15 Common Types of Wine Grapes You Should Know

There are about 10,000 different types of wine grapes worldwide. But only a tiny fraction ever make it onto grocery store shelves (or into wine bottles).

Most of the seedless white table grapes you find in produce aisles are Sultana or “Thompson Seedless.” Most of the reds are called “Flame Seedless.” While these both come from the same Vitis Vinifera (technically “wine-bearing”) species, the grapes used to make your favorite Cabernet or Pinot Grigio are entirely different.

Wine grapes tend to be smaller, thicker-skinned, and bursting with sugars, tannins, and acidity — all of which form the backbone of great wines. Each variety carries its own distinct characteristics, which are shaped even further by the soil, climate, and winemaker’s choices.

So what are the most common wine grape varieties?

Whether you’re studying for a wine certification or just exploring wine culture, learning the different types of wine grapes is a valuable journey. Let's break down 15 of the most common (and most influential) grape varieties used in winemaking today and how they affect flavor.

How Wine Grapes Influence Flavor

Why can the same grape variety taste completely different, depending on the bottle? The answer lies in a combination of influences collectively known as terroir — a concept at the heart of winemaking.

What Is Terroir?

Terroir is the sum of a vineyard’s environment: soil composition, climate, altitude, sunlight exposure, and even the local microflora that interact with the vines. Some key effects include:

• Cooler climates – Preserve high malic acid levels, leading to crisp, refreshing wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

• Warmer climates – Promote thicker grape skins and richer tannins, making wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot bolder and more structured.

• Deep clay soils – Retain moisture well, softening tannins and producing plush, early-drinking Merlot, for example.

• Gravel soils – Create natural water stress, encouraging deep-rooted vines. These particularly optimize Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and aging potential.

Winemakers also shape the final product by choosing harvest timing, fermentation techniques, aging methods, and more.

Fruit Characteristics

Each grape variety carries its own signature flavors, which are passed on to the wine. While fermentation and aging can add layers of complexity, the primary fruit characteristics are tied to the grape itself.

• Red Grapes naturally deliver rich, intense, dark fruit flavors, with other potential herbaceous, herbal, and spice aromas. Merlot, for example, offers black cherry, plum, and chocolate, often with a velvety smoothness. Syrah tends to show blackberry, pepper, and smoked meat notes.

• White Grapes tend to impart more refreshing flavors. For instance, cooler-climate Sauvignon Blanc often bursts with lime, green apple, and grassy notes. Warmer-climate versions lean toward tropical fruit flavors like passionfruit and mango. Chardonnay can be crisp and citrusy in cool climates or present rich stone fruit flavors in moderate climates. It may even offer tropical fruit notes when grown in warmer climates or when left longer to ripen on the vine.

Body and Mouthfeel

Wine is as much about texture as it is about taste. The body of a wine (how heavy or light it feels on the palate) is largely influenced by the grape variety.

• Full-bodied wines have rich, velvety textures, often enhanced by tannins and oak aging.

• Medium-bodied wines offer a balance between weight and freshness, making them versatile food-pairing choices.

• Light-bodied wines feel delicate and refreshing, often with a higher perception of acidity and lower alcohol levels.

Acidity

Acidity is crucial in wine. It provides freshness, balance, and aging potential. Without acidity, wines would taste flabby or overly sweet. Different grapes have naturally varying acidity levels, which can be preserved or softened depending on the winemaking process.

There are three primary acids found in wine:

• Tartaric acid – The backbone of wine acidity, helping with structure and microbial stability.

• Malic acid – Found in high amounts in cool-climate grapes, giving wines a crisp, tart quality. Over time, it can be softened through malolactic fermentation (as seen in buttery Chardonnays).

Tannins

Tannins are the grippy, mouth-drying compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They add structure to red wines and help them age gracefully over time. The level of tannins varies based on the grape variety, climate, and winemaking techniques.

• Bold, high-tannin wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, and Syrah. These wines often feel astringent in youth but develop smoother textures as they age.

• Softer, more approachable reds like Merlot have lower tannin levels and are often used to round out blends, such as in Bordeaux-style wines.

