It is said that this grape was imported into France by the Crusaders and then cultivated in Burgundy by the Benedictine Monks. Chardonnay produces very different styles of wine according to its area of production and vinification technique…

 

A very popular grape that is usually light and crisp. It is very aromatic, herbal, vegetal, flinty with hints of passion fruit and kiwi in New World varieties and mineral notes in European examples. The landmark regions are Marlborough in New…

 

An ancient grape variety selected from wild vines in the Upper Rhine, Mosel and Alsace. A favourite variety of the connoisseur but struggles for appreciation by the average wine drinker. From bone dry to very sweet, it is a racy, lively, fresh and…

 

It originates from Anjou in the Loire Valley and it came to be known in 845AD. It is a very fruity and lively grape with a natural high acidity. A versatile grape it can produce both very dry wines and very sweet wines. It can also make some…

 

  It probably comes from the region of Sauternes in Bordeaux. This is the main grape for the lusciously sweet Sauternes which is blended with a percentage of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. It can age beautifully and is elegant, delicate,…

 

The true origin of this grape is unknown, but today it is one of the most fashionable white grapes. Its historical home is in the Northern Rhône (Condrieu). It has a deep golden colour, with ripe aromas of apricot, peach and honey with hints…

 

There are many sub-varieties of this grape (Muscat à petits grains, Alexandria, Hamburg and Ottonel). It has a very grapey characteristic and is aromatic and rich. It can make sweet dry and sweet wines (Alsace), sparkling wines (Asti,…

 

Its origin is thought to be in the South-East of Europe. It is at its most successful in Alsace with some good examples in New Zealand. The grape has a dark skin and powerful aromas of rose petal, ginger and lychee. It is rich, full and spicy and…

 

Possiblly a selected mutation from the Pinot Noir grape, it can make both dry and sweet wines that are usually rich and spicy. Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy and Rülander in Germany, this grape makes excellent wines in Alsace and can…

 

Originating from the Rhône Valley, this grape can also produce excellent examples in Australia. Rich in extract, body and bouquet, it makes round, dry wines with almondy notes. This is a rare grape that is rapidly increasing in…

 

It is believed that this grape originates from Bordeaux. As a single variety it is very deep, powerful, with firm tannins. Its blending, notably in Bordeaux, with other grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot gives a great…

 

Possibly first cultivated in Roman times, this is a very difficult grape to grow. It can make sumptuous wines in Burgundy as well as fine examples in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The best wines have a silky velvety texture with notes…

 

  Was once thought to originate from one of the oldest viticultural regions of the world around the Persian town of Schiraz. But in fact this grape does originate from the Northern Rhône valley and makes great wines in France and…

 

Originating from Bordeaux, this grape is known for its high percentage in the making of the wines of Saint Emilion and Pomerol in Bordeaux. It is also planted in most of world's wine producing countries. It is softer than Cabernet Sauvignon and…

 

  Originating from Bordeaux, this grape is Cabernet Sauvignon's little brother. It may not as prestigious but without it the great wines of Bordeaux would lack fruitiness and strength. Its supple character is well suited in softening the…

 

Often grown in the Aragon region of Spain where it is known as Garnacha, it also makes very good wines in Australia. However this grape is most famous for its vital role in Chateauneuf du Pape and excels in the Southern Rhône. Can be high in…

 

This is an old Spanish varietal, probably from Rioja. The greatest Spanish red grape it produces wine that is medium weight with a very fruity bouquet, raspberry-like and deeply coloured. Overall to be drunk fairly young but the top quality wines…

 

Probably one of the oldest  Italian grape varieties, it supposedly originates from Tuscany. It is the great grape of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. The wines are dry, mildly tannic  with a typical violet aroma and attractive bitter…

 

The grape is widely planted in Italy. It was first acknowledged in 1600 in the region of Turin. The surroundings of Asti are considered to be the area of the true origin of Barbera. The main types of wines produced from this grape are light,…

 

This grape was first cultivated at the University of Stellonbosch in South Africa in 1925. Obtained from crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it is also known as Hermitage. Most of the wine is light to medium weight, however it has recently been made…

 

This grape originates from Spain where it is known as Monastrell, but has been cultivated in France since the 16th century. Also known as Mataro in California and Australia, it has intense colour, high alcohol, rich structure, good tannins and…

 

Cultivated by the Celts, probably before Roman times in South-East Wales, the grape became wide spread in Burgundy from the 16th to the 19th century. This is grape is responsible for making all Beaujolais wines. It has a clean purple colour, a…

 

  Known traditionally as Primitivo, this grape was imported in the 17th century by the Benedictine Monks in the hills around the town of Bari in Southern Italy. It is from there that it went to California in 1851 where it is grown today under…