List of red and white wine grapes from around the world

RED WINE GRAPES

 

When we talk about red wine grapes, we are referring to a variety of grapes that are characterized by their red or black skins, which infuse wine with colour and tannins. These tannins, natural compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems, lend the wines their structure and capacity for aging. During the process of fermentation, tannins, along with flavour compounds and pigments, are extracted from the skins. This extraction results in the vast spectrum of colours and complexity we find in red wines, from the delicate ruby hue of a French Pinot Noir to the inky depth of an Argentine Malbec.

• Aglianico is a black-skinned grape variety native to southern Italy. It’s renowned for producing full-bodied, intensely flavoured wines with good aging potential. Its heartland is in Basilicata and Campania, where it thrives on volcanic soils and gives rise to expressive wines with a distinct minerality

 

• Alicante Bouschet is a unique grape variety in the world of winemaking due to its classification as a teinturier, meaning it possesses red flesh— a rarity among red wine grapes, which typically have white flesh. This grape, largely grown in the Alentejo region of Portugal and in parts of Spain and France, is known for producing deeply coloured, full-bodied wines.

 

• Barbera - Piedmont grape with natural high acidity suited to warm climates. Low tannins find favour too. Small footprint in South Africa.

 

• Cabernet Franc - Related to Cabernet Sauvignon, this variety is usually softer, has a lower sugar content and contains less alcohol. Used as a component in classic, Bordeaux-style blends but also for varietal wines. Small but increasing vineyard area. Unless specified, 'Cabernet' refers to the Sauvignon and not the Franc variety.

 

• Cabernet Sauvignon - An increasingly significant variety at the Cape, it's the foremost variety of the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet Sauvignon produces top-class wines that develop well with age into spicy, full, complex wines. As in Bordeaux, it may be blended with Merlot or its relative, Cabernet Franc.

 

• Carménère is a red grape variety that originated in Bordeaux, France, but today it finds its most expressive form in Chile. Mistaken for Merlot for many years, it was only in the mid-1990s that Carménère was recognized and has since become Chile’s flagship grape. The variety thrives in Chile’s warm and dry climate, producing full-bodied wines with soft tannins and a distinctive red fruit profile, punctuated by hints of green pepper and spices.

 

• Carignan - Flourishes well in warm, dry areas. Originated in Spain, also widely planted in the south of France and grown in North Africa. Insignificant plantings in South Africa. Produces a light dry wine or is used as a blending component, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz.

 

• Cinsaut (Noir) - Previously known as Hermitage. A strong bearer and very versatile variety - it can be used to blend with Cabernet, to produce reasonably priced early drinking wines, or as quality wine for brandy distilling. It is also often used for rosé, port-style and jerepigo wines. Once South Africa's most widely planted red variety, vineyard area has decreased as it has been replaced by more noble varieties.

 

• Gamay Noir - Mainly light red wines in the nouveau style are made of this grape in France's Beaujolais region. Several reds are made locally in a similar early drinking style.

 

• Grenache (Noir) - One of Spain's most important varieties where it’s known as Garnacha, this hardy grape is resistant to drought, wind and sun. Typically used for blending with Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

• Malbec - Once a significant component of Bordeaux’s blend but no longer found in the region’s best vineyards, this spicy variety is now mainly grown in Cahors in western France where it’s known as 'Cot’. Argentina’s signature variety, it’s also grown in Chile. Very small plantings in SA, varietal and blended bottlings.

 

• Merlot - An early ripening variety, traditionally used as a blending partner to add softness and breadth to Cabernet Sauvignon but now increasingly being bottled as a varietal wine, with some superb results locally. Planted in increasing quantities, particularly in the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions.

 

• Mourvèdre - Originated from Spain, where it's known as Monastrell (in California and Australia it's known as Mataro). The spicy notes make it a good blending partner with cultivars like Shiraz. Small vineyard area locally.

 

• Muscadel - This variety produces a very popular sweet red wine, particularly in the Little Karoo. Miniscule plantings in South Africa.

 

• Nebbiolo - Big, tannic wines with lengthy ageing potential are made from this grape in its home terroir of Piedmont in Italy. Tiny plantings here.

 

• Petite Sirah (Durif) - A cross of Peloursin and Syrah (Shiraz) originating from southern France that produces densely fruited, tannic wines. Planted on a boutique scale in South Africa.

 

• Petit Verdot - This superb variety is used in small percentages in Bordeaux-style blends and can also be made into cultivar wines. Limited plantings locally.

