Imagine being offered a chilled glass of wine after a long day at work. We’re pretty sure, you would say “hell yes!” Let’s be honest, you aren’t alone! While the majority enjoys this delicious drink, not everyone wonders what exactly makes different wines so special. If you’re one of those nerds who loves to know what goes into their drinks, then we’ve got you covered. Here’s a beginner’s guide to 8 popular wine grapes, to know your drink better (wine edition).
A Beginner’s Guide to 8 Popular Wine Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Grenache
- Pinot Noir
- Malbec
- Syrah/Shiraz
- Sangiovese
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Meet the Christiano Ronaldo of wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon which is a red grape variety. You must’ve heard of the saying “age like fine wine”, well this holds absolutely true in the case of this grape. The more it ages, the mellower it gets. Unlike other wines screaming for attention, this one can seduce you just with its subtleties. All you need to do is get a whiff of its aroma and taste its flavors.
Since this grape is grown worldwide, it can have different looks and flavors depending on the climate. Commonly, getting a taste and aroma of Cabernet would be like tasting a little of blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, or raisin, with notes of coffee, chocolate, earth, and herb. It won’t be a surprise if you’re craving a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon after reading about these flavors, because the feeling is mutual.
Top Producers: Bordeaux, Chile, Argentina, California, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Goes Well With: Grilled or roasted fatty meats, salmon, or pasta with sauces including mushrooms or olives (an exceptional match).
Also Read: 8 Of The Best And Affordable Port Wines In India
2. Merlot
Just when the world thought it found the best wine in the world with Cabernet Sauvignon, came Merlot to give it tough competition. This one is a black grape variety with an ink-blue skin. Here’s a fun fact, the name Merlot comes after the French word “merle” meaning blackbirds who love to eat grapes off the vine.
Talking of Merlot’s taste, it has a more fruity character. So it’s natural if a sip of Merlot made you think of plums, summer fruits, and spice, with tinges of vanilla. In terms of looks, if it’s purple-ish in color it’s produced using the New World (international) style and will be lighter if it’s produced using the traditional methods of Bordeaux. Though it’s one of the most expensive wines, it’s a pretty friendly grape to blend with other wines to reduce their harshness and tannins.
Top Producers: Chile, California, Bordeaux, and Australia.
Goes Well With: Chicken, light meats, and heavy meats loaded with cheese.
Also Read: Best Champagne Brands In India
3. Chardonnay
Another A-lister to join the club is Chardonnay. It’s one of the most grown grapes in the world, and the fact that it is easier to grow and care for could explain why. If you’re someone who’s a fan of something mild, then Chardonnay could be your drink!
For someone who’s looking for a cheaper version of champagne, Chardonnay could be your partner in disguise. Well, not in taste but definitely in looks as it has a yellow-gold hue. If grown in cool climates, the grape gives flavors of pear and apple. In the case of warm temperatures, you’ll be able to taste more melon, peach, and citrus.
Top Producers: New Zealand, South Africa, California, Burgundy, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile.
Goes Well With: Seafood, chicken, pork, lemon zest, and cheeses.
Also Read: 7 Best Fruit Wine Brands To Buy In India
4. Grenache
Another popular and most-grown variety of grapes to make it to this list is Grenache. This black grape is a tad bit slow in ripening because it requires hot and dry temperatures. So give it a heat challenge, and this grape will only come out turning sweet and winning!
The fact that this grape wine looks pale, makes it a perfect match to blend with heavier reds and make them brighter. Grenache has a sweet and fruity flavor to it and gives off the aromas of spices like cinnamon and pepper, and sweet red fruits. With an earthy touch, Grenache could take you away from the real world with just one sip!
Top Producers: Spain, Languedoc, Australia, Southern Rhône, Southern France, and Roussillon.
Goes Well With: Pick any spicy dish and pair it up with a glass of Grenache to cut off the heat.
Also Read: Citrus Cocktails To Try This New Year
5. Pinot Noir
The name Pinot Noir is the French code for “pine” and “black”. Honestly, it only makes sense as the grape is a black grape variety and grows in a cone-shaped cluster giving it the shape of an upside-down pine tree.