Red Wine Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Primary Regions: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), Coonawarra (Australia), Maipo Valley (Chile), Tuscany (Italy)

Characteristics: Moderate to high acidity, full-bodied, high tannins, deep color

Flavor Notes: Black currant, tomato leaf, dark spices, cedarwood

Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of some of the world’s most famous wines. Its intense flavors and structure make it one of the most widely planted grapes, with roots tracing back to Bordeaux, where it became the dominant grape in the region’s iconic blends.

Modern DNA research confirms it’s a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This likely occurred centuries ago in France before spreading to nearly every wine-producing country.

Two key reasons for Cabernet Sauvignon’s success are its thick skins and hardy vines, which are resistant to disease and capable of enduring diverse growing conditions. The grape buds late, yields small but concentrated fruit, and flourishes in gravelly, well-drained soils. Its naturally high tannins give it incredible aging potential, which soften over time to reveal layers of leather, tobacco, and cedarwood.

Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in a variety of climates but performs best in moderate to warm regions with well-draining soils. In Napa Valley, the warmer climate produces riper, fruit-forward expressions with notes of blackberry, plum, and cocoa, while Australia’s Coonawarra region is known for its signature touch of menthol and eucalyptus.

Still, Bordeaux remains Cabernet’s stronghold, where it is blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to create structured, long-aging wines.

Pinot Noir

Primary Regions: Burgundy (France), Central Otago (New Zealand), Champagne (France), California and Oregon (USA)

Characteristics: Moderate to high acidity, low to medium tannins, lighter color

Flavor Notes: Violet, strawberry, earthy forest floor, herbal notes

Pinot Noir (originally called Moreillon and Auvernas), has a long history. It is the parent of many other grape varieties and the result of natural crosses over centuries. Today, it is the sixth most planted grape variety in the world. But despite its prominence, Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to cultivate since it requires precise conditions to thrive.

Pinot Noir is known for its lighter color, bright acidity, and soft tannins. However, it can vary dramatically based on when it’s harvested:

• Early harvests yield wines with higher acidity and lower alcohol.

• Later harvests deepen the color and alcohol content while softening acidity.

Burgundy remains Pinot Noir’s spiritual home, where it’s crafted into some of the world’s most revered wines. These often emerge in more restrained, age-worthy styles. Aging enhances its signature earthy, mushroom-like complexity, making it a favorite for collectors.

It’s also a key grape in Champagne production, blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Outside France, regions like Oregon, California, and New Zealand have embraced Pinot Noir, producing vibrant, fruity expressions.

Syrah/Shiraz

Primary Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia), Mendoza (Argentina), California (USA)

Characteristics: Medium acidity, medium to full body, medium-high to high tannins.

Flavor Notes: Blackberry, black pepper, mint (when less ripe), licorice

A powerhouse of a grape, Syrah (or Shiraz, as it’s called in Australia) produces some of the darkest, most robust red wines in the world. As the grapes ripen further, richer elements like licorice and dark chocolate emerge.

Originating in the Rhône Valley of France, Syrah is the base of famous Northern Rhône wines like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, where it delivers structured, well-aging wines with deep, earthy complexity. However, this grape thrives in warmer climates too. In Australia’s Barossa Valley, Shiraz takes on a riper personality, often with notes of spice and eucalyptus.

Petite Sirah

Though its name suggests a smaller version of Syrah, Petite Sirah is a distinct grape variety known for its bold structure, high tannins, and vibrant acidity. Petite Sirah creates deeply concentrated, intensely rich wines. It thrives in California, where it’s often crafted into dense, full-bodied reds with flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate.

Zinfandel

Primary Regions: California (USA), Apulia (Italy), Croatia

Characteristics: Balanced acidity, full-bodied, lush mouthfeel

Flavor Notes: Jammy raspberry, blackberry, anise, black pepper

Zinfandel is a bold, fruit-forward red once considered an “American grape.” However, DNA research has traced its origins to Croatia and Italy.  

Though it arrived in the U.S. in the 1800s, today, it’s primarily associated with California. As of 2023, Zinfandel accounted for roughly 38,000 acres (~6.2%) of California’s total vineyard plantings (610,000), nearly half of which are in San Joaquin county in California’s Central Valley.

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape typically crafted into deep, ripe, fruit-driven red wines. However, it has also gained popularity as White Zinfandel, a form of sweet rosé. Even in its dry red form, Zinfandel tends to carry more residual sweetness due to its high sugar content, which can also result in higher alcohol levels.

