Viticulture 101: Everything You Need to Know about Grapes

Everyone has a different hobby. Some people may have hobbies that involve physical engagement, such as sports or exercise. On the other hand, some people’s hobbies are more relaxed and quiet. One perfect example of this is drinking and collecting wine.

Wine itself is an interesting hobby because there are so many to choose from. Furthermore, there are endless possibilities in the types of wine that can be made. However, some aspects of wine make it a pretty complex hobby, such as the grapes. Grapes are the primary ingredient of wine, and there are many variants. It can be a little complicated to decide what should be bought. Regardless, one must be aware of the different types of grapes made into wine, so we’ll discuss them in this article. Read on below to get started.

Categorisation of Table and Wine Grapes

Grapes are grouped into two distinct categories: table and wine grapes.

The most apparent trait about table grapes is that they have thin skin, making them easier to eat. They are also smaller than standard grapes, making them ideal for eating on the go. It’s also worth noting that table grapes can be used as a snack, which many people love.

They have more skin than table grapes when it comes to wine grapes. This makes them unsuitable for eating, but it could have the effect of giving the wine a more distinctive flavour. In addition, it is also true that wine grapes tend to have more polyphenols than table grapes, which is another reason why wine made from wine grapes is more flavourful.

The Most Popular Wine Grapes

It’s worth noting that wine grapes are also grouped into two distinct categories: red wine grapes and white wine grapes. They are grouped as such because of the two types of wine.

Red Wine Grapes

Here are some of the most popular red wine grapes:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape grown in various places globally. It is one of the fastest-growing grapevines, and it can even endure harsh conditions, such as the cold. As a result, the variant is prevalent in the wine industry.

Gamay

Gamay is a grape with a wide range of uses, and it is a common ingredient in many types of wines. The grape is popular in the French wine industry and the United States, and it’s often used in blends.

Grenache

Grenache is a wine grape that’s particularly famous because of its sweet taste despite not having sugar. The finished wine is sweeter, which gives it more flavour. Grenache is also the primary ingredient when making rosé wine.

Merlot

Merlot is perhaps the most popular red wine grape. It’s most primarily from Bordeaux, France, but it’s also grown in other places such as Australia, California, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America. It also has a considerably high alcohol content, unlike other grapes.

Pinotage

Pinotage is a South African variety of grapes used in red wine. The grapes are often used in blends, and they have a very distinct aroma.

Pinot Noir

A close relative of the Pinotage, the Pinot Noir’s difference is that it hails from France. It’s also widely available, making it a famous grape variety in the wine industry.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is another popular red wine grape. It’s found mainly in Italy, and it’s used in the production of Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the country’s most famous wines.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is an Italian variety of grape used in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna to produce the region’s most famous wine, Chianti. It’s also the primary ingredient used when making Brunello di Montalcino.

Syrah

Grown in France and Italy, Syrah grapes are small with thick skins and produce rich wines. Syrah and Grenache are often blended to create a fuller flavour in some cases.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a Spanish grape known for having a high acidity level. It’s also considered a delightful grape, which means it’s easy to drink. The grape is prevalent in Spain, used in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is perhaps the most famous American grape, though it can also be found in other places such as Croatia, Italy, and Mexico. It has a very distinctive flavour and is one of the perfect grapes to make a Bordeaux blend.

White Wine Grapes

Just as with red wine grapes, here are some of the most popular white wine grapes:

Albarino

The Albarino grape is popular in Spain, and it’s used in making Albariño wine, which has a relatively low alcohol content and a high acidity. The wines produced with Albarino are usually bitter because of the high acidity, but the grape has a crisp taste.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay grapes aren’t just one of the most popular white wine grapes but also in the entire wine industry. It’s heavily resilient and can grow in many places globally since it can withstand harsher climates. These grapes are particularly peculiar because they get better with oak ageing, which isn’t typical among white wines.

The best Chardonnay grapes hail from Burgundy and Champagne. However, other countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have also grown them.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a grape used in both white and sweet wine. It’s a French grape grown in South Africa, but the grape produces very different wines depending on the conditions. Like Chardonnay, the Chenin Blanc grape is also known for getting better when aged in oak, giving the wine a better flavour.

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer is another famous German grape grown around the world, including in Germany, France, Italy, and Hungary. The wine produced with this grape is a very aromatic white wine grape known for being spicy yet fruity.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is an Italian grape that can also be found in France. In Italy, the wine produced with this grape is Pinot Grigio, while in France, it’s called Pinot Gris. In general, it’s a very light white wine that goes well with seafood and light meats.

Riesling

Riesling is an outstanding white wine grape, but it’s also quite different from other grapes. It’s a grape with a very distinct taste, perfect for blending. It’s also one of the more popular grape varieties used in sweet wines.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc isn’t just one of the most popular white wine grapes but also one of the most widely grown. It can be found in France, Chile, New Zealand, and California. It has a distinct flavour that makes it an essential ingredient in many blends. To put it differently, Sauvignon Blanc is a prominent grape used in Bordeaux and many other types of wine.

Torrontes

Torrontes is one of the most crucial grape types from Argentina, located in South America. It’s a grape that produces a very fruity wine with a higher acidity than most wines, making it a good choice for white wine blends.

Verdicchio

Verdicchio is a grape from Italy and is typically used to make white wine. The grape is known for being high in sugar, which makes any wine made with it sweeter.

Viognier

Viognier is a grape grown around the world, including in France, Australia, and the United States. The wine made with this grape is typically quite aromatic, which can be suitable for white wine.

Grapes come in a wide variety of colours and tastes, and many types of wine are made with them. As a consumer, you don’t need to memorise all the facts, but it’s important to remember that all wine is made with different grapes. It’s best to experiment with different flavours and varieties of wine before drinking a type regularly.

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