Our winemakers use a vast variety of wine grapes from Napa and Sonoma valley and their artistic talents to make some of the best wines in the world. Ultimately wine grapes are very important and education about these grapes will determine how you pair with what food. Understanding how it is made is important to your health. Noble Grapes are also known as International Varieties which are grape varieties that are widely planted in most of the major wine producing regions and have widespread appeal. Wine grapes play a very important part in our wine club! Without wine grapes, we would not have a wine club! so I thought it would be a great idea to learn more about what wine grapes are used to make wines in our discovery wine club.
I thank MSI Nell Golinski for tremendous help with Wine educational paper.
It’s true! A trip to Napa and Sonoma Valley is on just about everyone’s bucket list and being a member of our discovery wine club can almost help you mark that one off your list if you are a Grand Cru member you definitely can. Anyway, back to the grapes.
Originally, there were six noble grapes identified: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot for the reds; and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling for the whites. “Noble grapes” is a term that was coined to describe international grape varieties that were the most recognized for the top-quality wine they produce.
The grapes were renowned for the more famous regions where they were grown, and where they expressed that specific location (a term known as “terroir”). Of course, these grapes were also grown in other regions where quality wine was produced. Then Syrah was added into the list of noble grapes, and then there were seven.
As winemaking expanded around the world, the list of noble grapes grew to 18 varieties. Perhaps for fairness and equality, there are currently nine noble red grapes and nine noble white grapes.
Red Wine Grapes
Let’s start with Red Wine Grapes. I will cover some of the most popular first. Let’s see how many you recognize. Let me assure you I will not cover all of the red wine grapes, there are many more for you to discover on your own.
Red Noble Grapes
Here is a list of the Red Nobel Grapes from lightest to darkest.
- Pinot Noir (Nile Eddy Pinot Noir)
- Grenache (Discoveries Grenache)
- Merlot (Ricord Merlot)
- Sangiovese
- Nebbiolo
- Tempranillo
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Peter Antoniou)Cabernet Sauvignon (Donna Walker Cabernet Sauvignon, More Than Muse Cab Sav 2017)
- Syrah (Discoveries Syrah)
- Malbec (Deanna Young Malbec )
- And Zinfandel (Adele Antoniou Red Zinfandel)
Red Wine Grapes:
Pinot Noir (Nile Eddy Pinot Noir, More Than Muse Pinot Noir)
This delicious red is part of the Pinot grape family which includes some of my favorite wines. Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir wine is light on tannins and is an easy-drinking wine. As with most grape varieties, these are closely associated with France’s Burgundy wine region. Due to the differences in terroir, Pinot Noir wines created from year to year may vary adding to the complexity of the wine. Pinot Noir’s popularity has led to its embrace by winemakers all over the world including our winery in California.
Grenache (Discoveries Grenache)
The Grenache grape favors a long growing season. Which allows the berry to develop high sugar levels. The Grenache berry is one of the more alcoholic grapes, reaching almost 15% alcohol by volume. This grape produces a wide variety of wines and styles all over the world for both red and white wine. Grenache, due to its thin skin and the pale color is the most popular grape used in the production of Rose’ wines. Grenache Blanc is a white version of the fruit.
Merlot (Ricord Merlot)
I found contradictory statements about the color of the Merlot grape. Some say it is black some say it is red. Honestly, it looks blue/purple to me. You can be the judge. Whatever the color, the Merlot grape produces a red wine with a lot of body and high levels of alcohol. The popularity of the Merlot grape variety trails that of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Bordeaux, France is the home of the best Merlot wines in the world. (I bet they have not tried the Ricord Merlot) Outside of France, you will find other places that produce high-quality Merlots as well including Italy, Chile, California, and Washington state.
Sangiovese
The Sangiovese grape is the most popular grape variety in Italy. It is widely found everywhere in central Italy but its home is Tuscany. This is where it creates amazing blends like Chianti as well as some of the Super Tuscans. Sangiovese is best enjoyed as a young wine.
WINE NOTE: If you are looking for wines that have full-body flavors, highly tannic, and acidic this is the grape to use. High acidity allows these wines to age well. Also, if this wine is aged in oak barrels these wines can reach a more complex, even oaky character.
(Super Tuscans are red wines from Tuscany that may include non-indigenous grapes)
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is a grape from the Piedmont wine region of northwest Italy. And produces two of the country’s most famous wines: Barolo and Barbaresco. When Nebbiolo wines are young they are light in color and highly tannic. As they age, they acquire a more complex and appealing aroma.