 

• Pinotage - A local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage), created by Professor Abraham Perold in 1925, this variety combines the noble characteristics of the former with the reliability of the latter. Unique to South Africa, it can produce complex and fruity wines with age but is also often very drinkable when young. With great strides made in the making of Pinotage, South Africa’s own variety is rapidly gaining increasing acceptance and finding favour worldwide both as a varietal bottling and in blends. The ‘Cape blend’ is an evolving term which generally denotes a red blend with Pinotage as a component making up 30 to 70 percent of the wine. Download the Pinotage Aroma

 

• Pinot Noir - The king of Burgundy but notoriously difficult to grow elsewhere. Although not yet widely planted, this variety is now producing excellent wines in the cooler viticultural areas of South Africa. Wines tend to be lighter in colour with distinct vegetal flavours and aromas. A large proportion is used in Cap Classique sparkling wines.

 

• Roobernet - A 1960s local cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet, it has an unusual (for reds) grassy character. Withstands diseases particularly well. Can be made into a cultivar wine, also a good blending partner, particularly in combination with

 

• Ruby Cabernet - A Californian cross between Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, this prolific producer is suited to warmer areas.

 

• Sangiovese - Tuscany’s principal black grape; requires meticulous vineyard management. Small planting in South Africa.

 

• Shiraz - A noble variety of French origin. Better known as Syrah elsewhere, the largest production of Shiraz is now found in Australia but local plantings have increased strongly. Made in several different styles here, it yields deep purple smoky and spicy wines which develop a complex character with age. Download the Shiraz Aroma

 

• Tinta Barocca - Considered one of the best varieties for the production of port-style wines in South Africa. It produces earthy, organic red wines and is excellent for blending.

 

• Touriga Nacional - Regarded as the best variety for port, it's one of the oldest cultivars in the Douro area of Portugal. Produces varietal wines with a very dark colour and a strong ripe berry character with around 13% alcohol.

 

• Zinfandel - This leading Californian grape variety (the same as Italy’s Primitivo) is planted on a limited scale in South Africa.

 

WHITE WINE GRAPES

 

Set sail on a flavorful journey as we dive into the world of white wine grapes. Just as enchanting as their red counterparts, white wine grapes offer an enticing range of flavours, aromas, and textures that echo the diverse environments where they’re cultivated. From the verdant vineyards of Burgundy where the Chardonnay grape reigns supreme, to the rocky soils of Rías Baixas in Spain where Albariño finds its true expression, each white wine grape tells a different story.

 

·         Albariño – An aromatic white-wine grape from the north-west of Spain, this variety has become fashionable in New World winegrowing countries. Only a handful of varietal bottlings are produced in South Africa.

 

·         Antão Vaz - Hailing from the warm, sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo region in southern Portugal, Antão Vaz is a white wine grape renowned for its ability to maintain balance and complexity despite high temperatures.

 

·         Arinto - is a white wine grape indigenous to Portugal, prominently cultivated in the wine regions of Bucelas, Tejo, and Vinho Verde. With an innate ability to retain high acidity even in warmer climates, it produces wines that are vivaciously fresh and well-structured.

 

·         Assyrtiko - is a robust white wine grape native to Greece, most famously cultivated on the volcanic island of Santorini. The grape thrives in the island’s challenging growing conditions, producing wines that express a captivating mix of freshness, minerality, and bold structure.

 

·         Bukettraube - Developed in Germany, produces quality wines with a distinctive Muscat bouquet. South Africa is one of the few wine-producing countries worldwide to bottle. Bukettraube as a single varietal wine.

 

·         Chardonnay - A native of Burgundy, this variety is widely planted throughout the New World. Locally, much experimentation has been taking place with barrel fermentation and oak ageing of Chardonnay, and excellent wines in a number of styles are being produced. It is also used in some of the base wines from which Cap Classique sparkling wines are made as well as in white blends, an increasingly successful category.

 

·         Chenel - A local cross between Chenin Blanc and Ugni Blanc which produces a white wine of reasonable quality.

 

·         Chenin Blanc (Steen) - The most widely cultivated variety in the Cape Town, growers are raising the standard to new levels. Characterised by its versatility, Chenin Blanc produces good natural wines covering the whole spectrum from sweet to dry, as well as sherry and sparkling wine. Its fruitiness finds favour with a wide range of palates. It is also used for distilling brandy and spirits. Download the Chenin Blanc Aroma Wheel here and the Chenin Blanc Style Indicator here

 

·         Clairette Blanche - Although it is seldom used as a single variety, its presence is an essential in many of our light, fruity wines - unusually low in alcohol and acid content.

 

·         Colombar(d) - Planted especially in the Breede River region, this variety produces a quality wine in the warmer areas. Good acid content ensures fresh, interesting wines with a pleasant fruity flavour.

 

·         Crouchen Blanc (Cape Riesling) - The variety was wrongly regarded for many years as Weisser Riesling (Rhine Riesling) but was later identified as the Crouchen Blanc of France. A shy bearer which can produce quality white wines with a delicate yet fruity bouquet and sharp grassy aroma if growth and ripening conditions are ideal.

 

·         Emerald Riesling - A relatively new variety from California which made its commercial debut in 1981. The wines are flavourful and fruity.

