The Wine Tours Project

Wine Grapes and Styles

Here are some of the most well known grapes and wine sytles. Send additions to styles@wine-tours.com.

Wine Grapes

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

[RED]
The most popular red wine. A naturally full-bodied wine that holds up well. It is found almost everywhere in the world, often blended to contribute its own stronger character.

CHARDONNAY

[WHITE]
The most popular white wine, Chardonnay makes a consistently good wine. This is an amazingly versatile grape that grows well in a variety of locations throughout the world, with Australia most recently jumping on the bandwagon.

CHENIN BLANC

[WHITE]
Often used for blending, though it has a wide veriety of uses, you won't often find it bottled on its own.

FUME BLANC

[WHITE]
see Sauvignon Blanc

GAMAY

[RED]
Where Beaujolais comes from. Low in alcohol with high acidity, often opened soon after bottling, such as the Beaujolais Nouveau.

GEWRZTRAMINER

[WHITE]
A mouth full, this grape does best in cool climates and may be left on the vine until snow accumulates, producing rich late harvest wines.

MERLOT

[RED]
Merlot is often used as a blending wine, though it is enjoying increasing popularity on its own. Regularly mellower than Cabernet's, the Merlot's may be considered light wines .

MUSCAT

[WHITE]
Has strong spice and floral flavors, used to add body to weaker wines. In Italy this grape is used often, for anything from a sweet sparkling wine to blends.

PINOT GRIGIO

[WHITE]
Another Italian favorite, very light.

PINOT NOIR

[RED]
A very environmentally sensitive grape. California and Oregon mostly produce excellent Pinot Noir wines. The grape can, however, produce off-tasting drinks.

RIESLING

[WHITE]
A German grape susceptible to Botrytis cinerea produces late-harvest and sweet dessert wines. Second only to Chardonnay in some places, the top producer in many cooler environments.

SEMILLON

[WHITE]
Often blended and aged with Sauvignon. Sauternes are made from such a blend. Generally, though, not as popular as other white wines.

SYRAH or SHIRAZ

[RED]
May age successfully for an extremely long period of time (e.g. decades). Often found in blends, is becoming popular in its own right. Very easy to grow, second only to Cabernet. Known for its complexity .

ZINFANDEL

[RED]
A widely planted red grape in California used to make white Zinfandel, a blush sweeter wine. Zinfandel the red is used for blending with other grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon. Zinfandel's popularity fluctuates, and is a challenge to grow.

Wine Styles

Table Wines

Ports

Sherries

Ice Wines

Late Harvests

Sauternes

Sparkling Wines

Other Wines