Grape Varieties
Learn more about the grape varieties of the world.
Albariño is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, located in the north-western corner of Spain. It is also grown in Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho, and has also found a home in wine regions as far afield as the United States. The history of...
Assyrtiko is a white grape variety that is primarily grown on the Greek island of Santorini. It is believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties in the world, with a history dating back more than 3,000 years. Assyrtiko is highly prized for its ability to produce wines with a distinct minerali...
The ancestral home of this ageworthy red wine style is Bordeaux. Key varieties used in these blends include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère. Each variety gives its own unique contribution to a blend, whether it be body, herbaceous notes, structure o...
The history of the Cabernet-Sangiovese blend dates back to the early 1970s in Italy's Tuscany region. Winemakers began experimenting with blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a more complex wine that could age well. The blend quickly gained popularity, and today, it is considere...
Not as well known as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is just as important to the world of fine wine, particularly in Bordeaux, south-west France, where it plays a supporting role in some of the region's most famous wine. Elsewhere in France, Cabernet Franc is the primary black grape of the re...
This blend is especially popular on the right bank of the Gironde in Bordeaux, France, where it is used to create some of the world's most sought-after wines including those produced by Château Cheval Blanc and Château Angelus. In California, the most famous proponent of this Saint-Emilion inspi...
A much-loved, versatile international black varietal from the United States to Australia, Israel to South Africa. With a characteristic profile of cedar, blackcurrant leaf, luscious cassis, pencil shavings and graphite, Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated the world over for its beautiful, deep-colo...
Champagne blends are most often based on the three core grape varieties of France's most renowned sparkling wine region - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. While this combination of varietals was originated and perfected in France it has since been adopted globally - from South America t...
One of the most versatile and well-loved international varieties, here is a grape that can turn its hand to a plethora of dry white wine styles. From the steely purity of a refreshing Chablis with its zippy citrus and green fruit profile produced by the likes of William Fèvre and Raveneau, to th...
One of the most versatile and well-loved white varieties, here is a grape that can turn its hand to a plethora of wine styles, from dry through to off-dry, lusciously sweet and even sparkling. Characterised by its refreshing acidity, with a flavour profile that can range from citrus and green ap...
Gamay is inextricably linked with the light, fruity wines of Beaujolais in the Côte d'Or. It's likely that the grape arrived in Burgundy from central Europe in the 14th century and found a home on the granite-based soils north of Lyon. In terms of aromas and flavours, Gamay offers vibrant ripe r...
This aromatic white grape variety produces intensely perfumed, full-bodied oily-textured whites at a range of sweetness levels, from dry through to medium dry. Typically characterised by their low acidity and warming alcohol, Gewürztraminer styles tend to display floral notes of rose, orange blo...
Grenache, (also known as Garnacha in Spain), is a black grape variety that thrives in warm climates and produces beautiful red wines often characterised by high alcohol, full body and powerful spiciness (white pepper, liquorice). Tannins tend to be on the softer side, with dominant red fruit fla...
Gruner Veltliner is a white grape variety that is indigenous to Austria, the name means "green wine of Veltlin," which is an old wine-producing region located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Gruner Veltliner is known for producing wines that are crisp, refreshing, with good acidity. Wi...
Considered the flagship grape variety of Argentina, this black grape variety is used to produce full bodied, deep coloured red wines with high levels of soft tannins and wonderful spiced dark fruit character. Often displaying signature notes of blackberry, black plum, clove and pepper, Malbec is...
Mencia is a red grape variety that is primarily grown in the northwest region of Spain, specifically in the areas of Bierzo, Valdeorras, Ribeira Sacra, and Monterrei. The grape is also known as Jaen in Portugal and is believed to have originated in the Iberian Peninsula. Mencia was ilong conside...
A black grape that exudes elegance and balance, this is an extremely well-travelled international variety that produces a plethora of silky reds, rosés and even the odd White Merlot! Traditionally associated with the wines of the Bordeaux Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol), here at Hedonism our...
A classic red grape variety, that also goes by the name of Monastrell (Spain) and Mataro (Australia and California). Mourvèdre needs warm to hot climates in order to thrive and reach full ripeness. Contributing wonderful depth of colour, prominent tannins, warming alcohol and sumptuous black fru...
A wonderfully broad category that encompasses many different Muscat varieties; known as ‘Moscato’ in Italy and ‘Moscatel’ in Iberia. Some of the best-known varieties include the intensely aromatic Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the reliably yielding Muscat Ottonel, the sweet styles of Muscat of A...
