By
CultX Team
Wine lovers know that behind every exceptional bottle lies not just skilful winemaking but also the unique characteristics of the grape varieties that form its foundation. From ancient vines that date back thousands of years to modern hybrids cultivated for their resilience and quality, understanding grape varieties adds a new dimension to enjoying wine.
This guide explores the Top 100 Wine Grape Varieties, diving into both red and white grapes that dominate the world of wine. Whether you're a casual wine drinker, an enthusiast seeking to expand your knowledge, or an investor navigating fine wine portfolios, this list covers grapes that are as diverse and captivating as the regions they hail from.
For each grape, we’ll explore:
• A brief history of its origin and significance.
• Regions where the grape thrives and contributes to renowned wines.
• The flavour profile and stylistic advantages it brings to wines.
• Examples of notable wines, whether it’s a varietal or part of a blend.
• Alternative names, shedding light on the grape’s cultural journey across countries.
From the celebrated vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy to the volcanic soils of Santorini and the sun-drenched hills of Argentina, this guide highlights grapes that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate wine lovers worldwide.
So, pour yourself a glass, and let’s journey through the vines, exploring the magic behind the world’s most iconic grape varieties.
Red grape varieties are the heart and soul of many of the world’s greatest wines. With their thick skins, diverse tannin structures, and complex flavour profiles, red grapes produce wines that range from light and fruity to bold, structured, and age-worthy.
The magic of red wines lies in their incredible diversity. Grapes like Pinot Noir deliver delicate, ethereal wines bursting with red cherries and earth, while bold, tannic grapes like Nebbiolo or Cabernet Sauvignon craft powerful, cellar-worthy wines that evolve beautifully over decades. Some, like Garnacha (Grenache) and Zweigelt, showcase playful, easy-drinking styles, while others—Tempranillo and Sangiovese—embody the classic traditions of Spain and Italy.
These red grapes thrive in a vast range of terroirs. From Burgundy’s foggy hills to Argentia’s sun-drenched vineyards, their expression changes with the climate, soil, and winemaker’s touch. They also hold fascinating histories, with some grapes tracing their roots back to the ancient world, surviving wars, phylloxera outbreaks, and centuries of cultivation.
For each grape in this list, you’ll discover the key regions where they flourish, the iconic wines they produce, and what makes their flavours unique. Whether they star as single-varietal wines or play a supporting role in a blend, red grapes bring structure, richness, and elegance to our favourite bottles.
Agiorgitiko, often referred to as the "Blood of Hercules," is one of Greece's most celebrated red grape varieties. This versatile grape thrives in the mountainous vineyards of Nemea, where it produces wines ranging from light and fruity to rich and complex. It is known for its deep colour, soft tannins, and flavours of red berries, plums, and warm spices.
Aglianico is an ancient grape native to southern Italy, often called the "Barolo of the South" due to its ability to produce deeply structured, long-lived wines. The grape thrives in volcanic soils and warmer climates, giving wines that are full-bodied with robust tannins and flavours of black fruits, tobacco, and chocolate. Historically, it was brought to Italy by the ancient Greeks.
Alicante Bouschet, also known as Grenache Tintorera, is unique as it is a teinturier grape, meaning its skin and flesh are red. Initially created in France by crossing Grenache and Petit Bouschet, it produces deeply coloured wines with notes of dark fruits, spice, and earthy undertones. It thrives in warm climates.
Alicante Bouschet is a teinturier grape prized for its deeply pigmented flesh, a rarity among red varieties. It was developed in France in the 19th century but found significant popularity in Spain and Portugal. During Prohibition in the United States, its durability during long transportation made it highly sought after. Wines made from Alicante Bouschet are bold and full-bodied, exhibiting flavours of dark berries, plums, and earthy spices.
Barbera is a northern Italian grape celebrated for its versatility and approachable style. Known for its vibrant acidity and rich plum and cherry notes, Barbera has historically been a reliable table wine for locals in Piedmont. It offers good value and a food-friendly profile, with modern expressions showing greater complexity and finesse when aged in oak.
Bobal is a robust and drought-resistant grape native to Spain, particularly thriving in the region of Utiel-Requena. Known for its deep colour, high acidity, and rustic charm, Bobal produces wines with flavours of blackberries, plums, and herbs. It was historically used for bulk wine production, but modern techniques have elevated its status to a premium varietal.
Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger, is a prominent red grape in Central Europe, particularly Austria. It produces medium-bodied wines with lively acidity and flavours of black cherries, plums, and peppery spice. The grape is praised for its ability to reflect terroir, producing elegant wines in cooler climates and richer styles in warmer areas.
Bonarda is a key red grape in Argentina, though its origins lie in France, where it is known as Douce Noir. In Argentina, it produces juicy, fruit-forward wines with notes of black cherries, plums, and violets. While often overshadowed by Malbec, Bonarda is increasingly recognised for its potential to produce high-quality, approachable wines.
Cabernet Franc, a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon, traces its roots back to Bordeaux, where it remains a key blending grape. Known for its medium body, soft tannins, and distinctive herbaceous qualities, it displays flavours of red berries, bell pepper, and subtle spices. In the Loire Valley, it shines as a single varietal.
A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably the most recognised grape worldwide. Known for its thick skin, it produces full-bodied wines with firm tannins and bold flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. It excels in ageing, especially in oak barrels.
Carignan, also known as Mazuelo in Spain, is a high-yielding red grape that thrives in warm, dry climates. Originally from Spain, it became widely planted in southern France. Carignan wines are deeply coloured, with high tannins, bright acidity, and robust flavours of blackberries, liquorice, and pepper. Old-vine Carignan is especially prized for its concentrated flavours.
Carmenère, once a prominent grape in Bordeaux, nearly disappeared after the phylloxera outbreak in the 19th century. It was rediscovered in Chile, where it has since become the country’s signature grape. Carmenère produces medium-bodied wines with soft tannins and notes of green pepper, blackberries, and spice. Its distinct herbal edge makes it unique.
Corvina is a key grape variety native to Italy’s Veneto region, where it plays a prominent role in the production of Valpolicella and Amarone wines. Known for its bright acidity, red cherry flavours, and lighter body, Corvina is often dried to create rich, concentrated Amarone wines. Its ability to balance freshness with complexity makes it highly versatile.
Dolcetto is a native grape of Italy's Piedmont region, prized for producing fresh, fruity, and easy-drinking red wines. Its name translates to "little sweet one," though the wines are typically dry with low acidity and soft tannins. Dolcetto wines are known for flavours of black cherry, liquorice, and almonds, often enjoyed while young and vibrant.
Dornfelder is a modern German grape variety created in the 1950s by crossing Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe. Known for its deep purple hue, the grape produces bold, fruity wines with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and plum. Its soft tannins and balanced acidity make it highly drinkable and versatile, often used in blends or as a single-varietal wine.
Frappato is a light and aromatic red grape from Sicily, where it thrives in warm Mediterranean conditions. Wines made from Frappato are delicate and perfumed, featuring notes of strawberries, raspberries, and floral undertones. Often used to balance heavier Sicilian varieties like Nero d’Avola, it is a staple of the region’s historic Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG blend.
Gamay is most famously associated with Beaujolais in France, where it produces light, fruity, and refreshing wines. Known for its bright acidity and low tannins, Gamay delivers flavours of red cherries, strawberries, and subtle banana notes (in Beaujolais Nouveau styles). In the Beaujolais Cru villages, it takes on greater depth and complexity.
Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, is one of the world’s most widely planted red grape varieties. Originating in Spain, it thrives in hot, arid regions, producing ripe, full-bodied wines with red fruit, spice, and herbal characteristics. Garnacha plays a central role in iconic blends such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat while also shining as a single varietal.
Graciano is a rare and aromatic Spanish grape known for its role in Rioja blends. It provides structure, acidity, and distinctive dark fruit flavours to complement Tempranillo. Wines made with Graciano tend to be deep in colour with vibrant notes of blackcurrant, violet, and spice, making it a highly valued blending partner and a rising star as a varietal wine.
Kadarka is a historic red grape variety native to Eastern Europe, particularly thriving in Hungary and Bulgaria. Known for producing light to medium-bodied wines with bright acidity, Kadarka showcases flavours of red cherries, raspberries, and spicy undertones. It plays a central role in Hungary’s famous Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) blends.
Lambrusco is a family of ancient red grape varieties native to Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. It is primarily used to produce sparkling red wines, ranging from dry to sweet. These wines are typically fresh, fruity, and slightly fizzy, with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and violets. Lambrusco wines are often enjoyed young and chilled.
