What are the different grape types and styles and varieties and what should I drink?
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Welcome, wine lovers and learners, to a journey through the heart of winemaking where the magic begins. Today we will explore grape types and styles and their subtle or not so subtle differences. Grapes, those small, juicy orbs, hold within them the potential for greatness, showcasing the essence of the vineyards and the artistry of the winemaker. In today’s post, we will gain a better understanding of grape types and styles. We will dive into the diverse world of grapes, exploring their varieties, characteristics, and the impact they have on the wines we enjoy.
The Foundation: Grape Varieties
To comprehend the diverse and fascinating universe of wines, first we must understand the vast number of grape varieties. From the robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the delicate Pinot Noir, each grape variety contributes its unique flavor profile, aroma, and structure to the final product in your glass. Today we will discuss the different grape types and styles and I will provide wines that showcase each grape. I will recommend wines from various countries that are readily available either here or through your local wine store.
Red Grape Varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Known as the “King of Reds,” Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are celebrated for their bold, full-bodied nature. Originating from Bordeaux, France, and well represented in the Napa Valley these grapes have traveled the world, creating renowned wines. Typical in these big reds you will experience intense blackcurrant flavors and firm tannins. This Robert Mondavi Cabernet is a great example of this grape type and style. It’s also outstanding value for a Napa Cab ($50) as many are well over $100.
Merlot: A versatile red grape, Merlot is known for its approachable and fruit-forward character. With flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate. Merlot is a popular choice for both single-varietal wines and blends. You will often find this grape type as the lead in the Bordeaux blends from the right bank. This one is from Hall Winery in California and really shows ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, wet stone and barrel spice. The finish is bright and spreads out on the palate to reveal mineral notes that support the silky tannin structure.
Syrah/Shiraz: Offering a bold and spicy profile, Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) produces wines with dark fruit flavors, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of smokiness. It thrives in various climates, and showcases different expressions around the globe. The Northern Rhone area of France produces some of the worlds best wines that often need some aging to tame their power. M.Chapoutier is one of the most prestigious wine estates in France. Even though this is an entry level Syrah, the Crozes Hermitage Les Meysonniers is wonderful example of this grape type. It shows red fruits, blackcurrant, and raspberry that is ample and round on the palate with stewed fruits and vanilla to finish. It’s great value at $45 compared to it’s bigger siblings.
Zinfandel: Known for its bold and jammy fruit flavors, Zinfandel is a quintessentially American grape type. With notes of blackberry, raspberry, and sometimes a peppery kick, Zinfandel wines are both powerful and charismatic. Be sure to watch out for the alcohol content in Zins they are often 15% or higher. This one is from BACA in Dry Creek Valley. It shows enticing aromas of ripe plum, brambly blackberry, toasted fennel seeds and spice layer over a supple and concentrated palate.
Malbec: Originally from France but now finding its fame in Argentina, Malbec is known for its deep color, velvety texture, and flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum. You will often find a touch of cocoa or coffee. This is a beautiful example from Ben Marco . It’s 100% malbec grape type showing aromas of black berries, notes of violets, pronounced acidity, firm tannins and great length.
Pinot Noir: Considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding grapes to cultivate, the Pinot Noir grape type thrives in cooler climates. Its delicate and nuanced character offers notes of red berries, floral aromas, and a silky texture, making it a favorite for those seeking elegance in their glass. The most famous area for Pinot Noir is Burgundy (along with a steep price tag) but New World examples hail from Oregon as well as Coastal Sonoma. Benton Lane is from the Willamette Valley. I get cherry pie, red currants, ripe cranberries and dried blueberries followed by some earthy notes. The palate is lush with generous depth of flavor and balanced freshness.
Grenache: A key player in many blends, Grenache contributes to wines with red fruit flavors, warmth, and a hint of spiciness. It is a versatile grape that adapts well to different winemaking styles. Great examples of Grenache are found in the Cotes Du Rhone area of France. St. Cosme is a well regarded producer who’s wine span form the basic Cotes Du Rhone to the high end Cotes Roti. This is an excellent blend of the Cote du Rhone grape type and style. Itrated at Wine Spectator’s#9 top value of 2023
White Grape Varieties:
Chardonnay: As the queen of white grapes, Chardonnay is an incredibly versatile grape type and style. From the buttery richness of California to the crisp minerality of Chablis, (my personal favourite) Chardonnay grapes can produce an array of styles, making them a favorite among winemakers and consumers alike. This Simonnet Febvre is a perfect example. With a pretty golden color and green reflections. The rich and complex nose is characterized by pleasant and subtle floral and mineral aromas. It has a wonderful structure in the mouth with minerality and the charming chardonnay-typical aromas. It is a harmonious wine that is fine and elegant. Try it with cold with oysters, shellfish, fish, and goats cheese.
Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its bright acidity and vibrant citrus flavors, Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing choice. It often exhibits notes of green apple, passion fruit, and grass, making this wine style a perfect summer sipper. You will find excellent examples of this style throughout New Zealand as well as California. I’ve shared this Craggy Range from New Zealand before but it really is the perfect example. It’s Medium bodied and has a lovey texture, the flavors of passionfruit and zesty lime are beyond refreshing. A perfect summer sipper.
Riesling: From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, Riesling is a white grape that spans a wide spectrum. Originating from Germany, this wine style offers flavors of green apple, peach, and floral notes, with a distinct minerality. Australia is making great Rieslings in the Clare Valley that are also worth seeking out. This one is from Jim Barry. James Suckling describes it as “Super-fresh and intense with lime peel, lime juice and sweetly floral fragrance on offer. This is impressively crisp in the mouth and has a taut, fine yet powerful stance, driving pure lime flavors long. Acidity is a feature”. and gives it 97 points. Definitely worth trying at $18.
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: With a spectrum ranging from light and zesty to rich and full-bodied, Pinot Grigio (Italy) or Pinot Gris (France) grapes showcase flavors of pear, apple, and sometimes a touch of spice. Though Italy and France are the traditional locations for Pinot Grigio/gris, there are some beautiful examples being produced in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This one is from Elk Cove, is a green wine, (for more on green wines see my article here) setting the standard in the valley. This grape variety features aromas of peach and pineapple and a touch of lemon peel. It’s acidity gives it a crisp texture on the finish. It’s a steal at $19.
Viognier: Known for its aromatic qualities, the Viognier grape type produces wines with floral and stone fruit notes. You will often find hits of apricot and peach and it shows a lush, full-bodied texture and aroma. It’s great as an aperitif. This one hails from Stags’ Leap in Napa. James Suckling describes it as “Aromas of Meyer lemons, yellow cherries, apricots and white roses followed by honeycomb and sliced ginger with an underlying seashell and saline minerality to it. Medium-bodied, soft acidity and a hint of phenolics in the mid-palate. Beautiful exotic notes without heaviness. Nice drinkability and freshness” 92 points $34.
Chenin Blanc: Historically hailing from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape type. It can produce wines ranging from dry to sweet. It can show flavors of green apple, honey, and sometimes a hint of minerality. This Domaine Vigneau chevreau Loire Valley Chenin Blanc gives hints of “flint,” due to the soils where it is grown. This emphasizes its mineral character giving it a fresh wine style. Brilliant yellow gold, aromas of apple, pear and citrus fruit; ample and round on the palate. If you are looking for something a little different, South Africa is an up and comer in this area. Currently it offers some of the best value in the market quality vs. Price.
The Terroir Effect: Grapes Types, Styles and Their Environment
The concept of terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and geographical factors that influence the characteristics of grapes types and styles grown in a particular region. Each grape varietal expresses itself differently based on the terroir it calls home. Though each terroir is unique there are some generalities that we can see.
Grape types grown in the Old World, such as France, Italy, and Spain, often exhibit a more restrained and earthy character. In contrast, New World regions like California, Australia, and New Zealand may produce grapes types and styles with riper fruit flavors and bolder expressions.
The climate in which grapes are cultivated plays a pivotal role in shaping the final wine. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley to the cool, misty hills of Burgundy, the climate imparts distinctive characteristics to the grapes, resulting in wines with unique types and styles.
Once the grapes are harvested, the skilled hands of the winemaker take over, guiding the transformation from fruit to the juice ending in the bottle. The winemaking process involves crushing, fermentation, aging, and bottling, each step carefully orchestrated to coax the best. Grapes are gently crushed to release their juice, which is then separated from the skins.
For red wines, the juice remains in contact with the skins, extracting color, tannins, and flavor compounds. White wines are normally made from grape juice separated from the skins before fermentation. Yeast transforms grape sugars into alcohol during fermentation. This crucial step defines the style of the wine, whether it be a dry red, a crisp white, or a sparkling delight. The choice of yeast, fermentation temperature, and duration all contribute to the final product.
Wines often spend time aging in barrels or tanks to develop complexity and depth. Oak aging imparts flavors of vanilla, spice, and toast, enhancing the overall profile of the wine. The duration and type of aging vessel are carefully chosen by the winemaker to achieve the desired result.
In the vast tapestry of winemaking, grapes are the threads that weave together the intricate flavors, aromas, and textures that captivate our senses. From the sun-kissed vineyards to the skilled hands of the winemaker, each element contributes to the final grape type and style. So, the next time you savor a glass, take a moment to appreciate the grape or grapes that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Cheers.
