The world of wine is as complex as it is captivating, rich in history, culture, and of course, flavors. One of the fascinating aspects that contribute to the diversity of wine is the plethora of grape varieties used to produce it. But have you ever stopped to wonder just how many wine grape varieties are out there? It’s not just a matter of red or white, Cabernet or Chardonnay; the spectrum is far more expansive. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the topic and explore the different types of grape varieties used in winemaking around the globe.
The Basics: What Constitutes a Grape Variety?
Definition
Before we dive into numbers and specifics, let’s clarify what we mean by a “grape variety.” In simplest terms, a grape variety is a specific type of grape with its own set of characteristics such as color, size, skin thickness, and flavor profile. These characteristics are genetically determined, which means a grape variety will consistently produce grapes with the same traits year after year, as long as growing conditions remain consistent.
Species of Grapevines
Grape varieties come from different species of grapevines. The most well-known species is Vitis vinifera, which originated in Europe and is responsible for most of the world’s wine production. However, there are other species like Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, and Vitis rotundifolia that are native to North America and are also used in winemaking to varying extents.
Clones
To add another layer of complexity, each grape variety can have multiple clones. A clone is a genetically identical vine that comes from a single “mother vine” and shows particular traits that winemakers find desirable. For example, the Pinot Noir grape variety has numerous clones, each offering slight variations in flavor, color, and other characteristics.
Counting the Numbers: How Many Are We Talking About?
Global Estimate
The number of grape varieties can be staggering for someone new to the wine world. Globally, it is estimated that there are over 10,000 grape varieties, but this number could be even higher due to undiscovered or unclassified varieties. However, not all of these are used for winemaking; some are table grapes, and others have more specialized uses.
Varieties in Commercial Production
When it comes to commercial wine production, the number of grape varieties commonly used is far more manageable, ranging between 1,300 to 1,500. These are the varieties you’re likely to encounter in your local wine store or on a restaurant’s wine list.
Country-Specific Numbers
Different countries have their own sets of popular grape varieties, influenced by factors such as climate, soil, and local tastes. For instance:
- Italy has around 350 indigenous grape varieties registered for wine production.
- France has approximately 200 varieties, many of which have gained international acclaim, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
- Spain has over 100, with Tempranillo and Albariño among the most well-known.
- United States, particularly California, grows a wide range of grape varieties, both native and European, with numbers exceeding 100.
Rarity and Endangerment
It’s worth noting that some grape varieties are extremely rare and are on the brink of extinction. Organizations and winemakers are making efforts to revive these forgotten grapes to preserve the rich diversity of the wine world.
The Major Players: Most Commonly Used Grape Varieties
Red Grape Varieties
When it comes to red wine, certain grape varieties have achieved iconic status, both for their versatility and their exceptional characteristics. Here are some of the most commonly used red grape varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its deep red color and complex flavors, often featuring notes of black currant, tobacco, and sometimes, green bell pepper.
- Merlot: Softer and more approachable than Cabernet, with flavors of plum, black cherry, and herbal notes.
- Pinot Noir: Famous for its light color and intricate flavors, which can range from red fruit like strawberry to earthy tones.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia, this grape produces bold wines with flavors of blackberries, plums, and sometimes, black pepper.
- Zinfandel: Primarily grown in California, this grape produces wines that are often jammy, with flavors of blackberry, cherry, and spices.
White Grape Varieties
White wines offer a spectrum of flavors, from the crisp and zesty to the rich and buttery. Here are some of the key white grape varieties:
- Chardonnay: Highly versatile, it can produce both crisp wines with green apple notes and rich, buttery wines with flavors of tropical fruits.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its green and herbaceous flavors, often reminiscent of lime, green apple, and occasionally, it has characteristic notes of bell pepper or freshly cut grass.
- Riesling: Typically grown in cooler climates, it produces wines that range from sweet to dry, with flavors of green apple, pear, and sometimes, hints of petrol.
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: Offers light, simple, and refreshing flavors, often featuring notes of green apple, pear, and honeysuckle.
- Gewürztraminer: Known for its high aromatic intensity, featuring notes of lychee, rose petals, and spices.
Rosé and Others
Rosé wines can be made from a wide variety of red grapes but are most commonly produced from grapes like Grenache, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir. Then there are also unique varieties like Viognier and Torrontés, which are used to produce highly aromatic white wines.
Beyond the Mainstream: Lesser-Known Grape Varieties
Why Explore Lesser-Known Varieties?
While it’s easy to stick to the tried and true, venturing into lesser-known grape varieties can open up a world of flavors and experiences. These varieties often offer unique characteristics that can’t be found in more common grapes. They may also be native to specific regions, offering a taste of a place you might never have otherwise encountered.
Some Noteworthy Varieties
Red Varieties
- Nebbiolo: Known for producing the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines of Italy, Nebbiolo offers flavors of cherry, anise, and leather.
