1/22/09 Vinifera Grapes

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. There are hundreds of grape varieties in the world but not all are intended to make wine. Grape varieties cultivated for wine are referred to as vinifera grapes. On today's program we're going to discuss some of the most popular grapes used in the making of wine. Although there are many types of vinifera grapes only a small group of them make up the majority of the most popular wines sold. One of the most popular white grapes is Chardonnay. It is versatile and it's made in as many styles as places that grow it. Next - is Sauvignon Blanc - the grape responsible for many very popular wines such as Sancerre, Pouilly Fume and Fume Blanc. It can be herbaceous or quite melon like, depending on the producer. Another in the white grape category is Riesling. It is produces fabulous sweet and dry white wines, and some of the most serious aging white wines in the world. When we look to red grapes the most well known is Cabernet Sauvignon; it's the powerful muscle in French Bordeaux and most of the biggest red wines made throughout the world. Although many times it's blended with other red grapes you will recognize its blackcurrant and juicy plum fragrances. Next is Merlot; soft and juicy, it has a universal appeal and seems to encourage many a novice to move into drinking red wines. And last but certainly not least of the reds is the charming grape Pinot Noir, which not only makes the famed and beautiful wines of Burgundy, but is a huge contributor in the making of Champagne. So get to know the vinifera grapes that make up your wine, and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.