Grape Varieties

Get to know the grape varieties that go into making our favourite bottles of wine. We explore popular international varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We also learn about varieties native to a particular region, like Sangiovese from Tuscany or Albariño from Rias Baixas.

Areni grape
Areni: Armenia’s Most Storied and Fascinating Grape Variety

The Areni grape variety, or Areni Noir to some, is a true testament to the…

Italian Red Wine Grapes
10 Popular Italian Red Wine Grapes

Updated November 2023 Spanning 620 miles (1,000 km), Italy’s size and geographic differences make for…

Cinsault
Cinsault: Blending Sidekick and Growing Varietal Star

Cinsault is perhaps most famous as a sidekick to Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre in French…

Chenin blanc
A Guide to Chenin Blanc and Its High Acidity Versatility

In recent years, there is simply no grape that has risen into stardom as quickly…

Carménère: A French-Born Chilean Wine Gem

Sometimes, it takes a drastic move for a star to earn their due. Like Arnold…

melon de bourgogne
Loire Valley Legend: Melon de Bourgogne and Its Role in Muscadet

Muscadet (pronounced ‘moos-kah-daay’) hails from an oceanic area known as Nantes, which lies in the…

falanghina
Falanghina: A Tale of Two Grapes With One Name

Falanghina embodies Italy.  Like the best Italian treasures, Falanghina (pronounced fah-lahn-geeh-nah) has deep, millennia-old roots.…

Tempranillo Blanco
Tempranillo Blanco: A Rising Star in Rioja

Unless you’re a Rioja-loving wine nerd, chances are that Tempranillo Blanco has never crossed your…

sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon Blanc: Get To Know This Popular White Grape Variety

Wine enthusiasts cannot and should not ignore the noble lineage of Sauvignon Blanc. This vivacious…

cabernet sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon: The King of Red Grapes

When it comes to red grapes, there is no variety as noble, significant, and popular…

nebbiolo grape variety
The Nebbiolo Grape Variety and Its Multiple Italian Synonyms

Nebbiolo is one of – if not the – most famous Italian grape varieties. Wine…

primitivo in puglia
Distinct Styles of Primitivo from Puglia and Which One Leads to the Future

Primitivo is a red wine grape with a strong connection to Puglia and its history.…