associated with neutral Italian Pinot Grigio continues to present a challenge for Pinot Gris vintners. Pinot Gris is a white variant of Pinot Noir and is primarily grown in northern Italy, southern...
Red
While Cabernet Sauvignon has long enjoyed the title of America’s most-prized red wine, Merlot and Pinot Noir continue to battle each other for the runner up position. By most accounts, Pinot Noir, with the help of the 2004 movie Sideways, has...
White
Riesling, a cool-climate native of Germany, is known for its wide range of styles and ability to represent its place of origin (terroir). Ranging from citrusy and bone dry to sweet, honeyed and floral, Riesling is renowned for its rich fruity...
White
Roussanne is a warm climate varietal widely planted in France’s Rhone Valley and known for its minerality and bracing acidity. Requiring a long, warm growing season to reach optimal ripeness, Roussanne can result in thin and tart when it is not...
Red
Sangiovese is one of Italy’s most famous grapes and is the variety used to produce Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Similar to most varieties, vineyard and winemaking practices have a significant impact on the final style of wine produced;...
White
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the primary white grapes in Bordeaux (usually as part of a blend) and is normally bottled as a single variety in the Loire regions of Pouilly Fume and Sancerre in eastern France. In addition, in the Sauternes and Barsac...
White
Semillon, famous for its use in the sweet wines of Sauternes, is grown throughout France and produces full-bodied wines with relatively low acidity. It is susceptible to the naturally occurring mold botrytis, or noble rot, and is the primary...
Red
Syrah is the workhorse of the Rhone Valley in France. Syrah is the sole variety used in northern Rhône wines and is the primary grape used in most southern Rhône blends. The grape is called Shiraz in Australia and South Africa and by some U.S....
Red
Depending on viticulture and winemaking practices, Tempranillo can produce wines that range from light and lively to dark and tannic. This thick skinned, early ripening – Tempranillo stems from temprano which means early - grape grows in both...
White
Traminette is a cross of the French American hybrid Seyval and the German Gewurztraminer, and was designed to be resistant to fungal disease and cold tolerant. Traminette wines can be made either dry or off-dry.
White
Vignoles is a hybrid cross of Seibel 690 and Pinot de Corton. Vignoles can be made into several different styles but is commonly used for off-dry dessert wines.
White
Viognier, a northern Rhone grape, is relatively small and produces full-bodied, rich wines with pronounced floral aromatics and low acidity. When fully ripe, Viognier often has high alcohol levels which contribute to a rich, creamy mouth-feel....
Red
Zinfandel’s versatility and the immense popularity of White Zinfandel in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s leaves many people wondering how many types of Zinfandel actually exist. The truth is that the red Zinfandel grape can be used to produce...