Did you know that there are over 10,000 different grape varieties used to make wine around the world?
Don’t worry – we’re not expecting you to know them all, especially because many are particular to certain countries, while others are hybrids.
Jancis Robinson names over 500 of them at jancisrobinson.com.
The majority of wines come from six different grape varieties – four red and two white. They offer hugely different styles and flavours. Here’s a quick look at what to expect, so you’ll know what to watch out for.
Whites
The world’s favourite white grape – probably because it makes so many tasty styles of wine! In France you’ll find lots of apple and lemon flavours, whereas in New World countries like Australia or Chile it takes on a much more tropical feel. If it’s been stored in oak barrels, Chardonnay takes on a gorgeously buttery texture too. Plus it’s really popular for making fizz – just ask top Champagne houses!
Top choice: You’ll think that Collovray & Terrier is twice the price!
Fresh, zesty, citrusy and so refreshing … no wonder it’s our favourite grape in the UK. Grown all around the world, the two main styles come from France and New Zealand. France is all about crisp lemon and lime, whereas New Zealand dials the flavours up a notch and is absolutely bursting with mouthwatering gooseberries, and sometimes a touch of passion fruit. Perfect ‘afternoon in the garden’ stuff!
Top choice: Once you’ve taken your first sip of Sunday Bay you’ll never want your fridge to be without it.
Reds
There’s one thing that everyone says of Cab Sauv – blackcurrants! Whether you’re drinking really pricey Bordeaux from a top Château or one of the fruit-packed bottles from Chile or Australia, you’ll find that intense blackcurranty flavour. Cabernet Sauvignon loves ageing in oak barrels too, so you’ll sometimes get flavours of vanilla, cedar and spice. And it’s one of the most reliable buys you’ll find!
Top choice: The Comeback King will show you exactly what we mean about that blackcurrant!
Soft, velvety, and plummy … that’s Merlot! You’ll often find a rich, indulgent texture, and you’ll always find juicy fruit by the bucketload, so it’s dangerously drinkable – and dangerously moreish. South Africa and Chile do some great value examples, but it’s also one of the main grapes in Bordeaux, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon for extra flavour.
Top choice: Warning, one glass of The Patriot’s Merlot will never be enough!
Silky, textured and seductive, Pinot Noir is a grape people really fall in love with – all the more so if they’ve seen the film ‘Sideways’. Light bodied with a beautiful scent and flavours of strawberries and red fruit. It’s a difficult grape to grow, so can be pricey – top Burgundy can fetch thousands … per bottle! Some less expensive (but no less excellent) Pinots come from the South of France, and New Zealand loves it almost as much as Sauvignon Blanc.
Top choice: La Catina Estate is among the best value Pinots you’ll ever find.
Confusing, but these are the same grape. In France it tends to be ‘Syrah,’ and it’s full of blackberries and pepper flavours. Australia makes a very different style and calls it Shiraz. Theirs is as full bodied as wine gets, loaded with rich, black fruit and sometimes even dark chocolate. It’s grown all over the world though, and tends to be labelled based on which style a winemaker has gone for.
Top choice: Yarrunga Field Special Reserve is delectably rich, smooth, full bodied and spicy.
What is your favourite type of wine? Red or White? Let us know your thoughts and tips below!
Leave A Reply