There are thousands of grape varieties that are used to make wine, however, just seven are considered to be the noble grapes from which the most sought after wines in the world are made. There are four red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah, which is also known as Shiraz and three white grapes, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Bordeaux is home to some of the greatest wine in the world. The predominant grapes here are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Premium quality wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are known for their blackcurrant and black cherry flavours, a deep colour and a high level of tannin and acidity. It is a grape variety that is often aged in oak barrels to add flavour and complexity. When young the top Bordeaux wines can be quite harsh so they need time to soften and mature before drinking. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world and quality and style varies depending on where the grapes are grown.
Merlot on the other hand has more blackberry and plum flavours also with a hint of mint, it has less acidity and tannins that Cabernet Sauvignon for this reason these grapes are often blended together to make more balanced, complex wines.
Pinot Noir is the grape variety used to make the finest red wines in Burgundy. It is a fickle grape that is difficult to ripen and the style and quality can vary depending on many factors. It has a thin skin giving wines with a lighter colour. When young it has of strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavours that will mature in time to give wines with more complexity and an earthy, savoury flavour. Outside of Burgundy the most well known areas for Pinot Noir are Central Otago in New Zealand and several cooler regions in Australia.
Syrah is mainly found in the northern Rhone Valley, while Shiraz, the same grape but with a different name, makes premium quality wines in Australia. Syrah has a deep colour, aromas of black fruits, black pepper, chocolate and hints of liquorice. It is a grape that needs a warm climate to ripen. It is a grape variety that is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Garnacha.
Like the other classic red grape varieties it gives wines that can be aged in barrel and develop more mature characters.
Chardonnay is the most famous white grape variety. Its home is in Burgundy but it can be found all over the world and curiously the style and flavour of wine changes according to the region and the climate. In cool climates such as Chablis, made from 100% Chardonnay, the wines have flavours of apples and pears with some mineral notes. Whereas a Chardonnay from a hot Australian region will have tropical fruit flavours. Given the range of flavours of Chardonnays available, expect to discover many different styles.
Sauvignon Blanc makes wines that are refreshing with flavours of asparagus, peppers, freshly cut grass and green fruits. It is a cool climate wine and is best known for the wines from the Loire Valley, home of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, and Marlborough in New Zealand. It has a high natural acidity and is one of the main components of the most famous sweet wine in the world, Sauternes.
The final member of the magnificent seven is Riesling. This is an aromatic grape variety whose home is in Germany. There are a wide range of styles and qualities, about which I have written previously. German wine labels are not easy to understand but look for words such as ‘Kabinett’, ‘Spatlese’ and Auslese to discover the different styles. The Alsace region of France, Austria and several regions in Australia and New Zealand also produce world class Rieslings.
On your journey tasting the world of wines try to taste these classic grape varieties from as many regions as possible.
