Grape Varieties
Behind every great wine is a grape variety. Understanding them is key to understanding what’s in your glass and what you will actually enjoy drinking.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick a grape you’ve enjoyed before and explore similar styles from there.
Red Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Full-bodied and structured, driven by blackcurrant, cedar, and firm tannins, this one is built to age.
Tempranillo
Spain’s signature grape, balancing red fruit with leather, tobacco and oak driven soft spice.
Zinfandel/Primitivo
Bold and jammy with black fruit, spice and warmth, often higher alcohol and full of character.
Sangiovese
Bright acidity with sour cherry, herbs and earthy notes the backbone of Italian classics like Chianti.
Merlot
Softer and rounder, with plum, red fruit and chocolate notes, easy to drink but still serious when done well
Malbec
Rich, dark and fruit forward with blackberry and plum smooth, bold and crowd pleasing.
Nebbiolo
High acidity and tannin with rose, tar and red fruit complex, structured and age worthy if from a great producer.
Cabernet Franc
Lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, with red fruit, herbs and a slightly savoury edge.
Pinot Noir
Light bodied and elegant, showing red cherry, earth, and spice it is all about finesse over raw power.
Syrah/Shiraz
Deep and powerful, ranging from peppery and savoury (Syrah) to ripe and spicy (Shiraz)
Touriga Nacional
Portugal’s flagship grape, intensely aromatic with dark fruit, floral notes and firm structure, underrated variety.
Grenache/Garnacha
Ripe, juicy and spicy with red fruit and warmth often blended but excellent on its own.
White Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh, crisp and aromatic with grassy notes, gooseberries, acidic and refreshing but differs dramatically by region.
Riesling
High acidity with citrus, stone fruit and signature petrol notes ranges from bone dry to sweet and ages beautifully.
Chardonnay
Incredibly versatile, from fresh and citrus driven to rich and buttery depending on winemakers style and oak integration.
Chenin Blanc
Incredibly versatile, from dry and crisp to rich and sweet always driven by high acidity.
Pinot Grigio
Light, clean and easy drinking with subtle citrus and pear simple but refreshing when done well, an easy starter
Albariño
Fresh and zesty with citrus, peach and a saline edge perfect with seafood.
Want to see these grapes in action? Head over to Bottles Worth Buying