A Breakdown of Wine Varieties

With over 10,000 grape varieties cultivated worldwide, choosing the perfect wine to complement your meal can be a daunting task. The sheer range of options spans regions, flavor profiles, names, and price points, making the selection process feel overwhelming. Let’s unravel the intricate world of wine by exploring the unique characteristics that define each grape variety.

Variety vs. Varietal

Before diving into the world of wine grape varieties, it's important to clarify two commonly used terms: "variety" and "varietal." Though often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

Variety refers to the type of grape used to make the wine (e.g., Chardonnay grapes). Varietal, on the other hand, describes a wine made predominantly or entirely from a single grape variety (e.g., Chardonnay wine).

Varietal labeling is more common in New World wines (e.g., Pinot Noir), where the focus is on the grape variety itself. In contrast, Old World wines are typically labeled by their region of origin (e.g., Burgundy), which reflects the traditional European emphasis on terroir—the unique combination of climate, soil, and winemaking practices that influence the wine’s character. This difference in labeling reflects broader distinctions in winemaking philosophies, with New World regions often highlighting innovation and experimentation, while Old World regions emphasize heritage and place.

Demystifying Wine Labels

While thousands of wine grape varieties are cultivated globally, a smaller selection dominates the U.S. market. To help you navigate often-cryptic wine labels, here are twelve common wine grape varieties you're likely to encounter in the U.S., categorized by white and red:

Red Wine Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir grapes are among the most sought-after varieties worldwide. Originally from the Burgundy region of France, these blue-violet grapes are notoriously difficult to grow, requiring specific soil conditions and meticulous vineyard management. Yet, they produce some of the world's most remarkable wines, celebrated for their delicate and complex flavors.

Pinot Noir wines are almost always dry, meaning most of the grape’s sugar is converted to alcohol during fermentation. The grapes ripen earlier than many other varieties, and their flavor profile can vary significantly depending on the region. Preferring cooler climates, Northern California and Oregon's Willamette Valley are two of the top U.S. producers of Pinot Noir. These wines often carry notes of strawberry, cranberry, and plum, along with earthy flavors like mushrooms and truffles, which add depth and character.

The finesse required in Pinot Noir production allows for significant variations in style. Some winemakers focus on a fruit-forward profile, while others emphasize the wine's terroir, resulting in more mineral-driven expressions. The aging potential of Pinot Noir is noteworthy; while many are best enjoyed young, higher-quality bottles can develop complex flavors over time, showcasing tertiary notes such as leather, spice, and forest floor.

Because Pinot Noir grapes are notoriously finicky and require advanced winemaking skills, Pinot Noir wines tend to be pricier than other red varietals. For instance, an Oregon Pinot Noir can range from $30 to $40 a bottle, with premium offerings from esteemed producers commanding even higher prices. As interest in high-quality Pinot Noir continues to grow, wine enthusiasts are increasingly willing to invest in this elegant varietal, further enhancing its reputation in the wine market.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most popular red wine grape, favored by winegrowers for its adaptability to a wide range of climates and soils. Although it originated in the Bordeaux region of France, it has become immensely popular in the U.S., particularly in Napa Valley, where it thrives in the warm, sunny climate.

This full-bodied wine is known for its high tannin levels and above-average alcohol content, typically ranging from 13% to 15%. Its flavor profile varies significantly depending on the region; French Cabernet Sauvignons are often noted for flavors of currant, anise, tobacco, and graphite, while their Californian counterparts tend to feature lush notes of mint, blackberry, and sometimes even hints of chocolate or vanilla due to oak aging.

Thanks to the grape's versatility, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are available across a broad price range, from budget-friendly options under $10 to premium bottles nearing $1,000.

Cabernet Franc

Best known as the “parent” grape of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Cabernet Franc has a distinctive flavor profile that deserves recognition in its own right. While it is primarily cultivated in France, this grape is gaining popularity in other wine-producing countries, including Italy and the United States.

