Understanding wine grape varieties: the Goguette guide

Grape varieties: diversity and identity of wine

A grape variety corresponds to a type of vine and is distinguished by characteristics such as color, grape size, skin thickness and aroma. Although there are more than 10,000 grape varieties in the world, only a dozen or so contribute to global wine production.

Depending on the terroir, soil quality and climate, each grape variety produces different flavors. As a result, some varieties, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet-sauvignon and Pinot noir, are extremely popular, while others are quite rare and associated with specific regions.

When it comes to red grape varieties, a certain few cannot be overlooked:

• Pinot noir: Highly prized in Burgundy, it charms with its lightness and its bouquet of red fruit and spices.
• Merlot: Mellow and rounded, it reveals aromas of red berries, perfect for those who enjoy smooth, supple wines.
• Cabernet-sauvignon: Known for its intensity, it combines notes of dark fruit and spices.
• Grenache noir: Originally from Spain, it is one of the most widely planted varieties in the world and appeals with its fullness, ripe fruit aromas and smooth tannins.
• Gamay: The main grape variety of Beaujolais, it offers up aromas of red fruit and is characterized by its great suppleness.
• Syrah: A rich and full-bodied red wine from the Rhône Valley in France. Syrah is the most widely planted grape variety in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz.
• Sangiovese: A much-famed grape variety from Tuscany, it reveals aromas of cherry, sun-dried tomato and spices.

Tip: The ideal serving temperature depends on the structure of the grape variety. Light, low-tannin reds such as Pinot noir are best served between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius. More robust, tannin-rich reds such as Cabernet-sauvignon or Syrah reveal their full complexity between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius.

As for white grape varieties, here are the most iconic:

• Chardonnay: It produces wines that are at once rich and fresh on the palate, delivering apple, citrus and buttery aromas.
• Sauvignon blanc: Highly aromatic, it releases notes of lemon and blackcurrant blossom.
• Riesling: Characterized by a lively acidity and aromas of pitted fruit and minerality.
• Verdejo: Fresh and fruity, with aromas of green apple and herbs, it grows almost exclusively in the Rueda region of Spain.
• Alvarinho: Popular in Spain and Portugal, it is prized for its rich pitted fruit flavors and lively acidity.
• Gewurztraminer: Originally from Alsace, it releases notes of lychee, rose, and sweet spices.
• Chenin Blanc: Found in France and South Africa, it can produce dry, sweet or sparkling wines with aromas of apple and honey.

Tip: Storage and tasting tips: to best enjoy your dry or sweet white wines, serve them between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius for dry whites and between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius for sweet and dessert wines. These temperatures bring out the freshness and full aromatic expression of grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc.

Grape varieties and intensity: the keys to making the right choice

To make an informed choice, bear in mind your personal preferences in terms of flavor and intensity. For example, if you like light wines, go for varieties such as Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc or Chenin blanc. If you prefer rich flavors, Cabernet-sauvignon, Chardonnay or an aromatic Gewurztraminer would be the perfect choice.

Experiment with single-varietal wines (made from a single grape variety) or blends that combine several varieties for added complexity.