- Tempranillo: While well-known in Spain, it’s less commonly seen elsewhere. Offers flavors of plum, tobacco, and vanilla.
- Carménère: Originating in Bordeaux but now primarily found in Chile, it features flavors of green pepper, black fruits, and sometimes, a smoky finish.
- Petit Verdot: Usually used as a blending grape in Bordeaux wines, it’s increasingly being used in single-varietal wines, offering floral and herbal notes.
White Varieties
- Albariño: A Spanish white grape producing wines with high acidity and flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and sometimes, a slight saltiness.
- Vermentino: Primarily found in Italy, it produces wines with flavors of green apple, lime, and green almond.
- Gruner Veltliner: Native to Austria, it offers a unique combination of fruity and peppery flavors.
- Semillon: Often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, it can also stand alone, offering flavors of lemon, green papaya, and sometimes, lanolin.
Where to Find Them
Many of these lesser-known varieties can be found at specialized wine shops or online retailers. Some wine regions also offer tastings dedicated to indigenous or rare grape varieties, providing an educational—and enjoyable—experience.
The Importance of Terroir: Same Grape, Different Expressions
What is Terroir?
Terroir is a French term that encapsulates the environmental factors—such as soil, climate, and topography—that affect a grape’s characteristics and, consequently, the wine it produces. It’s a concept deeply rooted in the wine world, and it’s the reason why the same grape variety can produce vastly different wines depending on where it’s grown.
Examples of Terroir’s Impact
Chardonnay
For instance, Chardonnay grown in the chalky soils of Chablis in France produces wines that are lean, with high acidity and mineral notes. On the other hand, Chardonnay from California’s Napa Valley, influenced by a warmer climate and different soil types, often results in richer, more buttery wines.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is another grape that showcases the influence of terroir. In Burgundy, France, the grape’s native home, the wines are generally complex with earthy and floral notes. However, in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, the same grape yields wines with brighter fruit flavors and often a touch of spiciness.
Why Terroir Matters
Understanding terroir not only helps you appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of each wine but also aids in food pairing and even wine collecting. Wines from specific terroirs with favorable growing conditions are often more highly valued and can age better, providing a different kind of drinking experience.
Preservation Efforts: Saving Endangered Grape Varieties
The Threat to Diversity
As we’ve explored, the world of wine grape varieties is incredibly diverse. However, this diversity is at risk due to factors such as climate change, urbanization, and the commercial focus on a few popular varieties. Many lesser-known or indigenous grape varieties are slowly disappearing, and with them, unique flavors and winemaking traditions.
Organizations and Initiatives
There are various organizations and initiatives aimed at preserving the diversity of grape varieties:
- Wine Biodiversity: Organizations like the Institute for Wine Biodiversity focus on cataloging and preserving ancient and rare grape varieties.
- Local Wineries: Some wineries specialize in reviving nearly extinct grape varieties, often in collaboration with agricultural institutions.
- Community Programs: Community-led initiatives, often supported by local governments, aim to sustain indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods.
Case Studies: Successful Revivals
Zibibbo in Sicily
Zibibbo, an ancient grape variety native to Sicily, was almost extinct until a group of winemakers and agriculturalists took it upon themselves to revive it. Today, it’s used to produce aromatic wines and contributes to the island’s wine tourism.
Trousseau in Jura, France
The Trousseau grape, native to the Jura region in France, was dwindling in numbers until a concerted effort by local winemakers brought it back into production. It’s now a prized variety used in high-quality wines.
How You Can Help
As a consumer, you can contribute to these preservation efforts:
- Educate Yourself: The more you know about different grape varieties, the more likely you are to try and appreciate them.
- Buy and Support: Purchase wines made from lesser-known or endangered grape varieties.
- Spread the Word: Use social media platforms to share your newfound love for these unique wines and inspire others to explore them.
By doing so, you’re not just expanding your own wine horizons but also contributing to the preservation of the rich tapestry that makes up the world of wine.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Grape Diversity
Embrace the Complexity
The world of wine grape varieties is vast, intricate, and endlessly fascinating. With estimates ranging from 1,300 to over 10,000 different types, the possibilities for discovery are almost limitless. Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a devoted oenophile, understanding the diversity of grape varieties enriches your wine experience, offering new flavors, aromas, and even cultural insights.
The Joy of Exploration
The most exciting aspect of this diversity is that it provides endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re sampling a classic Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux or sipping on a lesser-known Gruner Veltliner from Austria, each bottle opens up a world of sensory experiences and often, a bit of the place where it was made.
Final Thoughts
So the next time you find yourself in the wine aisle or perusing a restaurant’s wine list, maybe skip the usual suspects and try something new. Opt for a wine made from a grape variety you’ve never heard of, or explore a wine region that’s new to you. Not only will you expand your palate, but you’ll also become part of the movement to preserve and celebrate the vast, rich diversity of wine grape varieties that our world has to offer.