When Grapes Grow Up: Varieties of Grape and Wine

By J. A. Young

That grandmother of elixirs known as wine is made from a wide variety of grapes.  Simply put, a variety of grape produces a distinctive wine and mixing distinctive grape varieties produces still more varieties of wine.  The following article showcases the grape and its many faces as well as the specific wine it becomes.

The Chardonnay grape that produces Chardonnay wine is the most widely planted grape in California.  However, while it is by far the most popular white-wine producing grape, there are others grown.  Still, Chardonnay it is, for many Americans.  The grape is easily grown and easily made into wine.  It also goes great with most meals.

Another white grape that makes for an outstanding white wine is the Sauvignon Blanc popularly grown in California, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and that motherland of wines - France.  This grape produces a wine that is served young.  A good batch may smell like freshly cut asparagus or grass; sometimes it produces aromas of pear, apple, floral or fig.  A less desirable example will serve a more weedy taste.

Although it is not much produced in America, the Reisling grape is one of the finest white wine producers. The Reisling grape holds court in Germany as well as the Alsace region of France where it delights in the cool region, although they are successfully grown elsewhere in the world.  A wonderful bottle will capture a citrus or honey aroma.

For a lovely wine with the aroma of melon, orange blossoms or jasmine, one must meet with France’s Rhone Valley Viognier grape.  This grape has recently been called trendy and is gaining in popularity in that trend-setting state of California, it is a delightful white wine that should not be overlooked - trendy or not.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is an international red-wine producing star.  The wine, of the same name, is also responsible for many of the Bordeaux regions great wines.  It is revered for its full concentration of flavor.  It also ages well.

The Merlot grape also produces wine in its own name, but is blended with others to produce many other internationally acclaimed wines.  Typically, if diners don’t request their glass of “Chardonnay,” they opt for that scarlet brew of “Merlot.” 

The Pinot Noir grape produces many famous wines like Pommard and Volnay - most famously, Burgundy wines.  These grapes are said to embody the true taste of the land and are quite well thought of for this reason.  While their home is decidedly French, they are also grown in California.

Other grapes that produce red wines and blush wines are the Syrah (also know as Shiraz - hailing from Australia and South Africa), Grenache, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinotage, Tempranillo.  The whites and reds listed here do not constitute all grape varieties - merely the very popular ones.  Many grape types are blended together to produce other world class hybrids.  When drinking your next glass of red or white, remember to pay homage to the grape that made it!

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