One of the most important factors in determining what a particular type of wine will taste like is knowing what types of grapes were used to make it. Grapes are a vine fruit that are grown in almost every country in the world. With the exception of Antarctica, grapes are grown on every continent. Resilient and adaptable, grape vines can grow in a wide variety of climates and soil types. Ranging from small and dark purple or red grapes to large white or green grapes, there are many variations of this fruit. Each type of grape lends a distinct flavor to the resultant wine that can be made from it.
European wines are made primarily from the species vitis vinifera, which includes varieties such as chardonnay, pinot noir and merlot. Wines made from these types of grapes are usually named for the type of grape itself. If the wine is made from at least 75% one type of grape, then it is considered a varietal, and will be named for that grape. If on the other hand, a wine is made from several different types, then it is known as a blended wine. Most European grapes today are vitis vinifera grapes that have been grafted onto the stock of heartier, North American grape plants. The reason for this is the American grapes’ high resistance to certain types of root louse that can kill the vine.
Different types of grapes are grown to make different kinds of wine with different kinds of taste that will appeal to different palettes. Some grapes are much darker and have a much stronger taste. In general, these grapes will produce a much drier, that is less sweet, wine than some of their lighter cousins. Grapes such as Merlot and Pinot Noir are prized for their flavor and deep color. The resulting wine is often served at room temperature, as a table wine. By comparison, some of the lighter, sweeter grapes are used to make sweeter dessert wines, such as Rieslings and pinot grigios.
The next time you are in a wine store, or at a vineyard and are looking at the names of the wines, notice that you see the same names appearing again and again, regardless of the brand. The name refers to the types of grapes used to make the beverage, and can tell you much about what the wine will taste like in general.