Cabernet Franc thrives in a variety of climates, with each region imparting unique flavors. In the warm growing areas of California, the grape produces varietals with bold fruit flavors, often showcasing ripe cherry, plum, and raspberry notes. Conversely, cooler regions yield wines with more complex characteristics, including herbal undertones, notes of pepper, and hints of crushed gravel, contributing to a more nuanced profile.

In California's Sierra Foothills, Cabernet Franc offers a particularly fruit-forward expression, with approachable wines that are perfect for casual sipping and pair well with a range of dishes. Budget-friendly options are priced around $20 per bottle, making it accessible to a wide audience. In contrast, premium bottles of Cabernet Franc from established European regions can typically cost around $70, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship involved in their production.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah grapes are small, intensely-flavored red grapes, primarily grown in California. Despite their limited cultivation, Petite Sirah wines are prized globally for their deep, opaque color and bold fruit flavors. The grape’s high skin-to-fruit ratio results in a rich, jammy flavor with pronounced acidity and tannins, making it a robust choice for red wine enthusiasts.

Several California microclimates are particularly well-suited for Petite Sirah production, including the warm and dry Central Valley, the renowned Napa Valley and Sonoma County, and the Sierra Foothills, where cool nights extend the ripening process. The varied terroirs contribute to a diverse range of flavor profiles; for example, wines from warmer regions may express ripe blackberry and plum, while those from cooler areas might highlight peppery spice and dark chocolate notes.

Historically used in blends, Petite Sirah has gained popularity in recent decades as a standalone varietal, celebrated for its bold, memorable flavors. This varietal's richness and structure also make it an excellent candidate for aging, allowing the wine to develop nuanced secondary characteristics, such as leather, tobacco, and savory herbs over time.

While the average price of a Petite Sirah bottle ranges from $18 to $25, California's Lodi region in the Central Valley offers exceptional varietals at prices as low as $10 per bottle. As consumer interest in unique varietals continues to rise, Petite Sirah is likely to carve out an even more prominent place in wine markets, appealing to both casual drinkers and serious collectors alike.

Syrah

Syrah grapes, known as Shiraz in Australia, originated in France but have gained a dedicated following in the New World over the past several decades. Today, Syrah is widely cultivated in Australia, California, Oregon, and Washington, with each region contributing its unique expression to the varietal.

Syrah grapes produce some of the darkest, fullest-bodied wines in the world, with high tannin levels and elevated alcohol content. These wines are often characterized by bold berry and chocolate flavors on the first sip, followed by a peppery finish that adds complexity. The robust nature of Syrah makes it a favorite among wine enthusiasts who enjoy rich and intense flavors.

Syrah varietals from cooler climates, like Sonoma County, tend to exhibit more floral, perfume-like aromas, while those from warmer regions, such as Santa Barbara County in Southern California, offer softer, fruitier notes of ripe plum and blackberry. This diversity in flavor profiles allows for a wide range of styles, from rich and full-bodied to more elegant and nuanced.

In addition to their vibrant fruit flavors, many high-quality Syrah wines also display earthy undertones and savory elements, such as leather, olive, and smoked meat, especially as they age. Syrah has a notable aging potential, allowing well-crafted bottles to develop additional complexity and character over time.

High-quality Syrah bottles typically cost around $50, though excellent options can be found at a wide range of price points, making it accessible to both casual drinkers and serious collectors alike. As the popularity of Syrah continues to grow, wine enthusiasts can look forward to exploring new expressions of this classic varietal from both established and emerging wine regions.

Merlot

Merlot grapes, popularized among American audiences in Napa Valley, have been central to European wine production for centuries. Known for their flavors of cherry, chocolate, and vanilla, Merlot is often considered “softer” than many other red varieties and is frequently used in blends. Its smooth texture and approachable profile often lead to its frequent use in blends, where it complements bolder varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the 1990s, Merlot suffered a reputational decline, often viewed as overly sweet and uninteresting—a perception further fueled by the film Sideways. However, West Coast producers have made significant strides in recent years, crafting stronger and more complex Merlots. Notably, Washington State’s Columbia Valley is producing more acidic and intriguing Merlot varietals that would impress even the critics of the past.

