We all love a glass of wine with dinner or while relaxing in the garden. While many of us will know some of the basic terminology such as white, red, rose, and perhaps a couple of grape varieties, the average person’s knowledge rarely extends beyond that.
While you certainly don’t need to be an expert when it comes to wine, knowing a little about what you’re drinking can make the experience all the more enjoyable. In addition, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with your wine expertise. We’ve written up a little guide to some of the most famous grape varieties and wine regions to help you out. Read on to find out more.
White Grapes
To kick things off, let’s start with the white grapes. White wines are famous for being light, fruity, and easy to drink, and the grapes are brightly coloured, usually white or green.
Perhaps the most famous white wine grape is Chardonnay. This green-skinned grape originated in the French region of Burgundy and is used for a wide range of different white wines. Chardonnay is also used to produce champagne, including the wonderful Krug champagnes. Click here to learn more.
Another famous French white wine grape is Sauvignon Blanc, which originates from the Bordeaux region. This grape can produce an incredible range of flavours, from herby and grass-like to tropical and fruity.
Sauvignon Blanc grapes are used to produce dry and crisp white wines, as well as certain types of dessert wine.
Crossing the border into Germany, the Riesling white grape is used to produce dry as well as sparkling white wines. These grapes are fruity and flavourful and can deliver a broad range of different degrees of sweetness.
Red Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon is widely considered to be the finest red wine grape in the world. This dusty, blue-black grape is used to produce some of the world’s most celebrated wines and is grown in the Bordeaux region of France.
Wines produced from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have a high tannin content, which means they must be aged slowly in oak casks. However, the effort is worth it, as Cabernet Sauvignon wines are incredibly rich and powerful, with deep, complex tones and flavours.
For those looking to explore these remarkable wines first hand, Paso Robles wine tours offer an excellent opportunity to experience the nuances of this grape variety in a unique and picturesque setting. These tours provide a chance to see how different climates and soils influence the wine’s development, enhancing your appreciation of its depth and character.
The Sangiovese grape is the most widely used in Italy, grown up and down the country. However, it is particularly famous for its use in wines from the Chianti region of Tuscany.
Despite what the grape’s popularity might suggest, Sangiovese can be difficult to manage and requires expert care and handling to take advantage of the benefits it can offer. Wines produced with the Sangiovese grape can be savoury with earthy tones but can also contain plum flavours with dashes of smoke and spice.
Conclusion
The above is just a taste of the different grape varieties and regions, and we’ve listed ones you’re likely to have come across before. There are so many more out there, take the time to explore and research yourself to find out more about the wonderful world of wines.
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