Explore the Classics:
The Most Famous Red and White Grape Varieties
In the vast world of wine, hundreds of grape varieties contribute their unique character to the glass. Among the world’s top wine-producing countries, Italy stands out for its incredible diversity, boasting over 500 indigenous grape varieties—more than any other country. This immense variety highlights the complexity and richness of the global wine landscape. Yet, a select few grape varieties have transcended their origins to become true classics, setting the standard for quality and style across the globe.
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This part zeroes in on the six most important and iconic grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. We’ll give an overview of their distinctive qualities, the regions where they thrive, and their role in producing some of the world’s most celebrated wines. Curious about what makes these grapes so special? Let’s dive into the distinctive qualities that have made them timeless classics in the world of wine.
RED GRAPES
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Flavor profile: Full-bodied with high tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon often showcases flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry, plum, and hints of herbs or green bell pepper. As it ages, it may develop complex notes of tobacco, cedar, and earth.
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Did you know? Often called the "King of Red Grapes," Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape worldwide, covering over 840,000 acres!
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Wine facts: Originally from Bordeaux, France, it thrives in regions like Napa Valley, where it’s frequently blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc for balanced, complex wines.
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One of the most famous wines: Château Margaux, Bordeaux - Description:
Château Margaux is one of the most iconic wines in the world, renowned for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential. Primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, it offers deep flavors of dark berries and subtle spice notes.
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Top 3 pairings: How to pair Cabernet Sauvignon with food for a perfect dining experience:
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Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter
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Rosemary lamb chops
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Aged cheddar cheese
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Pinot Noir
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Flavor profile: Elegant and complex, Pinot Noir offers flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, with floral notes and a touch of earthiness.
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Did you know? Pinot Noir, one of the oldest grape varieties, has a history spanning over 2,000 years and is often dubbed the "heartbreak grape" due to its difficulty to grow.
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Wine facts: This delicate grape hails from Burgundy, France, and thrives in cooler climates like Oregon and New Zealand.
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One of the most famous wines: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy - Description: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) is one of the most famous and expensive wines globally, known for its exceptionally complex and delicate wines made exclusively from Pinot Noir, with flavors ranging from rich red berries to earthy and floral tones.
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Top 3 pairings. How to pair Pinot Noir with food for a perfect dining experience:
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Duck breast with cherry sauce
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Mushroom risotto
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Brie cheese with fresh berries
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Merlot
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Flavor profile: Known for its softer tannins and round texture, Merlot showcases plum, black cherry, chocolate, and herbal flavors. It’s generally more fruit-forward and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Did you know? Merlot means "little blackbird" in French, possibly referring to the dark color of the grapes or the birds that love them in Bordeaux.
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Wine facts: Originating from Bordeaux, Merlot is widely planted globally and is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to soften the wine, though it’s also enjoyed on its own.
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One of the most famous wines: Château Pétrus, Pomerol - Description: Château Pétrus is a legendary wine from Pomerol in Bordeaux, made almost entirely from Merlot. It is known for its richness, silky texture, and complex flavors of plum, truffle, and chocolate, making it one of the world’s most sought-after and expensive wines.
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Top 3 pairings. How to pair Merlot with food for a perfect dining experience:
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Spaghetti Bolognese
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Roasted pork loin
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Gruyère cheese
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"Wine and friends are a great blend."
Ernest Hemingway
​​​​WHITE GRAPES
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Chardonnay
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Flavor profile: Chardonnay’s flavors range from green apple and citrus to peach and tropical fruits, often with hints of vanilla and butter when aged in oak.
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Did you know? Dubbed the "winemaker’s grape," Chardonnay adapts well to various winemaking techniques, from crisp unoaked styles to rich, buttery versions.
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Wine facts: The world’s most popular white grape, Chardonnay, originates from Burgundy, France, and adapts well to different climates and winemaking approaches.
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One of the most famous wines: Domaine Leflaive Montrachet, Burgundy - Description: Domaine Leflaive Montrachet is one of the most acclaimed white wines globally, known for its exceptional balance, depth, and complexity, with flavors of ripe citrus, apple, and subtle nutty and buttery undertones.
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Top 3 pairings. How to pair Chardonnay with food for a perfect dining experience:
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Grilled salmon with lemon-dill sauce
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Creamy chicken Alfredo
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Camembert cheese with apples
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Sauvignon Blanc
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Flavor profile: Known for its vibrant acidity and intense aromas, Sauvignon Blanc features flavors of lime, green apple, gooseberry, and herbs, with variations depending on climate.
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Did you know? Sauvignon Blanc is a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, having crossed naturally with Cabernet Franc centuries ago.
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Wine facts: From the Loire Valley in France, Sauvignon Blanc is globally famous for the fresh, fruity wines of Marlborough, New Zealand, and is also used in sweet wines like Sauternes.
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One of the most famous wines: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough - Description: Cloudy Bay from Marlborough, New Zealand, is perhaps the most famous Sauvignon Blanc globally. This wine put Marlborough on the map as a top wine region and is known for its crisp, fresh flavors of lime, gooseberry, and herbs, along with its intense aroma.
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Top 3 pairings. How to pair Sauvignon Blanc with food for a perfect dining experience:
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Goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette
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Grilled shrimp tacos
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Asparagus risotto
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Riesling
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Flavor profile: Riesling ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with common flavors of lemon, lime, apricot, and a distinctive minerality, sometimes described as "petrol" in aged wines.
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Did you know? Riesling is one of the few white wines that age beautifully, with high-quality bottles developing complex flavors over decades.
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Wine facts: Originating from Germany, Riesling is known for reflecting terroir and has exceptional aging potential, producing everything from crisp, dry wines to sweet, late-harvest versions.
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One of the most famous wines: Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling, Mosel - Description: Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling from Mosel, Germany, is one of the most renowned Riesling wines globally. Celebrated for its elegance, high acidity, and complex flavors of citrus, apricot, and characteristic minerality, this wine is a true classic.
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Top 3 pairings. How to pair Riesling with food for a perfect dining experience:
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Spicy Thai green curry
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Pork tenderloin with apples
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Lemon cheesecake
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Final Pour
Exploring these famous grape varieties gives you a glimpse into the incredible diversity and richness of the wine world. Each grape tells its own story through the wines it produces, from the structured elegance of a Cabernet Sauvignon to the zesty freshness of a Sauvignon Blanc. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, these classic grapes and their iconic wines offer a perfect starting point for your journey into the world of wine.
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So, pour yourself a glass, pair it with one of the suggested dishes, and enjoy the experience of tasting history, craftsmanship, and innovation—all in one sip. And remember, if anyone asks why you’re having a second glass, just say it’s all in the name of research. Cheers!