Grape Varieties
Aromas and flavours vary considerably according to region of origin, wine-making techniques and the age of the wine. They are particularly affected by the climate and by the use of oak. However, these are some of the most typical characteristics for you to look out for. Structure and texture influence the way the wine feels in your mouth. As with aromas and flavours, these are affected by origin and wine-making but tannin and acidity levels are mostly determined by the grape variety itself.
Black Grape Varieties
Variety |
Typical aromas and flavours | Structure and texture |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Blackcurrant, black cherry, green pepper, mint, eucalyptus, cedar and cigarbox (from oak) | Firm tannins |
| Merlot | Plums, damsons, black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather | Supple, soft and velvety |
| Syrah/Shiraz | Pepper, black cherry, black olives, baked rubber, leather | Firm tannins |
| Pinot Noir | Strawberries, cherries, earthy, farmyard, gamey | Smooth, silky tannins, fresh acidity |
| Grenache/ Garnacha | Open and fruity, black fruits, spices, black olives, leather, often high alcohol | Juicy, low in tannin |
| Tempranillo | Scented, strawberries, leather, spice, vanilla (from US oak), tobacco | Soft and luscious, low acidity |
| Nebbiolo | Perfumed, tar and roses, woodsmoke, undergrowth | Very firm tannins, high acidity |
| Sangiovese | Cherry, plum, savoury tomato, leather, farmyard | Firm tannins, high acidity |
| Zinfandel | Rich, raisiny black fruit, spice, high alcohol | Full-bodied |
White Grape Varieties
| Variety | Typical aromas and flavours | Structure and texture |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Variable, ranging from citrus and minerals to ripe tropical fruit, buttery, toasty (from oak) | Soft, rounded, full |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Minerals, nettles, asparagus, green pea, grassy, gooseberry, passionfruit | Crisp acidity |
| Riesling | Scented, lemon, lime, peach, minerals, petrol (with age) | High acidity, mouthwatering |
| Sémillon | Grapefruit, grassy, citrus, honey and nuts (with age), can be quite neutral | Oily, low acidity, fat |
| Muscat | Grapey, scented, orange blossom, elderflower | Light and fresh |
| Chenin Blanc | Green apples, pears, quince, minerals, wet wool, lanolin, honey (with age) | High acidity |
| Gewürztraminer | Highly aromatic, rose petals, lychees, floral, exotic, often high in alcohol | Full bodied, low acidity |
| Viognier | Aromatic, apricots, peaches, honeysuckle, bitter almond, often high in alcohol | Full and luscious |
