Grape Verieties Overview.
Grapes verieties.
As of my last update in September 2021, there are numerous grape varieties cultivated and enjoyed around the world. Grapes come in different colors, flavors, and uses, including table grapes for eating fresh, wine grapes for winemaking, and grapes for drying to produce raisins.
Here are some popular grape varieties:
- Red Varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Widely regarded as one of the finest red wine grapes, known for its rich, full-bodied flavors and aging potential.
- Merlot: A softer and more approachable red grape variety, often used in blending with Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Pinot Noir: A challenging grape to grow but produces elegant and delicate red wines with complex flavors.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Depending on the region, it can produce bold, spicy wines (Syrah) or fruit-forward, intense wines (Shiraz).
- Zinfandel: Known for its bold fruit flavors and often used to produce robust red wines.
- White Varieties:
- Chardonnay: A popular and versatile white grape, producing a wide range of styles, from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery wines.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its zesty acidity and herbal, grassy, or tropical fruit flavors.
- Riesling: A versatile grape capable of producing dry to sweet wines with floral, fruity, and sometimes mineral notes.
- Chenin Blanc: Can range from dry to sweet and is known for its acidity and apple, honey, and floral aromas.
- Muscat/Moscato: Known for its aromatic and fruity characteristics, often used in sweet wines and sparkling wines.
- Table Grapes:
- Thompson Seedless (Sultana): A popular green variety known for its sweet and seedless berries.
- Red Globe: A large, seeded red grape variety with a sweet flavor.
- Flame Seedless: A red seedless grape variety with a slightly tart and sweet taste.
- Crimson Seedless: A red seedless grape with a sweet and crisp texture.
- Black Seedless: A dark, purple-black grape variety with a sweet flavor.