Malbec originated in southwest France but has found its spiritual home in Argentina, where it thrives in high-altitude vineyards. Known for its deep colour, bold tannins, and plush texture, Malbec delivers flavours of blackberries, plums, chocolate, and violet. While often a blending grape in Bordeaux, it is celebrated as a single varietal in Argentina.
Malvasia Nera is a dark-skinned member of the Malvasia grape family, primarily grown in Italy. It is often used as a blending grape, adding aromatic qualities, soft tannins, and rich red fruit flavours to wines. Malvasia Nera contributes to the production of light, approachable reds and more complex blends, particularly in Tuscany.
Mencía is a Spanish grape variety that thrives in northwest Spain’s cooler, mountainous regions. Known for its elegant, medium-bodied style, Mencía wines feature bright acidity and flavours of red berries, blackcurrant, and floral notes with a mineral edge. It is increasingly recognised for its ability to reflect terroir.
Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, known for its soft texture and approachable style. It originated in Bordeaux, where it plays a key role in the region’s iconic blends. Merlot wines are typically medium- to full-bodied, with flavours of plum, black cherry, chocolate, and subtle herbs.
Mondeuse is a rare red grape native to the Savoie region of France. It produces wines with lively acidity, firm tannins, and a distinct flavour profile of black cherries, violets, and peppery spice. Mondeuse is often compared to Syrah due to its structure and aromatic intensity, but it offers a more rustic charm.
Montepulciano is a key Italian grape variety, particularly prominent in central Italy. Known for its deeply coloured, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins, Montepulciano delivers flavours of blackberries, cherries, and subtle spices. It is widely enjoyed for its accessibility and versatility, particularly in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC.
Mourvèdre, also known as Monastrell in Spain, is a robust red grape that thrives in warm, sunny climates. It produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavours, earthy undertones, and firm tannins. Mourvèdre is a key component of southern Rhône blends, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and is essential to Spain’s rich, rustic wines.
Nebbiolo is one of Italy’s most revered grape varieties, celebrated for its role in producing Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Known for its pale colour yet bold tannins, Nebbiolo develops complex aromas of rose, tar, cherry, and truffle with age. It thrives in the foggy vineyards of Piedmont, delivering elegant and age-worthy wines.
Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most prominent red grape variety, known for producing bold, fruit-forward wines with flavours of black cherry, plum, and spice. Often compared to Syrah, Nero d’Avola thrives in the island’s warm, sunny climate, delivering wines with rich body, smooth tannins, and balanced acidity.
Pais is an ancient grape variety introduced to South America by Spanish missionaries during the 16th century. Once overlooked, it is experiencing a revival, producing light, rustic, and approachable wines with flavours of red berries, earth, and herbs. It is imperative in Chile's winemaking history.
Petit Verdot is a late-ripening grape primarily used as a blending component in Bordeaux wines. Known for its deep colour, bold tannins, and intense flavours, it adds structure, spice, and notes of blackcurrant, violet, and leather to blends. In warmer climates, Petit Verdot shines as a single varietal wine.
Pinotage is South Africa's signature grape variety, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Known for its bold, smoky character and flavours of red berries, plum, and earth, Pinotage produces wines that are unique to South Africa’s terroir. It is used for both single varietal wines and blends.
Pinot Noir is one of the most beloved red grape varieties, known for its elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect terroir. Originating in Burgundy, Pinot Noir produces light- to medium-bodied wines with flavours of red cherries, raspberries, earth, and floral notes. It is also used to produce sparkling wines, including Champagne.
Primitivo, genetically identical to Zinfandel, is a bold and fruit-forward grape variety. Thriving in southern Italy, particularly Puglia, Primitivo wines are known for their ripe blackberries, plums, and peppery spice. It produces robust wines with soft tannins and a rich, velvety texture.
Refosco is an ancient red grape from northeastern Italy, valued for its ability to produce wines with bright acidity and firm tannins. Known for its deep colour and rustic charm, Refosco wines offer flavours of dark cherries, blackberries, and subtle herbal notes, often with a pleasantly bitter finish.
Rondinella is an important Italian grape used primarily in blends for Amarone and Valpolicella wines. It is prized for its resistance to disease and ability to be dried for appassimento-style wines. While rarely used on its own, it contributes bright acidity, fresh cherry notes, and structure to blends.