Tempranillo
The Tempranillo grape is most famously grown in Spain and is often referred to as “Spain’s noble grape”. It primarily grows on the Iberian Peninsula. Tempranillo grapes produce full-bodied, ruby red wines that can take on some very distinctive aromas and flavors, including plum, berries, tobacco, and vanilla. Aging in oak barrels, these flavors become even more intense.
WINE NOTE: Tempranillo is a very old variety. The earliest official mention of the variety is from 1807, the general thought is that Tempranillo was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. A bizarre clue that questions this theory of Tempranillo’s Iberian origin is the scattered plantings found in Tuscany and Basilicata, Italy. Tempranillo is the fourth-most planted variety in the world and Finally is considered one of the nine red noble grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon (Peter Antoniou, 2017 Red Hills Cab Sav)
We Have Cabernet Sauvignon (Donna Walker Cab Sav, More Than Muse Cab Sav 2017)
Cabernet Sauvignon, like Merlot grapes, is one of the most popular and famous red wine grape varieties in the world and grows in vineyards all over the world and in a wide range of climates. Consequently, Cab Sav grapes are used for a variety of mass-produced, cheap wines. Historically, Bordeaux, France is the home of Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemakers in California’s Napa Valley and Australia’s Coonawarra wine region are producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are rivaling those of Bordeaux. These wines are typically deep red in color with moderate acidity and often have notes of blackcurrant and spice. They also have a moderate to good tannin structure.
Syrah or Shiraz? (Discoveries Syrah)
It depends on where you are inquiring. Depending on where you find them these grapes could be referred to as Syrah or Shiraz. They are the same grape no matter the name. Syrah/Shiraz is most closely associated with the Rhone Valley in Southeastern France. However, it is truly an international berry. After being introduced into the new world it has become quite popular in Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, California, and Washington State. Whether Syrah or Shiraz, it is an excellent wine. You might also want to note that Syrah and Grenache are often in a blend for another remarkable wine combination
Malbec (Deanna Young Malbec)
The Malbec grape originally came from the Bordeaux region in France. But because of its propensity for disease, it fell from grace quickly. It is today the national grape of Argentina. Is thought to have made its first appearance in Argentina in 1850. It was brought in by Michel Pouget. The Mendoza region was a perfect climate for this dark-colored, thin-skinned berry. Aside from being highly successful in Argentina, Malbec grapes also grow with varying levels of success in Chili, Napa Valley, and Paso Robles, CA. Washington state, Oregon, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. Canada?? Wine vineyards in Canada. I find this a little puzzling. Mendoza’s climate is mostly Arid. I would not think of Canada as being arid.
Zinfandel (Adele Antoniou Red Zinfandel)
Although not in the original 9 Noble Grapes list, we value this grape also. Zinfandel wine is considered to be as American as Baseball, and Apple Pie. Wine lovers have been wondering about the origins of the grape for at least a century. About 20 years ago we were told that zinfandel was in fact primitivo, a grape found in southern Italy and Sicily. Then a decade ago we were told to forget about primitivo, that zinfandel was plavac mali, a Croatian grape.
After much research, it has been discovered that Zinfandel is clearly Croatian, however, its parent is the seldom-seen crljenak kastelanski (tsurl-YEN-ak kastel-AHN-ski) grape. DNA research on this grape proved from Croatian part is right. Although virtually unpronounceable unless you are on Dalmatian coast. But a grape known as Primitivo, Plavac mali and current Zinfandel grapes proved to be a DNA match with crljenak kastelanski as the parent. Case solved! Mike Grgich, one of California’s best-known winemakers, immigrated from Croatia in the 1950’s and, a zinfandel producer himself, had always believed that it was the same grape as plavac mali.
Case Closing
Around 1820 Zinfandel wine grapes may have arrived in America from Austria. By 1830, being sold as Zinfandel, these grapes had gained popularity as table grapes due to their juicy, sweet flavor. Prohibition strongly affected the wine industry and most all grape growers. Most vines were left to wither and die, as was the story with the Zinfandel grape. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Zinfandel has regained popularity and continues to grow in fans. Zinfandel has become so popular that it has its own holiday. November 19 is National Zinfandel Day!! In today’s market, California produces some of the best Zinfandel wines available.
WINE NOTE: Prohibition again affected this grape production too. By the end of Prohibition, there were very few Malbec grape vines in California. However, by the mid-1990 it did begin to increase in popularity and plantings began to increase.
White Wine Grapes
WOW! that was quite a lot of information on the Red Grape varieties. But you know I could have added a lot more. When you start researching these things you find so much information. You could do a page on each grape and still not cover everything. I love reading about the Prohibition period and how people avoided not having wine and alcohol. I think I would have probably been one of the bootleggers if I had lived in that era, Now, let’s move on to some of the popular white wine grapes grown throughout the world.