When grown in ideal conditions, Zinfandel balances acidity with a lush, full-bodied texture, creating wines that feel viscous and smooth on the palate.

Malbec

Primary Regions: Mendoza (Argentina), Cahors (France), California (USA)

Characteristics: Medium acidity, full-bodied, robust tannins

Flavor Notes: Dark berries, plum, cocoa, spice

Malbec originated in Cahors, France where it is still known locally as Côt. There, it produces meaty, rustic, highly tannic wines.

Today, Malbec is most famous in Argentina (particularly in Mendoza), where it thrives in the region’s high-altitude vineyards. Here, the grape takes on a brighter, more fruit-forward expression, with flavors of rich, ripe plum and dark berries.

Malbec’s deep color, full body, and bold tannins make it a favorite for oak aging, which enhances its chocolate and spice undertones. The grape is sensitive to climate and tends to ripen mid-season — so careful vineyard management is critical.

Garnacha / Grenache

Primary Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Spain, Australia, California (USA)

Characteristics: Low to medium acidity, low to medium tannins, medium body, high alcohol

Flavor Notes: Juicy red berries, subtle herbal notes, spice

Known as Garnacha in Spain and Grenache in France, this grape produces bold yet approachable wines. It thrives in warm, arid climates, where its thick skins and drought resistance allow it to flourish despite harsh conditions.

In fact, in 19th-century Spain, Garnacha survived several phylloxera outbreaks that devastated many other vines in the region. Incidentally, this helped it become one of the most widely planted grapes in Spain. But Grenache has also secured its place in France’s Rhône Valley, Australia, and California.

While naturally low in acidity and tannins, Garnacha’s high alcohol content and round character make it a versatile favorite for lush, hearty wines. It is the grape behind many big, bold reds and blended wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley, where it is often combined with Syrah and Mourvèdre for added depth.

Merlot

Primary Regions: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), Tuscany (Italy), Chile, Australia

Characteristics: Medium acidity, medium chalky tannins, medium-to-full body

Flavor Notes: Red or black plum (depending on ripeness), chocolate, mild cherry, leafy notes

Merlot is a dark blue wine grape, which likely takes its name from the French word "merle” (blackbird). While it stands strong on its own, Merlot is most often used as a key blending grape in Bordeaux, where it softens the tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot grows in loose clusters with large berries and is naturally high in sugar and lower in malic acid. This gives it a softer, rounder mouthfeel compared to others.

While it thrives in a range of climates, winemakers often debate the ideal harvest time for Merlot. Some prefer earlier picking to preserve acidity and aging potential, while others favor later picking to enhance ripe fruit flavors.

Bordeaux-style Merlot is often harvested earlier, producing brighter, red-fruited wines with leafy notes. Later-picked Merlot leans into richer, darker plum and chocolate flavors with a fuller body.

Sangiovese

Primary Region: Tuscany (Italy)

Characteristics: High acidity, medium-plus tannins, full-bodied

Flavor Notes: Red cherry, earthy herbs, dried flowers, leather

Sangiovese is the signature grape of Tuscany, forming the base of some of Italy’s most famous wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Sangiovese grapes produce wines known for their high acidity, structure, and graceful aging. The grape’s name is derived from the Latin phrase "Sanguis Jovis," meaning "Blood of Jupiter," a nod to its ancient origins.

Despite brief planting surges in California and Argentina, Italy remains Sangiovese’s heartland. This is partly due to its ideal climate, but also the grape’s deep-rooted role in traditional Italian wines, which saw less demand in other regions.

Sangiovese’s naturally high acidity and medium-plus tannins make it ideal for bold, slow-aged wines. It is a grape that does well with oak aging, which enhances depth and complexity.

White Wine Grapes

Sauvignon Blanc

Primary Regions: Bordeaux (France), Loire Valley (France), New Zealand, Chile, Australia, Pacific Northwest (USA)

Characteristics: High acidity, medium body, crisp and dry

Flavor Notes: Green apple, tropical fruit, grassy herbs, citrus

One of the world’s most distinctive white wine grapes, Sauvignon Blanc originated in Bordeaux, France. However, it became equally famous in the Loire Valley, where it produces zesty, mineral-driven wines like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

The name is believed to stem from the phrase "savage white," referencing its origins as a wild, indigenous grape. Today, it thrives in cool and warm climates alike. Its flavors vary from green, grassy, and herbaceous in cooler regions to tropical and fruity in warmer areas.