The average cost of a Merlot from Washington or California is around $10 per bottle. However, premium offerings from renowned producers can reach higher price points, reflecting the quality and complexity that can be achieved with this beloved varietal.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a dark-skinned grape known for imparting strong fruit flavors and high alcohol content to wine. While most Zinfandel grapes are used to produce red wine, they can also be made into White Zinfandel, a popular rosé. Originally from Croatia, the United States now cultivates about 70% of the world’s Zinfandel grapes.

Zinfandel varietals typically exhibit a range of fruity and often smoky flavors, with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and sometimes even hints of black pepper or spice. These wines are known for their notably high alcohol content, often exceeding 15%, which contributes to their full-bodied character. The grapes thrive particularly well in warm, sunny climates like California’s Central Valley, where the extended growing season allows for optimal ripening.

Zinfandel is an economical choice for wine-buyers, with an average price per bottle around $10. However, high-quality Zinfandels from respected producers can range significantly higher, showcasing the grape’s potential for complexity and depth.

White Wine Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

Chardonnay grapes represent a remarkable success story. Originally from the Burgundy region of France, they are one of the three grape varieties used to make Champagne. Chardonnay’s popularity has also flourished in the New World, as the grapes are mercurial, offering a wide range of aromas and flavors that are highly influenced by climate and soil.

Often referred to as a “winemaker’s grape,” Chardonnay is significantly impacted by production methods, such as whether the wine is aged in oak or stainless steel barrels. Non-oaked Chardonnays are typically described as crisp, featuring flavors of apple and starfruit, while oaked Chardonnays exhibit buttery notes with strong hints of vanilla.

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world, highly adaptable to various climates. While France remainds the leading producer, the United States follows close behind, particularly in regions like California and Oregon, where winemakers have found unique expressions of the varietal.

High-quality Chardonnays generally range from $10 to $40 per bottle, though premium options can command much higher prices.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a gray-purple grape that is typically light-bodied and acidic. Originally grown in the Burgundy region of France, Pinot Grigio grapes thrive in cooler climates, producing a zesty wine with notes of lemon, raw almonds, and crushed gravel. The grape’s name, “Grigio,” reflects its distinctive grayish hue, which influences the wine's color and flavor profile.

Pinot Grigio typically exhibits a higher-than-average alcohol content, offering a fuller, silky body that enhances its refreshing character. In the United States, it is especially popular among Oregon growers, thanks to the state’s cool climate. Regions like the Willamette Valley have gained recognition for producing high-quality Pinot Grigio that showcases the grape’s bright acidity and crisp flavors. Additionally, some California producers have embraced Pinot Grigio, crafting wines that may lean towards a fruitier style, with flavors of pear and peach.

While a typical bottle of Pinot Grigio costs around $15 to $20, premium options from esteemed producers can elevate the tasting experience, offering more complexity and depth, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 for higher-quality expressions. As consumers continue to seek out refreshing and food-friendly wines, Pinot Grigio remains a popular choice among both casual drinkers and discerning wine enthusiasts.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc grapes boasts a long and storied history; although they have been grown in France for over 1,000 years, there are now more Chenin Blanc grapes cultivated in California than in France. Despite this, in the U.S., Chenin Blanc is rarely produced as a varietal, as it is often blended with other grapes to enhance the overall profile of the wine.

Chenin Blanc on its own is highly acidic, making it an excellent choice for a range of wine styles, including dessert wines. The grape typically exhibits complex flavor notes of quince, chamomile, and honey, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. Its versatility is one of Chenin Blanc's most appealing traits; the grape thrives in various soils and climates, allowing winemakers to produce everything from dry and crisp wines to rich and luscious dessert styles, as well as sparkling variations.