Sagrantino is a powerful and tannic red grape grown almost exclusively in Italy's Umbria region. Known for its bold structure and high polyphenol content, Sagrantino wines develop complex notes of blackberries, plums, spice, and earthy undertones. It produces long-lived wines with great ageing potential.
Sangiovese is Italy’s most widely planted red grape and the backbone of iconic wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Known for its versatility, Sangiovese wines display bright acidity, medium tannins, and flavours of red cherries, tomatoes, herbs, and subtle spice. It thrives in Tuscany’s rolling hills.
Schiava, also known as Vernatsch, is a light-bodied red grape native to northern Italy. It produces wines that are fresh, fruity, and low in tannins, with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and floral notes. Schiava is traditionally enjoyed young and chilled, making it a popular everyday wine.
Regions: Alto Adige (Italy), Trentino (Italy), Württemberg (Germany)
Examples: Alto Adige Schiava DOC (100%), German Trollinger blends
Alternative Names: Vernatsch (Italy), Trollinger (Germany)
St. Laurent is a highly aromatic and elegant grape believed to be of Austrian origin, closely related to Pinot Noir. Known for its deep colour and vibrant flavours of black cherries, plums, and baking spices, it produces medium-bodied wines with silky tannins. St. Laurent thrives in cooler climates, particularly in Austria and the Czech Republic.
Syrah, or Shiraz, is one of the world’s most celebrated grape varieties, known for its versatility and depth. Originating in France's Rhône Valley, Syrah produces full-bodied wines with bold tannins, dark fruit flavours, black pepper, and smoky undertones. In Australia, it takes on a riper style under the name Shiraz, delivering plush, jammy notes.
Tannat is a robust and tannic red grape native to southwest France but now thriving in Uruguay, where it has become the country’s flagship variety. Known for its firm structure and flavours of blackberries, plums, and dark chocolate, Tannat wines are bold, age-worthy, and rich in antioxidants.
Tempranillo is Spain’s most prominent red grape, celebrated for its role in Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines. It produces medium- to full-bodied wines with balanced acidity, firm tannins, and flavours of red berries, tobacco, and leather. Tempranillo’s ability to age gracefully makes it a cornerstone of Spanish winemaking.
Teroldego is a historic red grape from Italy’s Trentino region, where it produces bold, deeply coloured wines with vibrant acidity and soft tannins. Teroldego wines are known for their intense flavours of blackberries, plums, and a hint of spice, offering a rustic yet elegant profile.
Touriga Franca is a key grape in Portugal’s Douro Valley, primarily used in the production of Port wines and dry reds. It contributes elegance, floral aromas, and red fruit flavours to blends, softening the structure provided by more tannic varieties like Touriga Nacional.
Touriga Nacional is considered Portugal’s finest red grape variety, prized for its role in both Port wines and dry reds. Known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and concentrated flavours of black fruits, violet, and spice, it produces complex, age-worthy wines.
Trincadeira is a hardy Portuguese grape that thrives in hot, dry climates. It produces medium-bodied wines with vibrant acidity and flavours of red berries, herbs, and a hint of earthiness. Often used in blends, Trincadeira adds freshness and complexity to Portugal’s red wines.
Valdiguié is a French grape variety that found a new home in California, where it is often referred to as “Napa Gamay” due to its similarity to Gamay wines. It produces light, juicy wines with bright acidity and flavours of red berries, violets, and subtle spice.
Zweigelt is Austria’s most widely planted red grape, created in 1922 by crossing Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. It produces medium-bodied wines with soft tannins, bright acidity, and flavours of red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of black pepper. Zweigelt is loved for its versatility and drinkability.
White grape varieties bring a sense of elegance, freshness, and purity to wines that make them endlessly versatile and beloved. While they lack the tannic structures of their red counterparts, white grapes shine through their acidity, aromatic complexity, and ability to produce wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.
From the mineral-driven Albariño of Spain to the honeyed richness of Furmint and the zesty, herbaceous charm of Sauvignon Blanc, white grapes capture a remarkable range of styles. Some, like Chardonnay, are celebrated for their adaptability, excelling in both lean, unoaked expressions and creamy, oak-aged styles. Others, like Assyrtiko or Riesling, precisely reflect their terroir, delivering wines that balance acidity with captivating flavours.