Sauvignon Blanc is a naturally high-acid, aromatic variety, known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing style. It buds late and ripens early, making it adaptable to various wine regions.

In New Zealand’s Marlborough region, it has become especially famous for its bold, intensely aromatic wines bursting with passionfruit, lime, and gooseberry notes.

Fumé Blanc

A notable variation is Fumé Blanc, a style introduced in California that involves oak aging. This gives the wine smoky, toasty flavors with hints of hazelnut and caramel. While most Sauvignon Blanc is typically unoaked and crisp, Fumé Blanc provides a richer, rounder texture.

Chardonnay

Primary Regions: Burgundy (France), California (USA), New Zealand, England, Australia

Characteristics: Wide-ranging acidity and ripeness levels, highly versatile

Flavor Notes: Green apple, pear, citrus (cool climate); fig, tropical fruit (warm climate); toasty oak, butter (oak-aged)

Chardonnay originated in Burgundy, France, though it is now one of the most widely planted white wine grapes in the world. Today, you can find Chardonnay vines anywhere from England to New Zealand.

Likely a natural cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, Chardonnay is highly adaptable and thrives in a range of climates and soils. However, it performs particularly well in chalk, clay, and limestone-rich soils, which enhance its structure and minerality. Because Chardonnay is a neutral grape, its flavor profile is heavily influenced by terroir.

Oak aging with Chardonnay introduces flavors of toasty vanilla, spice, and caramel, while malolactic fermentation creates a creamy, buttery mouthfeel — a favorite for fuller-bodied expressions. Chardonnay is also a key grape in sparkling wines, including Champagne, where it contributes elegance and acidity.

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Primary Regions: Alsace (France), Italy, Oregon (USA), Washington (USA), California, Germany, Australia

Characteristics: High to moderate acidity, light to medium-to-full body, smooth and textural, sometimes oily.

Flavor Notes: Pear, lemon, melon, floral notes

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are actually the same grape. Both are known for their light, refreshing nature, but their styles differ depending on region and winemaking traditions.

• Pinot Gris, often associated with Alsace, France, produces richer, more textural wines.

• Pinot Grigio, its Italian counterpart, is known for its lighter body, crisp acidity, and simple, fruit-driven profile.

A likely mutant clone of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris takes its name from the grayish-pink hue of its grapes. As a trend, “New World” Pinot Gris (planted in non-traditional regions) can have lower acidity, higher alcohol, and an almost oily texture, giving it a fuller mouthfeel. In “Old World” regions (like Italy and France) the grapes are often harvested earlier, aiming for brighter acidity and a more neutral flavor profile.

Riesling

Primary Regions: Germany, Alsace (France), Australia, Washington (USA), New Zealand

Characteristics: High acidity, light to medium body, aromatic, expressive of terroir

Flavor Notes: Citrus, honey, white blossom, wax, spice, petrol/gasoline

Riesling is one of the most expressive and versatile white grape varieties. It produces wines that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Highly aromatic, with high acidity and relatively low alcohol, Riesling maintains a crisp, refreshing profile, making it an exceptional food-pairing wine.

The grape’s origins are deeply tied to the steep, slate-rich hillsides of the Mosel and Rheingau regions in Germany. There, it develops elegant balance and age-worthy complexity. In Alsace, France, Riesling tends to be drier and more structured. In Australia (particularly the Clare and Eden Valleys) it develops a distinct lime character.

In regions like Washington and New Zealand, Riesling retains its signature citrus acidity, but with aromas of honeysuckle, toast, and tropical fruit.

Gewürztraminer

Primary Regions: Alsace (France), Germany, Northern Italy, Pacific Northwest (USA), Australia

Characteristics: Low acidity, full-bodied, highly aromatic

Flavor Notes: Passion fruit, rose, orange peel, tropical fruit, spice

Gewürztraminer is often described as the German cousin of Moscato. A highly aromatic and distinctive white grape, it is known for its intense floral and exotic spice notes.

Despite its German name, Gewürztraminer’s origins likely trace back to a Traminer variety from a German-speaking region of northern Italy. From there, it eventually mutated and evolved into the grape we recognize today. In Australia, it is still often referred to simply as Traminer.

