There are thousands of grape varieties in the world that can make wine. It is said that Italy alone has over 2,000 different selections. And while it is true that the juice of ripe grapes can make wine, there are only a relatively small number that make wine that is both interesting and delicious.
Most of the world's favorite vine varieties were adapted from the French: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. These varieties make up the vast majority of wine grown in the modern vineyards of the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Of course, great wine like Italy's Barolo is made of Nebbiolo, and Chianti is primarily composed of Sangiovese. Spain's great red Riojas are based upon Tempranillo. Many famous regions like Bordeaux and Chateauneuf-du-Pape rely on multiple grape varieties blended together to make their best wines.
The following are a few of the world's most popular grape varieties and the best selling in American stores.
Cabernet Sauvignon
It is also California's most prestigious grape. It makes a dark, tannic wine with flavors of cassis, earth and blackberry.
Merlot
The most popular-selling red wine in American grocery stores, its fat, juicy, black cherry, plum and vanilla fruitiness is adored by everyone.
Pinot Noir
The most haunting red grape of all because of its wine's beautiful aromatics from roses to raspberries, cherries to cranberries and deep red and black cherry flavors. Smelling and drinking a great aged red Burgundy, made from Pinot Noir, is the grandest red wine experience in the world.
Chardonnay
It is a grape that makes a rich, full-flavored dry wine that produces complex aromas of nuts, butter, toast and mushrooms with tastes that range from apple and lemon to peach and melon. It might be the most popular grape in the United States.
Riesling
The greatest of all white grapes, Riesling produces some of the world's finest dry white wines - and some serious sweet wine. It's incredibly aromatic, the flavors resemble green apple when lean and peach and apricot when ripe.
Gewurztraminer
A spicy, reddish-skinned, very perfumey grape with a steely core and an aroma and flavor that uncannily resembles lychee. The great Alsace Gewurztraminers are too aggressive for most foods, but a soft, lightly sweet new-world version makes a fine all-purpose wine.
Find out more here. . . About Grape Varietals | Major Grape Varieties