In regions like the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc is celebrated for its ability to express terroir, resulting in wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the land. In contrast, California producers often embrace a more fruit-forward approach, highlighting the grape’s bright citrus and stone fruit flavors.

A high-quality bottle of Chenin Blanc typically costs around $25, though exceptional offerings from reputable producers can command higher prices, especially for aged or dessert styles. As wine enthusiasts seek out unique and food-friendly options, Chenin Blanc is gradually gaining recognition in the U.S. market, making it an exciting varietal for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape that originated in the Burgundy region of France. Often characterized by its “pungent” aromatics, Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically dry, acidic, and deliver a vibrant aromatic punch, with distinctive notes of green apple, lime, and fresh-cut grass, often accompanied by hints of bell pepper and gooseberry.

Similar to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc grapes are highly versatile in terms of growing climates and can be aged in oak barrels to modify flavor and aroma, imparting elements of vanilla and toast to the wine. Today, Sauvignon Blanc enjoys worldwide popularity, particularly among U.S. consumers. In the United States, California is home to the vast majority of Sauvignon Blanc vines, producing a range of styles from crisp and refreshing to more complex, oaked versions. Meanwhile, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is quickly establishing itself as a source of well-crafted Sauvignon Blanc varietals that showcase the region’s cool climate and terroir, often resulting in wines with pronounced acidity and minerality.

This varietal is an economic choice for many drinkers, with the average cost of a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc around $10. However, premium options are also available, particularly from esteemed producers, often ranging from $20 to $50, making Sauvignon Blanc a versatile choice for various occasions—from casual gatherings to more refined dining experiences.

Riesling

Riesling wines are often found in cooler, northern climates, where the small, compact grapes thrive and lend themselves well to sweet wine production. However, the flavor profile of Riesling is highly dependent on the region in which it is grown, leading to a diverse range of expressions.

Typically high in acidity and low in alcohol content, Riesling wines often showcase notes of beeswax, lime, and jasmine, with a distinctive minerality that can reflect the terroir of the vineyard. The Riesling grape originated in Germany, where it is revered for its ability to produce both dry and sweet wines, including the highly sought-after late-harvest and ice wines. In recent years, Riesling has gained popularity in the New World, particularly in New Zealand and the United States. Regions such as New York's Finger Lakes, Michigan, Washington's Columbia Valley, California, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley are all well-suited for growing high-quality Riesling grapes.

The versatility of Riesling makes it a fantastic companion for a wide range of dishes, from spicy Asian cuisine to rich, creamy cheeses. The average price for a bottle of American Riesling is around $19, though premium options from renowned producers can reach $30 or more, particularly for those that highlight unique vineyard characteristics or specialized production methods.

French Colombard

Rarely grown as a varietal in the United States, French Colombard grapes have their origins in southwest France and are particularly popular among California winemakers for blending with other white wines.

French Colombard grapes have a fairly neutral taste, featuring light notes of melon and apple, which makes them favorable for producing crisp, refreshing table wines. This versatility allows them to enhance the flavor profiles of blends, often adding acidity and a touch of fruitiness. French Colombard is grown extensively in California’s Central Valley, where the warm climate helps develop the grapes' characteristics. In fact, today there are more French Colombard grapes cultivated in California than in all of France combined.

Despite its prevalence in blending, there is growing interest in producing varietal wines from French Colombard, particularly among smaller wineries aiming to showcase this grape's unique qualities.

Growth in the Global Wine Industry

Despite the wine market's fragmentation by region, grape variety, and production methods, the industry is experiencing robust growth, with the global wine market projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of wine across all age groups, shifting consumer preferences toward innovative varieties, and the transformation of traditional sales channels as e-commerce takes center stage.

Investing in U.S. vineyards through FarmTogether offers investors a unique opportunity to engage with the rich history of global wine production while capitalizing on the rising demand for this high-value crop.