Understanding grape varieties: The key to wine enjoyment

Understanding grape varieties opens up new dimensions of wine enjoyment. Each variety has its own characteristics:

• Aroma profiles: From fruity-fresh to spicy-complex
• Tannin structure: From velvety-soft to strongly structured
• Acidity: From mild and balanced to crisp and fresh

At Weinquadrat, we help you discover these nuances and find the perfect wine for every occasion.

Terroir and grape variety: a perfect symbiosis

The interaction between grape variety and terroir is fascinating. A Chardonnay from Burgundy tastes different to one from California.

Discover your favorite grape variety

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just starting out in the world of wine, you are guaranteed to find your favorite grape variety at Weinquadrat. Use our filter function to search for grape varieties or be inspired by our recommendations.

The 50 most important grape varieties in the world and their specialties

White grape varieties

1st Chardonnay: Versatile, from fresh and mineral to creamy and buttery.
2nd Riesling: High acidity, aromas ranging from peach to petroleum, great ageing potential.
3. sauvignon blanc: Grassy-fresh with notes of gooseberry and tropical fruit.
4th Pinot Grigio/Grauburgunder: Light, fresh, often with pear notes.
5th Gewürztraminer: Intensely aromatic with rose notes and a lychee-like flavor.
6. viognier: Floral and exotic with apricot and peach notes.
7. chenin blanc: Versatile, from dry to sweet, with honey and quince notes.
8. muscat: Intensely grapey and fruity, often used for dessert wines.
9th Sémillon: Full-bodied with citrus and honey notes, the basis for Sauternes.
10. albariño: Fresh and fruity with a salty minerality, typical of Galicia.

Red grape varieties

11th Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich in tannins, with aromas of blackcurrant and cedar wood.
12. merlot: Soft, fruity with plum and chocolate notes.
13th Pinot Noir: Elegant, with aromas of red fruits and earthy notes.
14. syrah/shiraz: Spicy and peppery with dark fruit aromas.
15. tempranillo: Spain's flagship grape variety with strawberry and leather notes.
16. sangiovese: Acidic with cherry and herbal aromas, the basis for Chianti.
17. nebbiolo: rich in tannins with aromas of tar and roses, basis for Barolo.
18 Grenache/Garnacha: Fruity and spicy with a high alcohol content.
19. malbec: Dark, full-bodied with plum and chocolate notes.
20. zinfandel: Strong and fruity with blackberry and spicy notes.

Other important grape varieties

21 Cabernet Franc: Spicy with notes of paprika and raspberry.
22 Gamay: Light and fruity, typical of Beaujolais.
23 Barbera: Acidic with intense cherry and berry notes.
24 Grüner Veltliner: Austria's flagship grape variety, peppery and spicy.
25. verdejo: Fresh with grass and fennel notes, typical of Rueda.
26 Carménère: Spicy with green bell pepper notes, Chile's specialty.
27 Petit Verdot: Rich in tannins and intense in color, often in Bordeaux cuvées.
28 Touriga Nacional: Portugal's star, intense with notes of violets and blackberries.
29. vermentino: Fresh and mineral with citrus notes, typical of Sardinia.
30. mourvèdre/monastrell: Strong and spicy with wild notes.

Up-and-coming and regional specialties

31st Nero d'Avola: Sicily's flagship, strong with cherry and plum aromas.
32nd Zweigelt: Austria's red wine star, fruity with cherry notes.
33 Assyrtiko: Greek white wine variety with intense minerality.
34 Blaufränkisch: Spicy and fruity, important in Austria and Hungary.
35 Torrontés: Argentina's aromatic white wine variety with floral notes.
36. pinotage: South Africa's crossbreed, strong with banana and smoky notes.
37. tannat: Very rich in tannins, specialty from Uruguay and southwest France.
38 Aglianico: Southern Italian variety with intense tannins and fruity aromas.
39 Furmint: Basis for the noble sweet Tokaj, but can also be vinified dry.
40 Verdicchio: Italian white wine variety with almond and citrus notes.

Rare treasures and specialties

41 Roussanne: Aromatic white Rhône variety with honeyed notes.
42. arneis: Piedmont's white specialty with pear and almond notes.
43 Lagrein: South Tyrolean red wine variety with dark berry aromas.
44 Fiano: Southern Italian white wine variety with hazelnut and honey notes.
45 Petit Manseng: Aromatic white wine variety from southwest France.
46 Baga: Portuguese red wine variety with high acidity and tannin.
47 Xinomavro: Greek red wine variety with tannin and acidity, often called "Greek Nebbiolo".
48 Godello: Spanish white wine variety with apple and mineral notes.
49 Corvina: Main grape variety for Amarone and Valpolicella.
50. Scheurebe: Aromatic German white wine variety with exotic notes.