White grape varieties are equally at home in cool, foggy climates like Germany's Mosel Valley and warm, sun-drenched regions like South Africa and Australia. Some varieties are ancient, with roots that go back thousands of years, while others are modern innovations crafted to thrive in challenging conditions.
Airén is one of Spain’s most widely planted white grape varieties, valued for its ability to thrive in hot, arid climates. Traditionally used for brandy production, it produces light, neutral wines with subtle flavours of apple, citrus, and hay.
Albariño is a highly aromatic white grape variety native to Spain’s Rías Baixas region. Known for its crisp acidity and refreshing citrus flavours, it produces light- to medium-bodied wines with notes of lemon, green apple, peach, and a subtle salinity reflecting its coastal terroir.
Albillo is a rare Spanish white grape grown in small quantities, particularly in central Spain. It produces aromatic wines with a creamy texture and flavours of pear, melon, and white flowers. Albillo is prized for its ability to balance freshness with richness.
Assyrtiko is a prized white grape native to the Greek island of Santorini, where it thrives in volcanic soils. Known for its high acidity and mineral-driven profile, Assyrtiko produces wines with citrus flavours, saline notes, and exceptional ageing potential. It is often enjoyed as a dry white but also shines in sweet Vinsanto wines.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most versatile and widely planted white grape varieties, capable of producing everything from crisp, mineral-driven wines to rich, buttery expressions. Originating in Burgundy, Chardonnay offers flavours of green apple, citrus, and tropical fruits, with oak ageing adding notes of vanilla and toast.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape originating from France’s Loire Valley. It produces wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, often showcasing bright acidity and flavours of green apple, honey, and quince. It is also widely used to make sparkling wines and is valued for its longevity and ageing potential.
Clairette is an ancient white grape from France’s Rhône Valley, known for its use in still and sparkling wines. It produces light-bodied wines with low acidity and flavours of apple, citrus, and subtle herbs. Clairette is often blended to add freshness and floral notes.
Colombard is a French white grape that was traditionally used in Cognac production but has gained popularity as a fresh, aromatic wine grape. It produces light, zesty wines with flavours of green apple, citrus, and tropical fruits. Colombard is widely grown in southwest France and California.
Cortese is an Italian white grape best known for producing Gavi wines in Piedmont. It is celebrated for its clean, crisp profile, offering refreshing acidity and delicate flavours of green apple, pear, and citrus. Cortese wines are elegant, light-bodied, and food-friendly, perfect for pairing with seafood.
Fiano is an ancient white grape native to southern Italy, particularly Campania. It produces aromatic wines with a rich, textural mouthfeel and flavours of ripe pear, honey, almonds, and floral notes. Fiano’s ability to retain acidity makes it versatile for both fresh and aged expressions.
Garganega is the principal white grape used in Soave wines from Italy's Veneto region. It produces medium-bodied wines with floral aromas, bright acidity, and flavours of citrus, melon, and almonds. Garganega is also used to produce sweet wines like Recioto di Soave.
Gewürztraminer is an aromatic white grape known for its intensely perfumed character. It produces wines with exotic flavours of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits, often balanced by a touch of spice. Depending on the region and style, Gewürztraminer thrives in cooler climates and can range from dry to sweet.
Godello is a white grape native to Spain’s Galicia region, where it produces elegant wines with a balance of bright acidity and subtle richness. Godello wines are known for their minerality and flavours of green apple, citrus, and stone fruits, often with a creamy texture from lees ageing.
Greco is a historic white grape native to southern Italy, particularly Campania. It produces medium-bodied wines with bright acidity and flavours of lemon, pear, and subtle almond notes. Greco wines often have a mineral character, reflecting the volcanic soils in which they grow.
Grenache Blanc is a white mutation of the red Grenache grape, originating in Spain but widely planted in southern France. It produces full-bodied wines with flavours of green apple, citrus, and herbs, often accompanied by a creamy texture. Grenache Blanc adds richness and balance to Rhône-style white blends.
Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s flagship white grape variety, prized for its versatility and fresh, zesty character. Known for its bright acidity, Grüner Veltliner produces wines with flavours of green apple, lime, white pepper, and herbal notes. It pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of foods, including Asian cuisine.
Hárslevelű is a key white grape in Hungary, renowned for its role in Tokaji wines. It produces aromatic wines with flavours of honey, lime blossom, and stone fruits, balanced by crisp acidity. Hárslevelű is often blended with Furmint to create sweet and dry wines with remarkable complexity.
