Believe it or not, there are over 10,000 grape varieties out there! Of course, not all of them are destined to become your favorite glass of wine, some are better suited for other things (more on that later). Humans have been making and sipping wine for thousands of years, but we’ve managed to figure out which grape varieties consistently deliver those “ahhh” moments that make our taste buds dance. Out of thousands, only a select few have made it to the winemaking hall of fame and become the true rockstars of the vineyard.
When it comes to red wine, you’re probably picturing classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz, and Zinfandel. On the white side, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Albariño, and Pinot Grigio usually steal the spotlight.
Now, not every grape gets its moment in the wine glass. Many varieties end up behind the scenes, quietly doing their thing in vinegars or getting transformed into spirits like Cognac or Vodka. So, while you might not see them on a wine list, they’re still part of the party, just in a different way.
So, how many grape varieties can you name? Feel free to brag in the comments below
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''