About Wine Grapes

Only a few varieties of grapes are suitable for producing good quality wine. Although many other varieties are used to make wine, they would not be considered in the high-caliber category. Each type of grape has its own unique mixture of characteristics which include size, color, acidity, skin thickness, flavor and yield. Still, even using suitable grape types, they must be merged with the right climate and wine-making technique in order to produce the best wines.

Chardonnay

Historically Chardonnay grapes are known for their success in France in the regions of Champagne and Burgundy. White burgundy is always made from chardonnay grapes unless it is stated on the bottle. This white wine grape is most often aged in oak wine barrels, which gives it a special overtone and flavor of vanilla. Some wineries put this grape through a special fermentation process which brings out a buttery quality. However, this does shorten the wine's life. Wines made from the chardonnay grape are primarily served cold and go well with chicken and dishes containing cream or butter. Although this grape produces wines that can be eaten with seafood, Rieslings or Sauvignon Blanc are better choices.

Chenin Blanc

A white wine grape grown mostly in South Africa, California and in France's Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc produces a high-acid, fragrant wine. Wineries can make wines varying from dry to very sweet with this grape. The high acid allows Chenin Blanc wines to age very well. This is the most widely planted South African wine grape where it is known as Steen. While Chenin Blanc normally makes an inexpensive wine, this has nothing to do with the quality of the grape but the fact that it is a high-volume-producing plant.

Riesling

Rieslings are cold-climate grapes, grown mostly in northern Europe, generally producing high-quality wines. It also can make wines that are very dry all the way to very sweet. However, they are mostly found on the side of dry to very dry. The appeal of honeysuckle and peach aromas make this a wonderful choice paired with crab, pork, salads and appetizers.

Sauvignon Blanc

This wine grape is heat-tolerant; in fact, it needs more heat to produce the best fruit than most other grapes. The Sauvignon Blanc gives off a melon scent and taste. When this white grape is grown in cooler weather, it tends to exchange the melon overtone with an herbal, grassy one. It is not usually stored in oak barrels because of taking on the oak flavor. The wine produced from this grape is especially pleasing when served with seafood. In the United States it is sometimes called Flume Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc also produces a rather inexpensive wine because of it's high-volume production.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red grape wine in the world. It is the dominant wine grape grown in France's Bordeaux region and is now grown in every other major wine grape-growing area. The wines produced by this grape have a long aging period potential. Vineyards mix this grape with others to make distinctive varieties of wines. The wine produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon has scents and flavors of black currant, cedar, cherry and tobacco. When grown during a cooler season, it can give way to an olive or green pepper scent and taste.

Grenache

Grenache grapes produce a wine with fruity, sweet flavors with spicy overtones. It is the most planted wine grape in the world. It is heat-resistant and tolerates less water than other grapes, so it can be produced in many locations. The Grenache is often mixed with other grapes to make unique combinations in wines. In the United States it is grown in California where wineries almost always mix it with other grapes for making rose wines. Wines made from this grape are best when consumed early in its life. It does not age as well as some of the other wines.

Merlot

Although Merlot grapes can produce in cooler climates than other grapes, it is also susceptible to mold and fungus diseases. It, therefore, is a little more difficult to grow. The taste and quality of Merlot grapes vary quite a bit depending on the grower and area. Merlot wines, in general though, tend to be full-bodied, smooth-textured and sweet. Wines produced from these grapes are ready for consumption within four to eight years, yet they also have a long aging potential. Merlot wines are enjoying a new surge in popularity resulting in many vineyards adding fields of Merlot grapes.