It’s one of the most difficult grapes to grow and make wine with, as many times the fruit traps its moisture eventually making it rot. Now we all know who’s the president of the self-destruction club. With its pale red color, you might confuse it for a cranberry soda, but as it ages it grows brown. A flavorful mix of cherry, chocolate, toast, ripe red fruit, and spice is what awaits you in a typical glass of Pinot Noir.
Top Producers: Burgundy, Australia, USA, Chile, and New Zealand.
Goes Well With: A light companion to rich meats, chicken, and seafood.
Also Read: How To Store Wine Properly
6. Malbec
Next on the list is what is considered an Argentinian variety. Malbec is a dark purple grape and needs more sun exposure than cold. If you’re looking for a drink that takes you back in time with each sip, then Malbec is the perfect companion.
Wines made of the Malbec grape variety are known for their earthy richness. It’s a complete package of flavors like plum, pepper, cherry, and other dark berries. Get a taste of this wine, and you’ll wish to be in a movie scene where you sit by the fireplace reading a leather-bound book.
Top Producers: Argentina and Cahors.
Goes Well With: Mexican, Thai, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines. Especially roasted meats, barbequed pork, and dishes with rich Italian tomato sauces.
Also Read: Spicy Cocktails To Try Right Now
7. Syrah/Shiraz
Shiraz and Syrah are the names of the same grape variety. What makes Shiraz stand out from Syrah is that it’s produced using New World methods, which completely gives its taste a modern touch! It’s a versatile grape that easily molds as per the climate, and produces delicious juice and wine.
Just like its name, it comes with an exotic and rich flavor too. When it comes to its taste it’s more fruity with a pinch of spice. If you close your eyes and take in its aroma, you can get the rich fragrance of blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, licorice, and black pepper. Shiraz can be a great drink to serve at one of those luxury parties, where everyone dresses up elegantly and judges each other with each sip of wine.
Top Producers: Northern & Southern Rhone, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
Goes Well With: Roasted or grilled meats, steak, cheese, and Middle Eastern foods.
Also Read: The Best Foods To Pair With Red Wine
8. Sangiovese
Sangiovese is like a magic wand that turns anything ordinary into something spectacular! That’s right, it’s used as a base of many wines, special shoutout to Chianti. No doubt it’s among Italy’s most beloved wine grape varieties.
The wine produced from the Sangiovese grape variety has a gorgeous red body. When it comes to taste, it can vary from anywhere between fruity and round to earthy and rustic. While we’re still on flavors, the end product has some evident flavors of cherry and slight notes of tomato.
Top Producers: Italy, Australia, Chile, USA, Romania, and Argentina.
Goes Well With: Pasta or pizza with tomatoes and herbs, buttered vegetables, and aged cheeses.
Also Read: How To Open A Wine Bottle Without A Corkscrew
Summing Up
Now that you know of these 8 popular wine grape varieties, you’re now ready to flaunt your knowledge in front of your friends. If you’re really into it and don’t mind the effort, maybe try your hand at making a wine of your choice at home!
FAQs
What Are The 9 Noble Grapes?
The 9 noble red variety grapes are Pinot Noir, Malbec, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebiolo, and Tempranillo.
What Wine Is Best For Beginners?
Some of the best wines for newbies are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What Is The Rarest Grape?
One of the rarest grape varieties in the world is the Caberlot. It is a combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and is a variety grown over only 2 hectares in the world.
What Is The Smoothest Wine To Drink?
If you’re looking for a smooth wine, then Pinot Noir, Grenache, Trousseau, Gamay, and Poulsard are the perfect options for you.
What Are The 5 S’s For Wine?
To get the most out of a glass of wine, you need to follow the 5 holy steps: see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor.
Should Wine Be Refrigerated?
Yes, it is always best to refrigerate an open wine bottle be it white or red. This helps in delaying oxidation and helps the best to preserve its original flavor.
What Is The Healthiest Color Grape?
Some black variety grapes are rich in antioxidants as compared to red and green grapes. This helps in preventing cell damage in your body and protects it against many diseases.
How Many Types Of Grapes Are There For Wine?
There are more than 10,000 grape varieties in the whole world, but only a few are known to be popular.
