Wine Online

photo credit: Mannequin- (Gone for a while)

By Ken Finnigan

With all the bottles of wine on the market, it’s no wonder people often have no idea what they like and what they don’t like. On many an occasion in the past I have found myself loving a bottle of wine only to have no idea what sort of white wine it was. With so many grapes being used in wine it is easy to confuse. Hopefully this will help put some confusion at bay when it comes to knowing the difference between various white grape varieties.

Semillon

Definitely a medium to full bodied grape, Semillon is a native to the Bordeaux region in France even though today the region that holds the title for having the most success with this grape is none other than the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales in Australia. While it can be often be said (and rightly so) that wines that are dominated by Semillon lack youthful aroma, they always tend to have a fairly full body and be low in acidity. It is for this reason that Semillon makes a wonderful “second” grape in blending of wines producing some wonderful flavours. Semillon even works well when blended with the well-known loner, Chardonnay, giving richness and weight without sacrificing the aromatic delicacy. That is not to say that a Semillon alone won’t make for good wine. Semillons on general are a variety that is best drunk after a few years.

Chenin Blanc

Origins in the Loire Valley of France, Chenin Blanc grapes have a natural high acidity as well as an uncanny ability to get along with the botrytis mold that likes to suck the water out of grapes. It is because of both of these features that Chenin Blanc grapes are so versatile and used in all sorts of wines ranging from fizzy, sweet and dry. Flavors are similar to that of a Sauvignon Blanc; herbs, green apples and gooseberry. A little known fact to some people who believe that white wines must be consumed within the first couple years of vintage would be surprised to know that Chenin Blanc tastes best around ten to fifteen years.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc tends to be one of those grapes that you either love or hate. A crisp and mineral tasting wine that has it’s origins in France; the aromas of this grape have conjured a variety of adjectives. Such descriptions range from passion fruit, mint and basil to asparagus and even freshly cut grass. Being that these wines are crisp and very refreshing and somewhat uncomplicated its ability to be paired with foods is incredible. Foods ranging from shellfish to goat’s cheese are all great matches with Sauvignon Blanc.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay comes in all different sizes and shapes and is grown all over the world. While some complain that this variety of grape is rather boring, there is a reason it is the most widely consumed grape variety in the world. Because this grape very readily will sink its roots in almost any soil, the flavours and aromas vary greatly. In the southern hemisphere, the aromas range from peaches and pears to mango, pineapple or even banana. Northern hemisphere grapes however, are much different ranging from delicate citrus to full flavoured citrus, sweet spices and nuts.

Muscat

Muscat is a sweet grape that comes in many forms from all over from Italy to Spain to Australia. Because of this broad variety it is hard to pin down on specific flavour or aroma for Muscat. Sometimes apple, pear or flowers can be detected in some of the lighter wines while in the more robust Muscat wines you might find chocolate or coffee.

Gewurztraminer

I don’t think there is any better way to sum up the Gewurztraminer (ger-vertz-tramina) grape than by quoting Matt Skinner, author of “Thirsty Work” where the inspiration for this article comes from. Matt states, “Like and oversized drag queen with too much make-up, way too much perfume, mega high heels, and very little shame, this variety is the flamboyantly camp member of the white grape family! But, sadly, it also doubles as one of the uncoolest grape varieties in the world. In fact, it’s fair to say that if Gewurztraminer were an outfit it’d be socks, sandals, and a camel brown safari suit. Try pronouncing it – apart from being much harder to say than Chardonnay, it even sounds a bit naff. And that’s the problem.”

This can be a very correct way to describe this Alsace favourite because the aromas of this grape are some of the most bold and bizarre but that doesn’t mean that this is a bad grape by any means. In fact it really isn’t all that bad! These grapes tend to have flavours and aromas reminiscent of ginger, rose, lychee and cinnamon to name a few and because of low acidity are rich and carry much weight in your mouth giving a long lasting flavour. Perhaps this is why this grape makes a great match with mild spicy, sweet and tangy foods such as Chinese or Thai.

Riesling

Another under appreciated grape historically from Germany. Oftentimes people complain that this grape is too sweet and try to avoid it all costs. It wasn’t until recent years that this grape is making a comeback as a match to seafood and dishes with Asian infused flavours. The best Rieslings have aromas of citrus, flowers and spice while the flavours can be more of lemons and minerals. Super dry Rieslings are very popular nowadays while the best examples of more expensive Rieslings are actually the very sweet late harvested dessert and ice wines. It is also worth noting that Rieslings are another white grape that ages very well so don’t worry about drinking a 20 year old bottle!

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Technically, Pinto Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same. Pinot Grigio planting has been concentrated in northeast Italy while Pinot Gris makes its home in Alsace in France. Pinot Gris, is a French expression for light delicate and fresh and has flavours that are slightly fat and rich often from the time is spends in wooded barrels. On the other hand, Pinot Grigrio (meaning the same as Pinot Gris) is usually stored in steel tanks and drunk while it’s young and light and vibrant. Again, Matt Skinner best explains these two grapes as being like “identical twins separated at birth and raised in different countries.”

While these are just some of the many varieties of white grapes out there, they are without question the most popular of the bunch. Each grape is unique in its flavour and aromas and should thus be treated as just that, an individual. Not all white wines are created equal and not all white wines are meant to be drunk old but all whites are meant to be enjoyed.