 

·         Falanghina - Originating from the volcanic soils of Campania in Southern Italy, Falanghina is an ancient grape variety that holds a distinctive place in Italian viticulture. A sip of Falanghina unfolds a lively bouquet of citrus and green apple flavors, often complemented by subtle floral notes. The wine is notable for its refreshing acidity and mineral undertones, which can be traced back to its unique terroir.

 

·         Gewürztraminer - A delicate aromatic flavour profile with an easily identifiable rose-petal fragrance; usually produces a light, off-dry wine.

 

·         Grenache (Blanc) – Related to the more widely known Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc originated in Spain where it still plays a role in the wines of Rioja and Navarre. It spread to France, where it is the fourth most widely planted white grape variety and thrives in the Rhône valley and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It has a crisp acidity and produces rich, full wines with clean green apple fruit aromas and flavours. It has a long, lingering finish and can stand on its own or as a blending component. Plantings in the Cape are miniscule.

 

·         Greco di Tufo - named after the small village of Tufo in Campania, Italy, is a white grape variety that’s noted for its distinctive mineral character and complex flavor profile. Originating from Southern Italy, this wine is steeped in history, with cultivation believed to date back to the Greeks in the 8th century BC.

 

·         Marsanne - A prolific and dependable grower from the Rhône, frequently used in blends. More widely planted than Rousanne, its ‘twin’ variety.

 

·         Muscat d'Alexandrie (Hanepoot) - One of the world's most widely planted and versatile varieties, locally it was probably developed from 'Spaanse Dryven' (Spanish Grape) cuttings introduced to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in the 1650s. Nowhere else does it form such a high percentage of a country's total grape harvest as in South Africa, where it is used especially for dessert wine, as well as natural wine and raisins. Hanepoot delivers a strong, flowery bouquet and intense honey flavour.

 

·         Muscadel - Used chiefly in dessert wines, it gives an intense, raisin-like bouquet and was historically associated with the famous Constantia dessert wines. Red and white grapes grow mainly in the Breede River region. It belongs to the Muscat family.

 

·         Nouvelle - This grape, a crossing of Crouchen Blanc and Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano), was developed in South Africa by Professor CJ Orffer of Stellenbosch University. While plantings remain tiny they are increasing, mainly for inclusion in blends. It produces wines with a strong grassy, green peppery character.

 

·         Palomino (White French Grape) - A heavy bearer, low in sugar and acid. Used mainly for making sherry and brandy. It produces a neutral wine, best enjoyed young.

 

·         Pinot Gris (Grigio) - Planted on a very small scale in South Africa. Produces wines which are full and well balanced.

 

·         Riesling (Rhine or Weisser Riesling) - Has adapted well to South Africa's soil and climate. Produces very full, flavourful wines with excellent fruit acids that develop well with bottle ageing. Wines have a honeyed spicy nose and a flowery sweetness.

 

·         Roussanne - Frequent blending partner from the northern Rhône, where it is a component of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Local plantings are tiny but it is gaining a following.

 

·         Sauvignon Blanc - Sauvignon is most readily associated with the eastern Loire region, which is known for its classic crisp, dry Sancerre and smoky Pouilly-Fumé. In combination with

 

·         Sémillon, Sauvignon grapes also produce some of the most exceptional white wines of Bordeaux, including the sweetest Sauternes (sometimes with Muscadelle too) and the driest Graves, which are often aged in wood (sometimes labelled Blanc Fumé). Extensively planted in the 18th century, Sauvignon Blanc has now regained popularity and considerably increased its share of plantings. There are some leading local examples which have garnered international attention.

 

·         Semillon (Green Grape) - Produces a full yet subtle wine with little acid; often used in blends. Locally, some outstanding wooded varietal wines have been produced from this grape variety which once represented 93% of all Cape vines and now accounts for only about 1%.

 

·         Vidal Blanc - a hybrid grape variety developed in France, has found considerable success in the colder wine regions of North America, particularly in Ontario, Canada, and the northeastern United States. Best known for its role in producing luscious ice wines, Vidal Blanc also makes compelling dry and off-dry wines.

 

·         Viognier - Becoming increasingly fashionable internationally, this variety has been grown for centuries in the northern half of the Rhône valley in France. An early ripener, it produces delicate complex wines with peach, apricot, honey and spice aromas under the right conditions. It is also sometimes blended with Shiraz (to a maximum of 20%).

 

 

REGIONAL WINE TYPES

 

 

·         Bordeaux Wine: These are wines produced in the Bordeaux region of France. While a variety of grapes are grown in the region, the most common types are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

·         Burgundy Wine: These are wines produced in the Burgundy region of France. A Red Burgundy is usually a Pinot Noir, while a White Burgundy is usually a Chardonnay.

 

·         Champagne: Champagne is sparkling wine, but the name can only be applied to wines produced in the Champagne region of France.