Gewürztraminer is exceptionally sensitive to soil, climate, and disease, making it a challenging variety to cultivate. It buds early and prefers cooler climates. Excessive heat can strip it of both acidity and aroma. It also does poorly in chalky soils. The grapes themselves have pink to red skins, yet they produce a full-bodied, dry white wine.

Gewürztraminer is noted for its perfumed intensity, naturally low acidity, and a distinctive lush, oily texture. Though often made in a dry style, it retains a residual sweetness due to its bold aromatics and fruity profile.

"VIVC2527 CHENIN BLANC Cluster in the field 8949" by 76833 Siebeldingen, GERMANY is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Chenin Blanc

Primary Regions: Loire Valley (France), South Africa, California, Australia

Characteristics: High acidity, versatile, full-bodied in sweet styles

Flavor Notes: Honeyed apple, quince, tropical fruit, peach, floral notes, wet wool

Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape originating from France’s Loire Valley. It produces everything from crisp, dry whites to lusciously sweet dessert wines. Its genetic connection to Sauvignon Blanc explains its natural brightness, though Chenin Blanc’s range of expressions is even broader.

Careful vineyard management is crucial for Chenin Blanc. If not controlled, it can produce bland, uninspiring wines. It buds early but may ripen late, making it moderately sensitive to climate and soil. In cooler climates, Chenin Blanc tends to be full-bodied and sweet. In warmer regions, it becomes ripe, peachy, and honeyed, with more immediate approachability.

Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most widely planted grape, where it’s often called Steen. The country has elevated this wine grape to world-class status, crafting wines that balance tropical fruit richness with refreshing acidity.

"Grožđe muškat, srpanjski bijeli, na trsu (2012)" by Silverije is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Muscat (Moscato)

Primary Regions: Italy, Spain, Portugal, California (USA), Australia, South Africa

Characteristics: Highly aromatic, often sweet, light to medium body

Flavor Notes: Fresh: citrus, rose, peach | Aged: fruit cake, raisins, toffee

Muscat (or Moscato in Italy / Moscatel in Spain and Portugal) is one of the oldest known grape families, with origins (in theory) dating back to ancient Egypt. Unlike many grape varieties with a single identity, Muscat is a broad category that includes over 200 different varieties, ranging in color from white to pink to deep blue. While it is primarily used for sweet and sparkling white wines, certain varieties also produce red wines and even table grapes. The grape is naturally high in aroma compounds, which makes its wines unmistakably fragrant and fruit-forward.

Key Muscat Varieties

• Muscat of Alexandria – One of the most ancient and widely planted varieties, it thrives in warmer climates, where its large, loose-bunched berries resist disease well. It is often used for sweet, fortified, or dessert wines, like Spain’s Moscatel de Setúbal.

• Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains - An aromatic white grape from Greece, known locally by various names and grown widely in Italy, France, and Spain. It is primarily used in fortified dry wines, and dessert wines with melon flavors and varying sweetness levels. It is also the key grape in Moscato d’Asti.

• Muscat Ottonel – A cool-climate variety, known for its thin-skinned, small berries that contribute to lighter, floral, and delicately sweet wines. It is common in Alsace and Central Europe.

• Muscat of Hamburg (Black Muscat) – A dark-skinned variety that produces deeply fruity, sometimes lightly sparkling red wines. It is popular in California for producing aromatic dessert wines.

While Muscat is difficult to categorize due to its many sub-varieties, its wines are almost always fruity, aromatic, and slightly opulent, making them a favorite for sparkling and dessert-style wines worldwide.

Lesser Known Grape Varieties

We have covered a lot of grapes so far, but these lesser known varieties are also important to know.

Explore the World of Wine Grapes and More

The next time you taste wine, visit a vineyard, or explore a new region, take a moment to appreciate where it all began: the vine.

While wine grapes may look similar, each variety has a unique character, shaping the flavors, aromas, and textures of the wines we love.

Learning about grape varieties is a key step in expanding your wine knowledge, but grapes are just one piece of the puzzle. Climate, soil, and winemaking choices all influence how a wine develops and presents in the glass.

Want to learn more about wine, refine your palate, and taste with confidence? Napa Valley Wine Academy offers WSET courses, study materials, and immersive wine experiences to help you grow.

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