The taste of wine is determined, among other things, by the vineyard's recipe, the aging period, and the country of origin. However, the most important factors are the grape varieties used in its production. Their diversity primarily depends on the geographical latitude, soil type, sun and water access, daily temperature, and the way a particular cultivation has been maintained for hundreds of years. All these components influence the final taste and aroma perceptible in the glass.
How many grape varieties are there?
It would be difficult to briefly characterize even half of the more than 5,000 grape varieties. Interestingly, despite their abundance, almost all global wine production relies on just 50 varieties! In total, when it comes to wine, about 250 varieties are cultivated. They can be found in Europe, both Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Their "roots" – including crosses – mostly originate from European varieties of Vitis vinifera, dating back almost 8-10 thousand years, which produce incredibly juicy fruits.
The history of these plants itself is extremely interesting. They grew wild thousands of years ago throughout Europe. The first attempts to domesticate them and primitive cultivations date back as far as 8,000 years! One could say that grapevines have accompanied humans almost since the beginning of civilization. This is evident, among other things, in culture – not only in architecture or sculptures but also in sacred books and national languages, where grape fruits and leaves have found their prominent place.
With the development of history, as well as climate change, vineyards became extremely important in some countries and did not take root at all in others. With colonizers, grapevines reached the farthest corners of the world – including both Americas and Africa, where they are still cultivated today.
Like all other domesticated plants, grapevines also underwent selective cultivation, which today is called genetic modification. This allowed for the development of varieties with desirable characteristics, and thus the possibility of planting them and surviving in various climatic conditions. The capricious soils of some regions of the world, intense rainfall or, conversely, scorching sun, severe frosts, and strong winds are deadly for some varieties, but essential for others to achieve the desired taste of the wine produced from them.
At the end of the 19th century, vineyards around the world were gripped by true despair. Many pests appeared, destroying vast swathes of crops. Not yet knowing today's popular plant protection products, species that survived this plague were chosen. In the 20th century, the strongest, pest-resistant rooted plants were selected and grafted onto special rootstocks with those that needed support to survive. This is where the term "grape variety" comes from.
In the mid-20th century, all cultivated grapevines were divided into three groups: Convar. Occidentails (from southern and western Europe), Convar. Orientalis (eastern varieties) and Convar. Pontica (Black Sea group). Each of them contains popular grape varieties used for wine production, such as "Pinot Noir", "Sauvignon Blanc" or "Riesling".
Differences in grape varieties
Grape berries are called grapes. Their size, ripening time, color, juiciness, and of course taste are the first characteristics that distinguish individual grape varieties. Specialists dealing with this topic also take into account the ease of bush propagation and their growth rate. Leaves are also important – their shape, color, and even quantity on each plant are significant! Finally, pest resistance, the very reason why grape varieties as such originated, is extremely important in distinguishing individual varieties.
Each type of grapevine needs appropriate conditions. Not necessarily the place or country, but above all the prevailing climate and soil are crucial for the development of specific types of grapevines. Thanks to this, "Cabernet Sauvignon" can be grown both in California and in Bordeaux, and "Pinot Noir" in Burgundy and Oregon.
Most grape varieties grow in vineyards in the most popular wine regions in the Americas, Africa, and of course Europe. You can read about the latter here: 7 most popular wine regions in Europe. However, it is not the country of origin, but the grape variety itself, and consequently the taste and dryness that can be expected from it, that is the main distinguishing feature of every glass of excellent red and white wine.
Red wine varieties
Wine from the popular "Cabernet Sauvignon" probably comes from French Bordeaux, California, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. This variety was only selected in the 18th century and quickly captivated the hearts of gourmets around the world. It is aged in oak barrels and is characterized by a blackcurrant, sometimes chocolate-plum aroma.
A glass of "Merlot" might have come to the table from, among other places, Italy, Australia, Germany, but also from the USA or Chile. This grape variety is the most widely cultivated in French Bordeaux. The wine made from it is very fruity, but you can also detect aromas of licorice, tobacco, and even vanilla or coffee beans.
Burgundian "Pinot Noir" is associated with the velvety, delicate taste of raspberries and cherries. A glass of wine from this grape variety, which also grows in Italy and Chile, among other places, pairs perfectly with heavier, fried, and slightly saltier dishes.
The "Gamay" grape variety, primarily associated with Austria, Germany, and Hungary, produces a wine characterized by a floral aroma. It nearly happened that this taste would be unknown today, because in the 14th century, the Burgundian Duke Philip the Bold ordered the liquidation of all vineyards cultivating this variety – simply because he didn't like it. A glass of this wine pairs well with cold cuts or light meat dishes.
In this category, it's also worth noting "Syrah", also known as "Shiraz". Already known in ancient Rome, it originally comes from the territories of... present-day Iran. Today, it is cultivated in almost all of Australia and in very small areas of the Rhône Valley. What can be detected in a "glass" of this wine, and what distinguishes it from others, is the taste of... pepper. This beverage is generally quite spicy and woody, although some bottles can be a bit sweeter.
We also cannot forget about "Cabernet Franc". It is an ancestor of "Cabernet Sauvignon" with a slightly lower tannin content. It rarely appears on its own – wine from this ancient grape variety, cultivated mainly in France, but also in Venice, among other places, is primarily used in blends. Thanks to it, the wine in the glass ultimately acquires aromas of plums, elderflower, and cherries.
Red wine varieties also include: Spanish "Tempranillo" and "Mourvedre", globally popular varieties "Barbera", "Grenache", "Carignan" and "Zinfandel", primarily cultivated in Italy "Nebbiolo", "Nero d'Avola", "Sangiovese" or "Corvina", Argentinian "Malbec" and Portuguese "Touriga Nacional" and "Tinta Barroca".
White wine varieties
White grapes for wine are not as diverse. In this category, only 11 varieties are most popular. Among them, "Chardonnay" reigns supreme, mainly cultivated in Champagne and Burgundy, but also in every wine-producing country. It is primarily known as a very important ingredient in champagne, but it is also used to make many other light and heavy wines. It is characterized by a peach flavor, although its aging period in oak barrels significantly influences the final aroma that will be found in the glass.
Equally popular is "Riesling". The name rightly evokes the cool climate of Germany and Austria, although it can also be found in the USA and New Zealand. Wine from this grape variety ages for a long time, and the aromas that can be obtained are very diverse. These can include herbs, spices, garden fruits, and tropical fruits. "Rieslings" can be honeyed and sweet, but some are also drier. A glass of "Riesling" as an aperitif is almost a must at a formal reception.
Light and dry, slightly chilled wine from the "Sauvignon Blanc" grape is an ideal choice for appetizers. Cultivated in France and Germany, Chile, Austria, and New Zealand, it is fresh, fruity, with a noticeable, grassy aroma.
The pest-prone and capricious "Muscat" grape variety produces unique and juicy berries, from which popular, very sweet wine is made. Its aroma is reminiscent of linden honey, but also nutmeg and lemon. In wine regions, it is drunk with desserts to complement the taste of sweets.
One cannot forget about the "Gewürztraminer" grape variety, which is made from pale pink grapes cultivated in French Alsace and Germany. A glass of this wine will perfectly complement spicy Asian cuisine. Its aroma immediately brings to mind the rose flower and oriental lychee. The taste of this golden beverage can be dry or sweet.
This category also includes the European varieties "Pinot Blanc" and "Semillon", Hungarian "Furmint", Spanish "Palomino", as well as "Chenin Blanc" and "Trebbiano". It is worth trying them all, remembering that white wine releases its aroma when chilled to a maximum temperature of 8oC.