A flagship Italian grape that is most at home in Northern Italy. Producing pale garnet wines, often with pronounced aromas and flavours of strawberry, red and black cherry, plum with complexity from floral notes (rose, violet), cedar, clove, cigar box, earth, mushroom and fig. With refreshing hi...
Nerello Mascalese is a red grape variety that is native to Sicily, Italy. It is believed to have originated in the area around Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. The grape is known for producing high-quality, complex wines that are deeply rooted in the volcanic soils and uni...
A white grape variety that is primarily grown in the Jerez region of Spain. It is believed to have originated in Andalusia and has been cultivated in the region for centuries. More than 95% of the grape's production in Spain is used to make Sherries, with two of the most famous varieties, Manzan...
Pinot Gris is the French name for the variety also known as Pinot Grigio, and the key region is Alsace, which produces beautifully full-bodied expressions of the varietal at a range of sweetness levels from dry through to sweet. Typically characterised by tropical fruit character (banana, melon)...
A black grape originally from France, known for the fine, highly-sought after red wines of Burgundy. Often known for producing slightly paler red wines, Pinot Noir can come in many different styles and offers something for every wine lover. From light and fruity wines with notes of raspberry, st...
A beautiful sweet fortified wine category that takes us to the banks of the Douro in Portugal. The key black grape varieties used in these beautiful vintage ports are Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão. Here at Hedonism, our shelves are replete with the mo...
With its distinctive varietal character and refreshing high acidity, Riesling is a white grape variety that produces an array of beautiful wine styles in a range of sweetness levels, from bone dry to lusciously sweet. Cooler climate expressions show green fruit and refreshing limey citrus notes ...
Roussanne is a white grape variety that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It is believed to have been cultivated for centuries, with some records dating back to the 16th century. Roussanne is a relatively rare grape variety, and it is often blended with other grapes, particularly Marsann...
Strongly associated with the rolling hills of Tuscany, this is one of Italy’s signature grape varieties, and is used to make the iconic styles of Chianti Classico, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. The dry red wines that this superb variety produces are characterised by their brigh...
Georgia is still very much the home of Saperavi, but it is also grown in other regions of the world, including Australia, the United States, and Ukraine. In Georgia, the grape is typically grown in the Kakheti region, where it is used to make full-bodied, complex red wines known for their deep, ...
One of the world's most famous grape varieties - Sauvignon Blanc wines is an adaptable grape that produces different styles of wine depending on a few fundamental factors - the climate, the vineyard and the winemaker. In France, it is responsible not only for the delicately saline and citrussy d...
A match made in heaven, this magnificent blend produces white wines in both sweet and dry styles. Sauvignon Blanc lends acidity and aromatic freshness to the blend, often with distinctly fruity, herbaceous and floral aromas. Sémillon meanwhile adds beautiful body, texture and ageabilty. France, ...
Originally from the west of France, Sémillon is a golden-skinned varietal that has found an unlikely home in the vineyards of Australia, where it is sometimes known as Hunter Valley Riesling, producing world class dry wines of surprising poise and complexity. In its native France, the grape is p...
A blend characterised by the signature grape varieties of the Southern Rhône: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mouvèdre. This is the blend behind glorious Côte de Rhône and Châteauneuf du Pape reds from some of the finest producers the region has to offer. Domaine Pegau’s CNDPs are layered and comp...
An international black grape that has made its home in both the Old World and the New and thrives in moderate to hot climates. Often referred to as ‘Syrah’ when produced in the traditional Old World Rhône style and ‘Shiraz’ indicating a richer and more fruit-forward Ozzie style; but this rule of...
The premier black grape of the Iberian Peninsula, Tempranillo is a grape that thrives in warm climates and boasts a wonderful affinity for both French and American oak, often taking on signature notes of coconut and cedar. Offering up a beautiful profile of pronounced red and black cherry and pl...
Verdelho is a white grape variety that is grown primarily in Portugal and Spain. It is one of the four noble grapes used to produce Madeira. The grape is also used to make dry white wines in Australia, particularly in the Hunter Valley region. The history of Verdelho can be traced back to the 15...
Viognier is a white wine grape that is believed to have originated in the Rhône Valley of France. A relatively established grape variety, there are records of its cultivation dating back to at least the 1700s. Viognier was once a relatively rare grape, but it has gained in popularity in recent y...
Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape variety that is widely grown in California and is considered one of the most important grapes in the United States. Its history can be traced back to Croatia, where it is known as Crljenak Kaštelanski, and to Italy, where it is known as Primitivo. The grape was...