With over 1,300 grape varieties worldwide it can be hard to choose. From traditional, noble varieties to something completely new it is best to know the grapes’ characteristics to truly enjoy your wine.
Merlot, one of the most widely planted and loved grape varieties globally, holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts and winemakers alike. Known for its role in some of the world’s most prestigious wines, particularly from Bordeaux, Merlot’s adaptability and approachable nature make it a star in both the vineyard and the glass.
Read MoreA wonderful variety that was almost lost to the world….
Read MoreAlso commonly called Viura in Rioja and Macabeu or Maccabéo in France
Macabeo is a white variety popular in Spain. It is most commonly used for producing dry and sparkling wines but can occasionally produce sweet wines.
Read MorePart of the famous GSM blend, Mourvèdre is used to make highly tannic and full-bodied wines. It needs lots of heat to ripen properly but can make very age-worthy wines.
Read MoreChenin Blanc is a very versatile grape variety that can produce wines at a range of sweetness levels and sparkling wine. Equally, the quality level can also range significantly. There are two key countries for Chenin Blanc, France, specifically the Loire Valley and South Africa.
Read MoreGrenache is an interesting variety. It is full of bright fruit flavours and floral notes. It is grown throughout the world creating a range of styles most commonly red and rosé
Read MoreA grape by many names…
Read MoreA great grape with a poor quality reputation. Gamay is hugely underrated in my opinion. Top quality Beaujolais Cru wines cannot only be of outstanding quality but also much more affordable in comparison to other French appellations.
Read MoreThe worlds' most famous red wine grape. Descendant of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Planted in warmer regions as tends to ripen later. Powerful aromas of blackcurrant, and if matured in new oak, aromas of cedar and tobacco can be seen. In youth deep purple in colour, ages well. The grapes are small but thick skinned-high ratio of colour matter and tannins to juice.
Read MoreLying in the shadow of Chardonnay few people know of Burgundy’s second white grape called Aligoté.
Read MoreA highly aromatic grape variety that has the ability to produce outstanding and complex wines. It is deeply coloured, with pink skins making it easy to recognise in the glass. It’s one of the four noble varieties in Alsace and historically has shown great significance.
Read MoreA black grape variety best known in Chile. Phylloxera almost wiped it out but luckily plantings remained.
Read MoreAn extremely well known grape making wines all over the world. Depending on the wine making techniques used it can be very varied in style from fresh, crisp and refreshing to an oaked style often referred to as fume Blanc.
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