Hondarrabi Zuri is the principal white grape used in the production of Txakoli, the crisp and slightly sparkling wine from Spain’s Basque Country. Known for its high acidity and refreshing profile, it features flavours of green apple, citrus, and subtle saline notes.
Inzolia is an ancient Sicilian white grape valued for its ability to produce fresh, light wines with notes of citrus, green apple, and almonds. It is often used as a blending grape in Marsala wine but also shines as a varietal wine when grown in coastal vineyards.
Jurançon Blanc is a lesser-known white grape variety used predominantly in southwest France. It contributes to fresh and aromatic wines with flavours of citrus, melon, and white flowers. Jurançon Blanc is often blended with other regional grapes to add finesse and structure.
Macabeo, also known as Viura in Rioja, is a versatile white grape grown widely in Spain and southern France. It produces fresh, floral wines with notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle almonds. It is a key component in Cava sparkling wine and Rioja’s white blends, offering structure and balance.
Marsanne is a full-bodied white grape originating from France’s Rhône Valley, often blended with Roussanne. Known for its richness and flavours of pear, melon, and honeysuckle, Marsanne wines can age beautifully, developing notes of nuts and beeswax. It thrives in warmer climates, producing wines with a round, textured profile.
Melon de Bourgogne is the white grape behind Muscadet, the famous crisp and mineral-driven wines of France’s Loire Valley. Known for its bright acidity and clean, saline finish, it pairs exceptionally well with seafood. Melon de Bourgogne wines are often aged sur lie, adding texture and complexity.
Moschofilero is a highly aromatic white grape native to Greece’s Peloponnese region. It produces floral, refreshing wines with bright acidity and flavours of citrus, rose petals, and spice. Moschofilero is particularly notable for its versatility, which is used to create still, sparkling, and rosé wines.
Müller-Thurgau is a hybrid white grape created in the late 19th century by crossing Riesling and Madeleine Royale. It produces aromatic, light-bodied wines with gentle acidity and flavours of green apple, peach, and floral notes. Widely planted in Germany, Müller-Thurgau is a staple of easy-drinking wines.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is one of the oldest and most aromatic white grape varieties, producing wines that range from dry to lusciously sweet. Known for its perfumed floral and grapey flavours, it is widely used in sparkling wines like Asti and sweet wines like Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.
Palomino is the primary white grape used in the production of Sherry in Spain’s Andalusia region. It produces neutral wines with low acidity, which makes it ideal for fortified styles. Palomino wines, particularly those aged biologically under flor, develop unique nutty and saline characteristics.
Parellada is a Spanish white grape primarily grown in Catalonia, where it plays a significant role in Cava production. Known for its light body and delicate citrus and floral notes, Parellada adds freshness and elegance to sparkling wines when blended with Macabeo and Xarel·lo.
Petit Manseng is a French white grape known for its thick skin and high acidity, which make it ideal for late-harvest and sweet wines. It produces complex wines with flavours of tropical fruits, honey, and spice, balancing sweetness with lively acidity.
Pinot Blanc is a versatile white grape often overshadowed by its relative, Chardonnay. It produces medium-bodied wines with bright acidity and flavours of green apple, pear, and subtle almond. In Alsace and northern Italy, it is used for both still and sparkling wines, offering crisp, refreshing styles.
Pinot Gris, known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a white grape that produces a wide range of styles. In Alsace, it produces rich, full-bodied wines with notes of pear, honey, and spice. In Italy, Pinot Grigio offers lighter, crisp wines with flavours of green apple and citrus, perfect for summer drinking.
Piquepoul Blanc, or Picpoul, is a historic white grape grown in southern France. It produces bright, zesty wines with crisp acidity and citrus-driven flavours, particularly lemon and green apple. Its refreshing style makes it an excellent pairing with seafood.
Riesling is a noble white grape variety originating from Germany’s Rhine region. Known for its versatility, Riesling produces wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with crisp acidity and aromas of lime, green apple, and petrol. Its ability to reflect terroir makes it highly expressive of its growing region.
Rolle, known as Vermentino in Italy, is a versatile white grape prized for its light, aromatic style. It produces wines with fresh acidity and flavours of citrus, pear, and herbs, often accompanied by subtle saline notes when grown near the Mediterranean coast.
