Grape Varieties

No decision shapes the taste of a wine as strongly as the grape variety. Whether a wine tastes crisp and fresh, velvety and soft, or powerful and spicy is decided first in the vineyard: Riesling brings lively acidity and aromas of apple and peach to the glass, Primitivo dark berries and warmth, and Chardonnay – depending on how it's made – everything from lean and mineral to creamy and buttery.

In our grape variety profiles, you'll find a detailed taste profile for each variety covering acidity, sweetness, body, and tannin structure, the typical aromas from the first scent to the finish, the most important growing regions, and concrete food pairing recommendations. That way, you know what to expect in the bottle before you buy – and can discover new varieties that match your taste.

New to the world of wine? Then start with the great classics: Riesling and Grauburgunder show what German white wines can do, while Spätburgunder, Merlot, and Primitivo open the door to the world of red wine. From there, our cross-references take you ever deeper – to over 60 grape varieties from around the world.