Wine Basics

Grape Varieties A-E

Below are descriptions of several different popular grape varieties. Information regarding where the grapes are grown and the characteristics of the wine they produce is included. The grapes are classified into either red or white grapes. This is a generality as grape color may range from pale green to almost black. Remember that the color of a grape does not necessarily correlate to the color of the wine they produce as this is influenced by contact with the grape skins during the winemaking process.

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Cabernet Sauvignon

Many consider this to be the best wine grape due to its ease of growing and rich full flavor of the wine it produces. Due to these facts Cabernet Sauvignon is growing around the world and is responsible for some of Frances most famous wines, often blended with Merlot. Wines from this grape will benefit from aging.

Cabernet Franc

This grape is a related to the more popular cabernet sauvignon. The vast majority of this grape is grown in France and other parts of Europe with some planting in New York, California, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. It produces a very aromatic wine that is mainly blended with other grapes.

Carignan

The Cargnan grape is the most common grape in France and is widely plated in California. Wine from this grape tends to be strong, acidic and bitter, which is why it is most often blended with other wines or used by itself as an inexpensive table wine.

Chardonnay

The most popular white wine for good reason, chardonnay is grown around the globe. It is currently widely grown in France, California and Australia. Wines from the chardonnay grape can range greatly from tart and dry to rich and creamy depending on the choices made during the wine making process. Chardonnay is one of the few grapes that are used in the making of Champagne. Many chardonnay wines will benefit from aging.

Chenin Blanc

Another popular white wine that is sometimes used to make sparkling wine is the Chenin Blanc. Wines from this grape can range from dry to sweet.

Cinsault

This grape is mainly used to make wines for blending with others, however it is sometimes made into a rosé on its own. When made into a red wine on its own, it is typically very harsh. Like Carignan, it is widely planted in France and also grows in the Middle East and Northern Africa.