Grape Variety Guide

Discover the diversity of the world’s most important grape varieties and learn what makes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and many other wine grapes unique. Each grape variety shapes the character of a wine in its own way – from aroma and flavour to acidity, body, tannins and ageing potential.

In our grape variety guide, you will find information about origin, typical wine regions, aroma profiles and suitable wine styles. Whether you prefer crisp white wine, elegant red wine, aromatic rosé or characterful sparkling wine, understanding grape varieties helps you choose wines with more confidence.

Use this overview to discover well-known classics and exciting new favourites. Below you will find all grape varieties at a glance:

All grape varieties at a glance

Grape Variety Guide

Discover the diversity of the world’s most important grape varieties and learn what makes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and many other wine grapes unique. Each grape variety shapes the character of a wine in its own way – from aroma and flavour to acidity, body, tannins and ageing potential.

In our grape variety guide, you will find information about origin, typical wine regions, aroma profiles and suitable wine styles. Whether you prefer crisp white wine, elegant red wine, aromatic rosé or characterful sparkling wine, understanding grape varieties helps you choose wines with more confidence.

Use this overview to discover well-known classics and exciting new favourites. Below you will find all grape varieties at a glance:

All grape varieties at a glance

AglianicoAglianico is a powerful red grape variety from southern Italy, known for dark fruit, firm tannins and good ageing potential.

Albillo MayorAlbillo Mayor is a Spanish white grape variety that can produce structured wines with delicate fruit and mild acidity.

AligotéAligoté is a white grape variety from Burgundy with fresh acidity, citrus fruit and a clear, straightforward character.

AlvarinhoAlvarinho is an aromatic white grape variety from Portugal and Spain, known for freshness, citrus notes and mineral tension.

ArintoArinto is a Portuguese white grape variety with lively acidity, citrus fruit and strong potential for fresh wines.

BarberaBarbera is an Italian red grape variety with juicy fruit, lively acidity and usually soft tannins.

BlaufränkischBlaufränkisch is a characterful red grape variety with dark berry fruit, spice, freshness and fine tannin structure.

BourboulencBourboulenc is a southern French white grape variety that can produce fresh, subtle wines with herbal and citrus notes.

Cabernet FrancCabernet Franc is an elegant red grape variety with red fruit, fine spice and often herbal notes.

Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon is an internationally important red grape variety with dark fruit, firm tannins and great ageing potential.

CamaraletCamaralet is a rare white grape variety from southwest France with an aromatic profile and fresh structure.

CanaioloCanaiolo is a traditional red grape variety from Tuscany that can add fruit, softness and spice to wines.

CarignanCarignan is a Mediterranean red grape variety with deep colour, spicy fruit and often lively acidity.

Carignan BlancCarignan Blanc is a rare white variant of Carignan with fresh acidity and origins in southern France.

CarménèreCarménère is a red grape variety with dark fruit, soft tannins and characteristic spicy, green nuances.

CarricanteCarricante is a Sicilian white grape variety from Mount Etna with high freshness, citrus notes and mineral expression.

CartoixáCartoixá is a Catalan white grape variety often associated with Xarel·lo and capable of producing fresh, structured wines.

CastelãoCastelão is a Portuguese red grape variety with red fruit, spice and usually a medium-bodied structure.

ChardonnayChardonnay is a versatile white grape variety for fresh, mineral or creamy wines of international importance.

ChasselasChasselas is an elegant white grape variety with a mild character, delicate fruit and often mineral expression.

Chenin BlancChenin Blanc is a versatile white grape variety with lively acidity, honeyed notes and great ageing potential.

CiliegioloCiliegiolo is an Italian red grape variety with juicy cherry fruit, soft structure and an approachable character.

CinsaultCinsault is a Mediterranean red grape variety with bright fruit, floral notes and a rather light, elegant structure.

ClairetteClairette is a southern French white grape variety that can produce mild, herbal and often fresh wines.

ColombardColombard is a white grape variety with lively acidity, fresh citrus fruit and often an easy-drinking style.

ColorinoColorino is a Tuscan red grape variety that can add colour, spice and extra structure to wines.

CorteseCortese is a northern Italian white grape variety known for fresh, refined wines with citrus and almond notes.

