There are hundreds of various varietals to explore hailing from every corner of the world. The more well-known, we'll cover to get you up to speed in no time.Varietal is the term used to describe what grape variety was primarily used to make the wine found in the bottle i.e. Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay. Most everywhere in the world except parts of Europe uses this method to identify their wines. These other countries identify their wine by region and winery name. You have to understand, these Europeans are not trying to be different or difficult (they've been doing this longer than most). France for example has had centuries to figure out what grape grows best in different regions. For example, if you're tasting wine from Burgundy and the label mentions nothing hinting at the grape variety, rest assured, it's pinot noir.
Be aware though of regulations per state/region as to what constitutes using a single varietal on the label. For example in California, you only need to use 85% of a single varietal in order to use that name on the label. In Oregon, you must use 90% of the specified grape variety. If a bottle of wine made in these regions doesn't meet the state varietal identification requirements , it is considered to be a blend. Don't dismiss a wine because of this - some of the most complex and intriguing wines are blends. In fact, most wines made today are blends to a certain degree - that what's makes every unique! Alicante Bouschet for example, is grape varietal used predominantly in blending - it gives red wines incredibly dark color and inky qualities. I've tasted chardonnays with semillion grapes blended to impose more fruit-forward qualities. Blends make the combinations endless and new discoveries constant. Blends are a great way to understand a particular wine makers style and understanding their complexities can offer insight into their other wines.
Wine makers can impose their own unique style while making wine. If you were to ask two artists to paint a picture of a dog, I guarantee both paintings will be vastly different. The same applies to wine making. Wine makers can use grapes from the same vineyard and still create very different wines. That's the beauty of wine making and good reason to not dismiss a bottle of wine you have not tried.There are hundreds of grape varietals! Those mentioned below are merely a small selection of the more popular varieties that you'll likely to come across during your travels. Become familiar with these and you'll be off to an incredible start!
White Wines
- Riesling
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Viognier
Blush Wines
- Rose
- White Zinfandel
Red Wines
- Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
- Merlot
- Cabernet
- Syrah/Shiraz
- Petite Syrah
Desert Wines
- Port
- Late Harvest