About the Author: Finest Wine Racks is a major supplier of a variety of wine racks including wood wine racks, metal wine racks, counter top, floor standing wine racks and wine storage systems. A pioneer with their “Product Selection Assistant Tool” Finest Wine Racks aims to make your shopping experience easier. Ken Finnigan - CEO
Finest Wine Racks

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photo credit: joyrex

Author: Muna wa Wanjiru

Perhaps you might like to know which grapes are used in Making of Wine. The list of grape varieties below isn’t comprehensive, but it does give a look into the world of wine grapes.

Auxerrois

This grape is also known as Malbec or Côt. The Auxerrois grape creates a neutral wine which is fruity and soft and is mainly to be found in Luxembourg and Canada. In Alsace it is often blended with the Pinot Blanc grape.

Barbarossa

This is a red wine grape variety that can be found in Italy, France and the Balkan regions. The wines it produces are robust and age very well.

Barbera

An intense, deep colored red wine, produced mainly in northern Italy, and now in the USA.

Cabernet Franc

This grape variety partly gave rise to the ever popular Cabernet Sauvignon. This variety is mainly found in cooler and damper conditions than the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is known as one of the “noble” grape varieties, and is famous as one of the main varieties, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and others used to create the magnificent French Bordeaux region blended red wines.

Carmenère

Found in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. It is used to produce deep red wines occasionally used for blending purposes.

Chardonnay

This variety is the best-known white wine grape producer in France, and is mainly to be found in the Burgundy and Chablis regions. Australia and New Zealand have also succeeded in producing great wines from the chardonnay grape.

Chenin Blanc

It is also known as Pineau de la Loire in the Loire region of France, as Steen in South Africa, and as White Pinot (Pinot Blanco) elsewhere in the world. This grape is made into fine sweet wines that age well for at least ten years.

Freisa

This grape is used to make spumante style sweet red wines, and is grown in the Piedmont region in Italy. This is generally used to make sparkling wines.

Gamay

Gamay Noir, Gamay Beaujolais and Napa Gamay are the three different types of grape that are allowed to use the Gamay name for labeling purposes. At time they were all thought to be a true Pinot Noir variety of Burgundy.

Gamay Beaujolais

If the grape is picked immediately it produces a good red wine. It has also been found to be a clone of Pinot Noir, albeit an early ripening one.

Gewürztraminer

One of the more difficult wine and grape names to pronounce, it nevertheless makes an excellent wine. It is also a known clone of the Traminer variety of grapes.

It has also been likened to the Johannisberg Riesling in flavor and aroma. In Australia the grape is also known as Traminer Musque, Red Traminer, and Aromique.

Grenache

This grape is also known as Alicante in southern France and Campania in Italy, although these days it grows mainly in Spain where it is also known as Garnacha. It is also used to make some of the better rosé wines of Provence in southern France.

Johannisberg Riesling

Is a white wine grape and is grown mainly along the Rhine river and its tributaries.

Malbec

This grape is grown in the Bordeaux region in France, and also has other names such as Médoc Noir, Pressac or Côt. This grape is also known as Auxerrois.

It is used in wine blends to create the French Bordeaux claret blend of wines.

Merlot

This is a classic grape and can be found mainly in the Bordeaux region of France, although it is widely grown elsewhere as well. The wine from this grape bears a resemblance to the Cabernet Sauvignon wine.

Muscat

This grape variety makes both red and white wines. Muscat wines include Muscat Blanc, Muscadel and Moscato di Canelli.

Nebbiolo

This grape is to be found in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Petite Sirah

Produces dark red wine rich in tannins. It is thought that the name originated as a result of confusion in labeling with the Syrah grape.

Pinot Noir

This grape produces a red wine lighter in color to that of the Bordeaux type of wines. This is also the premier grape of the Burgundy region of France.

Pinotage

This grape has been successfully and widely grown in South Africa, and can also be found in Brazil, Canada, the USA and Zimbabwe.

Pinot Gris

This is a clone grape of the Pinot Noir variety, and has a variety of names in different regions. This grape is grown virtually around the world and produces quality wines according to the climate.

Riesling

True Riesling wines come from Germany, and can be found under the names of Johannisberg Riesling and White Riesling. Riesling grapes produce dry and sweet wine varieties.

Sangiovese

Grown in the Tuscanny region of Italy. This grape is used to produce Chianti and other Tuscan wine varieties.

Sauvignon Blanc

This grape produces the classic white wine of the same name, and can commonly be found in the Bordeaux and Loire regions of France.

Sémillon

Grown widely in the Bordeaux region of France. This grape is also sometimes used to create dry white wines.

Shiraz

This is a clone grape of the French Syrah grape, and is found in Australia. It was also known under the alias name of Hermitage.

Syrah

This grape variety is mainly associated with the Rhone Valley region of France which is famous for creating the Hermitage red wine.

Tempranillo

This grape is used only in the best quality red wines produced in Spain. It has a staggering thirty synonym names to its credit that we know of.

Traminer

In France and in California this grape is better known as Sauvignon Blanc, although most countries now use the Gewürztraminer grape instead.

Viognier

This grape displays the full spicy flavors which are somewhat similar to that of Muscat. It is grown in the Rhone Valley in France, and in California.

Zinfandel

Is a popular grape wine grown in California, and produces robust red wines. You will also find white Zinfandel varieties of wines along with the popular blush varieties of wines.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/which-grapes-are-used-in-making-of-wine-302774.html

About the Author:

Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on grapes, visit his site at GRAPES

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