Varietals

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Of the hundreds of grape varieties in the world, not all of them are intended to make wine. Grapes cultivated for wine are referred to as vinifera grapes, today we'll discuss the most popular grapes used to make 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. The most popular white grape is Chardonnay – so popular that many people believe it is synonymous with white wine. It is versatile and is made in as many styles as places that grow it. Next - is Sauvignon Blanc - the grape responsible for many the popular wines such as Sancerre, Pouilly Fume and Fume Blanc. It can be herbaceous or melon like, depending on the producer. Another in the white grape category is Riesling, not pronounced Rye-sling. It produces the most fabulous dry white wines, and some of the most serious and long aging white wines in the world. Give it a chance! When we look to red grapes the most well known is of course, Cabernet Sauvignon; it is the powerful muscle in French Bordeaux, and the most popular red wine throughout the world. Although in most cases it is blended with other red grapes. But you'll still recognize it by its blackcurrant and juicy plum fragrances. Next is Merlot; soft and juicy, its' universal appeal seems to encourage many a novice wine drinker to move from white wine 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 grapes making up your favorite wine. And thanks for joining me on toady's Vine to Wine.