How many grape varieties are there in the world, there are probably thousands of varieties, let's not be intimidated by this number, there are only about 20-30 grape varieties widely planted and popular in the world, isn't it a lot easier? Why did xiaobian take everyone to understand the grape varieties? Because the aroma and characteristics of wine are 90% determined by the grape variety. Therefore, it is very necessary to know some important grape varieties! Here we will list the eight most common and important varieties to give you a first impression of them.
< h1 class= "pgc-h-arrow-right" > white grape variety</h1>
Chardonnay
Chardonnay, also known as Shedonian, Shardonnay, Chardonnay, native to Burgundy, is one of the most famous white grape varieties in the world and is a very outstanding variety. The aroma of Chardonnay itself is not very strong, in fact, it is relatively light and malleable. It can be well combined with oak to express good oak flavor; it can also be well combined with wine puree to express a harmonious yeast flavor; it can also well express the faint mineral taste of the land where it grows.
Chardonnay is very adaptable, performing well in both cold and hot regions, but in different climatic conditions and different brewing processes, the style is different:
In cold-producing regions, such as chabis in Burgundy, there are usually aromas of green fruits such as green apples, lemons, pears, citrus fruits, and sometimes accompanied by plant flavors such as cucumbers;
In mild-tempered regions, such as most of Burgundy, there is usually an aroma of white stone fruits such as peaches, citrus fruits, and melons;
In tropical regions, such as most new world regions, there are usually aromas of some tropical fruits, such as peach, banana, pineapple, and even mango and fig;
Sauvignon Blanc
The personality of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes is very obvious and very easy to identify. Usually high acidity, moderate wine body, generally dry type. It has a strong aroma of green fruits and green plants, such as: gooseberry, guava, grass, green pepper, asparagus. Although Sauvignon Blanc can grow in mild climatic conditions, cool climatic conditions are needed if the aromatic properties of its herbs are to be revealed. Sauvignon Blanc is usually not matured in oak, as the most classic style of Sauvignon Blanc is a clear plant flavor, a green fruit flavor and a high acidity taste. But there are also a few areas where oak is matured, such as the California region (Sauvignon Blanc is called Pak Blanc in the United States). Most Sauvignon Blanc are not suitable for long-term aging in bottles, and although its high acidity allows it to be preserved, it loses its original alluring freshness. Sauvignon Blanc is also often used to blend sweet white wines to increase acidity.
Riesling
Riesling grape variety is a white grape variety with a strong aroma, its aroma can be described as fragrant, with a variety of fruit, flower aromas. No matter where Riesling is grown, or what style it is brewed into (dry, semi-sweet, sweet), the aroma and characteristics of the variety are more obvious and easier to identify. However, in different types of soils and different climatic conditions, the characteristics of the varieties are not the same, and Riesling can also show the nuances of different vineyard locations.
In cool regions, when the fruit is harvested when it is normally ripe, the wine is made with aromas of green fruits and flowers, such as green apples, grapes, green lemons, fragrant leafy grasses, etc.
In temperate regions, wines are produced with more citrus and stone fruit aromas, such as limes and peaches. During the growth process, the sugar accumulation is slower, and the acidity can be retained very well. Therefore, harvesting is often postponed, and the aroma of the wine stone fruit and tropical fruits is more obvious, such as peach, apricot, pineapple, mango and so on.
Riesling is susceptible to noble rot, so Riesling is also used to make very high-quality noble rot, especially in Germany and Austria.
Due to the extremely high acidity, the aging potential of Riesling white wines is relatively strong, and aged Riesling white wines will have aromas of honey, roasted and smoked oil. To preserve the best fruity aroma, Riesling rarely matures in new oak barrels.
Gewurztraminer
Qiongyao berry is a pink, fragrant white grape variety with a pink peel, one of the most famous aromatic grape varieties in the world, with outstanding characteristics, very easy to identify, and has many wine lovers fans.
Qiong Yao pulp has a distinct lychee flavor in the aroma, in addition to roses, passion fruit, flowers, peaches, apricots, ginger buds, cinnamon aromas. Qiongyao pulp grapes have a high natural sugar content and are usually made into semi-dry white wines with low acidity and sweet and fragrant taste. Qiongyao pulp is more picky about soil and climate, does not like chalky soil, and has low resistance to diseases. It needs to be planted in dry and warm climates, and it will grow vigorously on suitable soil. But it should not be too hot, in hot areas its sugar content will be very high, but the acidity will be very low, not enough to balance the sugar level.
< h1 class= "pgc-h-arrow-right" > red grape variety</h1>
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely grown and well-known grape variety in the world, known as the "King of Red Grape Varieties". Many of the Bordeaux Left Bank listed wines and cult wines in California's Napa Valley are made with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main variety. The variety ripens late, prefers mild or hot climates, and fails to mature in cold climates. Typically, wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are deep in color, abundant in tannins, high in acidity and have great aging potential. Almost the most famous red grape variety on earth, with the potential to make top wines, is the main ingredient in many of the world's top wines, Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the international variety.
Cabernet Sauvignon is very recognizable, with aromas dominated by black fruits (such as black cherries and plums), plant aromas (such as grass and peppers) and roasted aromas (such as tobacco, humidor, vanilla, coffee and smoky flavors).
Merlot
Merlot is also known as Merlot, Merlot, Meilu, and Merlot. Merlot is bordeaux's most popular red grape variety. Merlot is popular because it ripens early, is tender and prolific. It can be used to make delicious and silky wines in large quantities. It can also be widely used as a red wine mixed with other grape varieties to form a mature and balanced red wine.
Merlot is a variety of early ripening, but also durable, Merlot skin is thin, tannin content is low, drink into the mouth has a sweet taste, this is not artificially added sugar, but from the grape itself fruit sweetness, early ripening characteristics make it easier to have the aroma of ripe black fruit, acidity is relatively low. It has a soft taste, and good Merlot often has a velvety soft texture. Therefore, for those who have just met red wine, Merlot is more gentle and amiable.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is known as the "delicate queen" of red grape varieties, whose skin is thin, easy to get sick, and very picky about the growing environment. These tiny grapes ripen late, resulting in delicate aromas, rich and full-bodied wines that are easy to enter and have a slight almond flavor.
With aromas of fresh strawberries and black cherries, when ripe, they reveal complex mushroom and animal fur flavors. Most Pinot Noirs are enjoyed within three to five years, while the best Pinot Noirs are aged in oak barrels with decades of ageing potential. Pinot Noir is a representative variety of delicate and elegant wines, and the pampering of the strict requirements of the climate, soil and terrain has created its delicacy. Forever full of rich fruit aromas, light colors and light tastes, it is very suitable for Asian tastes and also goes well with Chinese cuisine.
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz, also known as Syrah, Shiraz, and Suilexian, is a winemaking red grape variety native to the Rhone Valley of France, known as "Syrah" in France and Shiraz in Australia, and is widely cultivated around the world. Syrah is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon in that the fruit is small, thick in skin, and dark black in color. Wines are produced in deep colour, dark violet or dark black-purple, with medium or high tannins and medium acidity, and are usually full-bodied and firmly structured. In general, it has the characteristics of black fruit (blackberry) and dark chocolate. In temperate regions, flavors of herbs (peppermint, eucalyptus), bacon and spices (black pepper) may be accompanied. In hot regions, there are more sweet spices (licorice, cloves). After aging, the best wines develop complex flavors of animal and plant nature (leather, wet leaves, earth).
Many Syrah wines are treated with oak, aged in oak barrels or with oak chips and strips of oak to add to the oak flavor. These treatments add toasted, smoked, vanilla and coconut flavors to the wine.