CorvinaCorvina is an important red grape variety from Veneto with cherry fruit, spice and elegant structure.

CorvinoneCorvinone is a red grape variety from Veneto that can give body, fruit and spice to Amarone and Valpolicella wines.

CounoiseCounoise is a southern French red grape variety with bright fruit, spice and often a fresh, fine structure.

DolcettoDolcetto is a Piedmontese red grape variety with dark fruit, moderate acidity and soft to noticeable tannins.

EscanyavellesEscanyavelles is a rare white Catalan grape variety from Priorat with high acidity and a distinctive character.

FalanghinaFalanghina is a southern Italian white grape variety with fresh fruit, floral notes and Mediterranean lightness.

Frühroter VeltlinerFrühroter Veltliner is an Austrian white grape variety with mild acidity, delicate spice and early ripening.

FurmintFurmint is a Hungarian white grape variety with lively acidity, mineral tension and great ageing potential.

GamayGamay is a red grape variety with juicy fruit, light structure and a particularly approachable character.

Garnacha Blanca/Pedro XiménezGarnacha Blanca/Pedro Ximénez combines white grape varieties that can bring Mediterranean richness, mild fruit and soft structure.

Gelber MuskatellerGelber Muskateller is an aromatic white grape variety with intense muscat notes, floral aromas and fresh lightness.

Gelber TraminerGelber Traminer is an aromatic white grape variety with spicy, floral notes and often a soft, full structure.

GewürztraminerGewürztraminer is an intense white grape variety with rose, lychee and spice notes, usually with a full body.

GleraGlera is the main grape variety used for Prosecco and stands for fresh, fruity sparkling wines with light aromatics.

GouveioGouveio is a Portuguese white grape variety with fresh acidity, delicate fruit and good suitability for structured wines.

GracianoGraciano is a Spanish red grape variety with deep colour, fresh acidity, spice and good ageing potential.

GranegroGranegro is a rare red grape variety, also known as Gran Negro, that can produce deeply coloured wines.

Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)Grauburgunder, also known as Pinot Gris, is a white grape variety for fruity, creamy or spicy wines with a soft structure.

GrecoGreco is a southern Italian white grape variety with spicy fruit, structure and often mineral freshness.

GrenacheGrenache is a Mediterranean red grape variety with ripe fruit, soft richness and warm spice.

Grenache BlancGrenache Blanc is a white Mediterranean grape variety with full structure, mild fruit and often herbal notes.

Grenache GrisGrenache Gris is a rare light-skinned Grenache variant with spice, texture and Mediterranean character.

Grenache NoirGrenache Noir is a red grape variety with ripe berry fruit, soft tannins and southern warmth.

GrilloGrillo is a Sicilian white grape variety with citrus fruit, herbal spice and often salty-mineral freshness.

GrolleauGrolleau is a red grape variety from the Loire that can produce light, fruity and often rosé-like wines.

Gros MansengGros Manseng is a southwest French white grape variety with aromatic fruit, lively acidity and good structure.

Grüner VeltlinerGrüner Veltliner is Austria’s most important white grape variety, known for freshness, spice, fine acidity and versatility.

HárslevelűHárslevelű is a Hungarian white grape variety with floral notes, spice and often honeyed richness.

InsoliaInsolia is an Italian white grape variety with mild fruit, nutty nuances and Mediterranean softness.

LagreinLagrein is a red grape variety from South Tyrol with dark fruit, deep colour and a velvety to firm structure.

MacabeoMacabeo is a Spanish white grape variety with fresh fruit and an important role in Cava and white wine blends.

MalbecMalbec is a red grape variety with dark fruit, deep colour, soft tannins and full structure.

Malvasia BiancaMalvasia Bianca is an aromatic white grape variety with floral notes, ripe fruit and soft richness.

Malvasia NeraMalvasia Nera is a red grape variety with spicy fruit, floral nuances and usually a soft structure.

MammoloMammolo is a Tuscan red grape variety with floral notes, red fruit and a rather fine structure.

Manzoni BiancoManzoni Bianco is an Italian white grape variety with fine aromatics, freshness and elegant structure.

MarsanneMarsanne is a white Rhône grape variety with full texture, mild acidity and aromas of nuts, honey and stone fruit.

