Understanding The Most Popular Wine Grape Varieties

21 FEB 2024

Credit: Google Images

Credit: Google Images

Cabernet Sauvignon

It was Bordeaux wines that first made this French variety famous. However, Cabernet Sauvignon can now be found worldwide, including in regions like China and Lebanon. This is a rich, full-bodied red wine grape, with an intense flavour and aroma.

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Merlot

Despite being overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux’s “other” variety produces outstanding, aged wines. There is nothing more boisterous or refined than the flavours of cherry fruits in Merlot.

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Airén

The Airén grape variety is mainly found in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, where vines are planted far apart to cope with the arid climate. It is not a grape in common parlance in the UK but it is estimated to be the third most planted grape in the world.

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Chardonnay

Originally from Burgundy, France, this white wine is aged in oak barrels (barriques). The oak-ageing process makes Chardonnay one of the boldest white wines in the world. Explore Oastbrook’s Chardonnay

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Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the most cultivated and most coveted red grape variety in Spain. In addition to rosé and red varieties, it is perhaps best known for its most famous regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

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Syrah also known as Shiraz

Originally from the Northern Rhone region of France, it has since become one of the most famous wines in Australia.

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Sauvignon Blanc

The French word ‘Sauvignon’ means ‘wild’ or ‘untamed,’ which describes the white grapevines found around the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. As Cabernet Sauvignon’s parent grape, Sauvignon Blanc is becoming more widely recognised as a brilliant grape to use in wine making.

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Trebbiano Toscano

It’s another grape on the top Italian wine list, primarily used to make Balsamic vinegar or French brandy. The grape is called ‘Ugni Blanc’ in Cognac.

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Pinot Noir

This red wine grape is quickly becoming popular worldwide. It’s known for its red fruit flavours and floral aromas. France, Burgundy, Oregon, New Zealand and of course England are among its preferred climates. Explore Oastbrook’s Pinot Noir or read more about Pinot Noir Clones

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Garnacha or Grenache

Red wine from Garnacha has high-toned aromas of red and blackberries. While the grape lacks tannin, it makes up for it with zingy acidity and elevated alcohol content. The grape blends exceptionally well with Syrah and Monastrell/Mouvedre/Mataro.