Noble White Grapes
The wines below are the lightest to richest.
- Pinot Grigio
- Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
- Moscato
- Gewürztraminer
- Semillon
- Viognier
- Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio (Flyer Pinot Grigio, Tanya Pinot Grigio Lodi 2017)
The Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) grape comes to us mostly from Northern Italy, and also grows in France and New Zealand. Growers have also had great success with Pinot Grigio in the United States. Pinot Grigio is a white mutation of the Pinot family of grapes, which includes Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc.
Pinot Grigio wines are easy-drinking wines due to their medium body and acidity.
Riesling
A grape Germany is famous for. The Riesling grape is very aromatic and these wines are fruity and floral and are high in Acidity. The Riesling grape ranks third in the top three white grape varieties right after the Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc. These grapes make dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and also sparkling wines. A special note for Riesling grapes they are almost never blended with other grapes.
Sauvignon Blanc (Discoveries Sauvignon Blanc, St. Patrick’s Day Sauvignon Blanc, More Than Muse Sauvignon Blanc)
A white grape variety known for dry, crisp, refreshing white wines. Traditionally from the Bordeaux wine region of France and also the Loire valley. Sauvignon Blanc wines take on the flavor of the terroir of the region where they grow. They can range in flavor from sweet and grassy to floral and fruity depending on the Climate. The sauvignon blanc grape is very aromatic and produces highly acidic wines. A variety of celebrated Sauvignon Blanc wines are produced in Napa Valley.
Chenin Blanc (Discoveries Chenin Blanc/Viognier Blend)
Chenin Blanc produces medium-bodied wines with medium sweetness. It commonly grows in France but is also popular in South Africa, and also successful in the U.S. and Argentina. This is a very versatile grape varietal in Style and Sweetness and can adapt to a variety of tastes. It ranges in color from pale straw to pale amber. In South Africa where over 50% of the vineyards are it is often a blend to form cheaper, mass-produced wines.
Moscato (Waiting on shipment to arrive and taste test before provide feedback.)
Gewurztraminer (Guh-vertz-trah-mee-ner)
Gewurztraminer is a highly aromatic grape that produces wine high in alcohol and low in acidity. This white grape gets its name after a German-speaking province in Italy. Grown mostly in France, Germany, and New Zealand. This varietal prefers cooler growing conditions and does not do well in the heat. Therefore, Gewurztraminer is not an overly common grape in California. However, It does like the cooler valleys in Mendocino County, Monterey, and some pockets of Sonoma and the Central Coast. Elsewhere in the United States, you can find them in Oregon, Washington, and New York, where it thrives in the Finger Lakes and along the Niagara Falls area.
Semillon
Semillon is the fourth most planted grape in France. It rests right behind Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This golden-skinned grape makes both dry and sweet white wines and is often in a blend with Sauvignon Blanc. Semillon is a full-bodied wine, much like Chardonnay, but the flavor is also close to Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
Viognier [vee-OWN-yay] (Parables in White)
A white grape varietal that commonly grows in the Rhone wine region of France. It became nearly extinct in the 1960s. It made a comeback in the 1980s and found its way to California, Australia, and South Africa.
California’s Central Coast has become known as an important new producer of Viognier wines. White wines from the Viognier grape tend to present with full-body, with highly floral flavor, very acidic, and with high alcohol content.
Chardonnay (Moonlight Sonata Chardonnay, Inaugural 2021 Chardonnay, More Than Muse Chardonnay and Freedom Chardonnay)
This is my favorite wine! One of the most popular grapes in the wine industry, you will find is the Chardonnay grape because of its hardiness. Chardonnay grapes are hardy and can grow in a range of different climates. Allowing them to grow all over the world. The grape is the white grape of Burgundy. You probably already know that Chardonnay is the most popular white wine and it is made in many styles the flavor can range from fruity notes to exotic, and toasty. When aged in oak barrels it can be buttery.
The Burgundy region of France claims to be the home of Chardonnay but you can find some Amazing Chardonnay wines from California and Australia. Winemakers in California started experimenting with Chardonnay in the 1960s and by the mid-70s they were producing wines that were as good as any from the Burgundy region.
So Many Stories about Wine Grapes
In conclusion, as you can see, there are so many grape varieties in the world. To be very honest, this does not even scratch the surface. However, I do hope I have given you an idea of some of the most popular grapes used in the wine industry today .
Our Wine of The Month Club gives you the chance to try many of these varieties at great savings. Our Wine Discovery club brings you different wines each month all from Napa and Sonoma Valley. Where some of the world’s best winemakers create some of the world’s best wines.
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