MarzeminaMarzemina is a rare red grape variety from northern Italy with light fruit and regional significance.

Melon de BourgogneMelon de Bourgogne is the grape variety of Muscadet and produces fresh, lean wines with mineral character.

MerlotMerlot is an internationally important red grape variety with soft fruit, round tannins and an approachable character.

MolinaraMolinara is a red grape variety from Veneto that can add freshness, light colour and fine spice to wines.

Mondeuse BlancheMondeuse Blanche is a rare white grape variety from Savoy with fresh acidity and historical significance.

MontepulcianoMontepulciano is an Italian red grape variety with dark fruit, deep colour and soft spice.

MorillonMorillon is an Austrian name for Chardonnay and stands for versatile white wines with fruit and structure.

MourvèdreMourvèdre is a Mediterranean red grape variety with dark fruit, firm tannins and a spicy character.

Müller-ThurgauMüller-Thurgau is a white grape variety with mild acidity, a delicate muscat note and easy drinking appeal.

MuscadelleMuscadelle is an aromatic white grape variety with floral notes and importance in southwest French blends.

Muskat OttonelMuskat Ottonel is an aromatic white grape variety with a fine muscat aroma, mild acidity and elegant fruit.

MuskatellerMuskateller is an aromatic grape variety with intense muscat notes, floral freshness and a clear aromatic profile.

NebbioloNebbiolo is a great Piedmontese red grape variety with pale colour, firm tannins and enormous ageing potential.

Nerello CappuccioNerello Cappuccio is a Sicilian red grape variety that can add colour, fruit and softness to wines from Mount Etna.

Nerello MascaleseNerello Mascalese is a red grape variety from Mount Etna with fine fruit, mineral tension and elegant tannin structure.

Nero d'AvolaNero d'Avola is a Sicilian red grape variety with dark fruit, soft richness and Mediterranean spice.

NeuburgerNeuburger is an Austrian white grape variety with nutty notes, mild acidity and creamy structure.

PansalPansal is a Catalan white grape designation used in the context of Xarel·lo and Pansa Blanca.

PecorinoPecorino is an Italian white grape variety with fresh acidity, spicy fruit and a distinctive structure.

Pedro XiménezPedro Ximénez is a Spanish white grape variety known for concentrated sweet wines with raisin and caramel notes.

Petit MansengPetit Manseng is an aromatic white grape variety with high acidity, exotic fruit and suitability for sweet wines.

Petit VerdotPetit Verdot is a powerful red grape variety with dark colour, intense spice and firm tannins.

Picapoll BlancPicapoll Blanc is a Catalan white grape variety with fresh acidity, bright fruit and regional character.

Pinot AuxerroisPinot Auxerrois is a white Burgundy variety with mild acidity, delicate fruit and soft texture.

Pinot BlancPinot Blanc is an elegant white Burgundy variety with fine fruit, mild acidity and a versatile style.

Pinot MeunierPinot Meunier is a red Burgundy variety and an important Champagne grape with a fruity, rounded character.

Pinot NoirPinot Noir is an elegant red grape variety with red fruit, fine tannins and strong sensitivity to origin.

PinotagePrimitivoPrimitivo is a southern Italian red grape variety with ripe fruit, full structure and often soft warmth.

Prugnolo GentilePrugnolo Gentile is a Tuscan Sangiovese variant, especially known from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Ribolla GiallaRibolla Gialla is a northeastern Italian white grape variety with fresh acidity, citrus notes and often mineral character.

RieslingRiesling is a noble white grape variety with lively acidity, clear fruit and great ageing potential.

RivanerRivaner is a name for Müller-Thurgau and usually stands for mild, fresh and easy-drinking white wines.

RojalRojal is a rare Spanish red grape variety with regional significance and a rather traditional character.

RondinellaRondinella is a red grape variety from Veneto and an important component of many Valpolicella and Amarone wines.

RösslerRössler is an Austrian red crossing with deep colour, dark fruit and good structure.

Roter VeltlinerRoter Veltliner is an Austrian white grape variety with spicy fruit, structure and good ageing potential.

RotgipflerRotgipfler is an Austrian white grape variety from the Thermenregion with richness, spice and ripe fruit.

RoussanneRoussanne is a white Rhône grape variety with fine herbal spice, stone fruit notes and good structure.