Roussanne is a white grape originating from France’s Rhône Valley, often blended with Marsanne. It produces elegant wines with flavours of pear, apricot, and honey, accompanied by floral and herbal notes. Roussanne’s acidity and structure make it age-worthy, developing complex nutty and waxy characteristics over time.
Sauvignon Blanc is a globally celebrated white grape known for its zesty acidity and vibrant flavours. Originating in France’s Loire Valley, it produces wines with notes of green apple, lime, gooseberry, and grassy herbs. In New Zealand, it takes on tropical fruit flavours, creating a bold and refreshing style.
Sauvignon Gris is a pink-skinned mutation of Sauvignon Blanc, producing slightly richer wines with less overt acidity. Known for its rounded texture and tropical fruit flavours, it retains the herbaceous qualities of Sauvignon Blanc while adding notes of peach and melon.
Savagnin is a rare white grape most famously associated with the Jura region of France, where it is used to produce Vin Jaune, a unique oxidative wine. Known for its nutty, sherry-like notes and bright acidity, it can also be made into fresh, dry wines with citrus and mineral flavours.
Sémillon is a rich, waxy white grape primarily used in Bordeaux’s dry and sweet wines. Known for its low acidity and flavours of honey, citrus, and lanolin, it excels in botrytised wines such as Sauternes. Sémillon also pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc, adding texture and ageing potential.
Sercial is one of the key white grape varieties used in Madeira wine production. It produces the driest style of Madeira, characterised by high acidity and flavours of citrus peel, nuts, and herbs. Sercial wines age gracefully, developing complex and tangy characteristics.
Silvaner is a white grape variety widely planted in Germany’s Franconia and Rheinhessen regions. Known for its subtlety and versatility, it produces medium-bodied wines with soft acidity and flavours of green apple, pear, and herbs. Silvaner is often enjoyed young and fresh but can also shine in dry and late-harvest styles.
Torrontés is Argentina’s flagship white grape variety, producing aromatic wines with intense floral and fruity aromas. Known for its vibrant flavours of peach, citrus, and white flowers, Torrontés thrives in high-altitude vineyards, where its natural acidity balances its perfumed character.
Trebbiano is one of Italy’s most widely planted white grape varieties, known for its high yields and fresh, neutral wines. It produces light-bodied, zesty wines with flavours of citrus, apple, and subtle herbs. Trebbiano is also used in brandy production, particularly in Cognac and Armagnac.
Treixadura is an aromatic white grape native to northwest Spain and northern Portugal. It produces elegant, medium-bodied wines with bright acidity and flavours of citrus, green apple, and floral notes. Treixadura is often blended to add finesse and structure to regional whites.
Verdelho is a white grape originating from Portugal’s Madeira islands, traditionally used for fortified wines. In recent years, it has gained popularity for producing vibrant, dry wines with flavours of citrus, tropical fruits, and herbal notes. Verdelho’s lively acidity makes it refreshing and food-friendly.
Verdicchio is a historic Italian white grape grown primarily in the Marche region. Known for its crisp acidity, delicate minerality, and flavours of green apple, lemon, and almond, Verdicchio produces elegant and refreshing wines. Its longevity also allows it to develop greater complexity with age.
Vermentino is a light and aromatic white grape that thrives in coastal Mediterranean regions. It produces refreshing wines with zesty acidity and flavours of citrus, pear, and herbs, often accompanied by a subtle saline note. It is particularly beloved in Sardinia and Liguria.
Vidal Blanc is a hybrid white grape created by crossing Ugni Blanc and Rayon d’Or. It thrives in cold climates and is particularly popular for ice wine production due to its thick skin and high acidity. Vidal Blanc wines display luscious flavours of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits.
Viognier is a highly aromatic white grape originating from France’s Rhône Valley. It produces rich, full-bodied wines with low acidity and opulent flavours of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, and exotic spices. Viognier is often aged in oak, adding a creamy texture and additional complexity.
Xarel·lo is a Spanish white grape that plays a vital role in Cava production alongside Macabeo and Parellada. It adds structure, freshness, and herbal notes to sparkling wines. As a still wine, Xarel·lo offers bright acidity with flavours of green apple, citrus, and fennel.
*Past performance is not indicative of future success; the performance was calculated in GBP and will vary in other currencies. Any investment involves risk of partial or full loss of capital.
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