Types of Wine Grapes

Wine grapes are usually varieties of the European grape, known botanically as Vtis vinifera. These grapes have been cultivated for more than 6,000 years, and many varieties of wine grapes now exist. Wine grapes can be classified according to the type of wine they produce.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon wine grapes produce red wines with a medium or full body, depending on the climate. They are small red grapes with flavors that include blackberry, cherry and currant. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are the most popular variety of wine grapes in the world and are common in wine-producing regions throughout the world, especially France, California and Australia.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay wine grapes produce dry white wines with a full body. They are the most popular white wine grapes in the world and are especially common in the Burgundy region of France. Chardonnay grapes have flavor overtones that include lemon and nuts. They are often aged in oak barrels to provide additional complexity to the flavor.

Riesling

Riesling wine grapes typically produce dessert wines, although they can make dry, fruity wines in warm climates. This variety of wine grape is most common in Germany and is grown in other wine-growing regions. Riesling grapes are rarely aged in barrels. They typically stay on the vine until the first frost to enhance the flavor.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape originally grown in the Loire valley of France. Additional production areas for this wine grape include the United States, Mexico and South Africa. Chenin Blanc grapes produce a light, fruity wine that is typically used as a blending agent.