SagrantinoSagrantino is a red grape variety from Umbria with very firm tannins, dark fruit and great ageing potential.

Sämling 88Sämling 88 is an Austrian name for Scheurebe and stands for aromatic white wines with fruit and spice.

SangioveseSangiovese is Italy’s most important red grape variety with cherry fruit, lively acidity and spicy structure.

Sangiovese GrossoSangiovese Grosso is a high-quality Sangiovese variant, especially known from Brunello di Montalcino.

Sauvignon BlancSauvignon Blanc is an aromatic white grape variety with gooseberry, citrus, herbal spice and fresh acidity.

Sauvignon GrisSauvignon Gris is a rarer variant of Sauvignon with aromatic fruit, spice and a fuller structure.

SavagninSavagnin is an old white grape variety from the Jura with a spicy character and special ageing potential.

ScheurebeScheurebe is an aromatic white grape variety with exotic fruit, lively acidity and a distinctive aroma.

SémillonSémillon is a white grape variety with waxy texture, mild acidity and great importance in Bordeaux wines.

St. LaurentSt. Laurent is an Austrian red grape variety with dark cherry fruit, fine spice and elegant structure.

SylvanerSylvaner is a traditional white grape variety with mild fruit, herbal notes and often mineral expression.

Syrah (Shiraz)Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a red grape variety with dark fruit, peppery spice and firm structure.

TannatTannat is a red grape variety with very firm tannins, dark fruit and high ageing potential.

TempranilloTempranillo is Spain’s most important red grape variety with red fruit, spice and strong suitability for oak ageing.

TeroldegoTeroldego is a northern Italian red grape variety with dark fruit, fresh acidity and distinctive structure.

Tinta BarrocaTinta Barroca is a Portuguese red grape variety with ripe fruit and importance in Port wine blends.

TorrontésTorrontés is an aromatic white grape variety from Argentina with floral notes, muscat aromas and fresh fruit.

Touriga FrancaTouriga Franca is a Portuguese red grape variety with floral fruit, spice and an important role in Port wine.

Touriga NacionalTouriga Nacional is a high-quality Portuguese red grape variety with intense fruit, tannins and great potential.

TraminerTraminer is an aromatic white grape variety with spicy, floral notes and often a full, soft structure.

TrebbianoTrebbiano is a widely planted Italian white grape variety with fresh acidity and a rather neutral, clear character.

Trebbiano di Lugana (Turbiana)Trebbiano di Lugana, also known as Turbiana, produces structured white wines with freshness, fruit and mineral depth.

Trebbiano ToscanoTrebbiano Toscano is an Italian white grape variety with fresh acidity and traditional importance in many blends.

Trepat BlancTrepat Blanc is a rare white grape variety from Catalonia with regional significance and a fresh character.

TurbianaTurbiana is the grape variety of Lugana and stands for fresh, structured white wines with fine minerality.

VerdejoVerdejo is a Spanish white grape variety with citrus fruit, herbal spice and lively freshness.

VermentinoVermentino is a Mediterranean white grape variety with citrus fruit, herbal notes and often salty-fresh structure.

VespaiolaVespaiola is a northern Italian white grape variety from Veneto with fresh acidity and regional speciality status.

ViognierViognier is an aromatic white grape variety with apricot, floral and peach notes as well as full texture.

ViosinhoViosinho is a Portuguese white grape variety with delicate fruit, freshness and importance in Douro wines.

Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc)Weißburgunder, also known as Pinot Blanc, is an elegant white grape variety with mild fruit, fine acidity and creamy structure.

WelschrieslingWelschriesling is a fresh white grape variety with lively acidity, delicate fruit and versatile styles.

Xarel·loXarel·lo is a Catalan white grape variety with structure, freshness and an important role in Cava.

ZetaZeta is a Hungarian white grape variety mainly used in the Tokaj region for sweet wines.

ZierfandlerZierfandler is an Austrian white grape variety from the Thermenregion with spice, richness and good ageing potential.

ZinfandelZinfandel is a red grape variety with ripe berry fruit, spice and often a powerful, full-bodied character.

ZweigeltZweigelt is Austria’s most important red grape variety and produces fruity wines with cherry notes and soft structure.

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