Grape Varietals

In-depth profiles of the world's most important grape varieties — flavor, origin, ideal growing conditions, and the wines they make best.

Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Trebbiano grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Trebbiano: The White Grape Also Called Ugni Blanc
Trebbiano is a family of white grapes, among the most planted in Italy. Trebbiano Toscano, the most common, is the same grape as Ugni Blanc in France.
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Glera grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Glera: The Grape Behind Prosecco
Glera is the white grape behind Prosecco. The grape itself was called Prosecco until 2009, when the EU renamed it.
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Nebbiolo grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Nebbiolo: The Grape of Barolo and Barbaresco
Nebbiolo is the red grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. It makes pale, high-acid, high-tannin wines that smell of roses and tar.
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Barbera grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Barbera: Piedmont's High-Acid, Low-Tannin Red
Barbera is a red grape from Piedmont. Its wines have deep color, high acidity and low tannins, with red cherry and blackberry fruit.
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Nerello Mascalese grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Nerello Mascalese: The Red Grape of Mount Etna
Nerello Mascalese is the main red grape of Mount Etna in Sicily. It makes pale, high-acid reds with fine tannins and red cherry, herb and orange peel aromas.
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Pinot Gris grapes
Grape varietals 3 min read
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio: One Grape, Two Styles
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, is a popular white grape variety renowned for its versatility and distinctive flavor profile. This grape produces a wide…
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Garganega grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Garganega: The White Grape of Soave
Garganega is a prominent white grape variety primarily grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Known for producing the celebrated Soave wine, this grape is appreciated…
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Sauvignon Blanc grapes
Grape varietals 3 min read
Sauvignon Blanc: From the Loire Valley to Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc is a widely celebrated grape variety known for its distinctive aromatic profile and versatility. This grape produces a range of wine styles that are…
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Chardonnay grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Chardonnay: The White Grape of Burgundy and Champagne
Chardonnay is one of the world's most popular and versatile grape varieties. Known for its adaptability and range of expression, Chardonnay thrives in diverse climates and…
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Cabernet Sauvignon: From Bordeaux to Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most renowned grape varieties, celebrated for its versatility and depth. This grape has a fascinating history, distinctive viticultural characteristics,…
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Pinot Noir grapes
Grape varietals 2 min read
Pinot Noir: The Thin-Skinned Red Grape of Burgundy
Pinot Noir is a red grape variety renowned for producing some of the world's most elegant and sought-after wines. This thin-skinned grape is native to the…
Colored pencil drawing of a bunch of Montepulciano grapes
Grape varietals 3 min read
Montepulciano: Abruzzo's Red Grape, Not the Tuscan Town
Montepulciano is a versatile and widely planted red grape native to Italy. It's known for producing deeply colored, full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and soft tannins.…