Common Types of Wine Grapes
As you sip on your favorite glass of red or white, you may not realize that your wine comes from only one or a few of the more than 10,000 known grapevine varieties worldwide. Vitis vinifera is the scientific name for the subspecies of grapes used for making wine, and that single subspecies has an estimated 6,000 varieties. You are unlikely to come across most of those, as only a few have risen to widespread viticulture production. Here are the most common types of wine grapes.
Popular Types of Wine Grapes for Reds
In the United States, red wines have a slight edge in popularity over white wines, and vineyards devote more acreage to dark grapes. Here are the most popular red wine grapes:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This red beauty produces a full-bodied wine with hints of spice, fruit, and chocolate. It has a smooth texture and rich tannins, delivering a fresh finish.
- Merlot: This red grape produces a rich, fruity, and complex wine. Its velvety texture invites you to savor its flavor. It runs a close second to cabernet sauvignon as one of the most popular types of wine grapes for reds.
- Petite Sirah: Don’t confuse this grape and the wine it produces with the similarly named syrah. The small berries of the petite sirah pack a flavorful punch with a palate full of fruit, spice, and tannins.
- Pinot Noir: The pinot noir grape originally hails from Burgundy, France, where viticulturists are only allowed to plant this variety. It’s a temperamental grape that produces a red with hints of cedar and cherry.
- Cabernet Franc: This grape produces a medium-bodied wine with moderate levels of tannins and acidity.
The first three grapes on this list reign supreme in California’s vineyards, where the environment and climate are perfect for growing these rich, red fruits.
Dominant Types of Wine Grapes for Whites
Though whites trail reds in popularity, it isn’t by much. Many wine drinkers consume both varieties, depending on their moods. The dominant white wine grapes include:
- Chardonnay: An extremely popular white variety grown worldwide, the wine it produces can range in flavor based on the region’s terroir and the vineyard's viticulture and aging techniques.
- Sauvignon Blanc: This grape usually produces a medium-bodied wine with a crisp citrus and grass nose. It’s one of the driest white wines, retaining very little sugar.
- Pinot Gris: Also known as pinot grigio, this is one of the types of wine grapes that result in a dry white with a touch of sweetness and a citrusy flavor.
- Viognier: A crisp, medium-bodied white with hints of floral and spice that make the wine these grapes produce a summer favorite.
While you can enjoy white wine all year round, it’s hard to resist light, cool glass on a warm afternoon.
Favorite Types of Wine Grapes at Stags’ Leap Winery
You can find the world’s favorite types of wine grapes at Stag’s Leap Winery. On our estate, we grow the best red varietals in Napa Valley, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petite sirah. We also feature wines from other vineyards in the region. While we grow some of the most popular grapes globally, our terroir produces a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else. Book a tasting and discover what makes the wines from Stags’ Leap unforgettable.
Stags’ Leap Winery Offers an Experience to Remember
Are you thirsty for wine and adventure now? Stags’ Leap Winery awaits your visit, ready to give you an experience to remember. Our tastings are intimate and leisurely experiences, allowing you to soak up the history and beauty of the estate while exploring the unique flavors of our wines. Whether you prefer porch sitting or a tasting in our communal tasting room, we ensure you receive top-notch service and unbeatable wines. Book your visit today and get ready for a new adventure.
