Grape variety is a distinct cultivated type of grapevine with identifiable characteristics, including berry colour, size, flavour, acidity, tannin, ripening behaviour and growing requirements. Examples include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Riesling. The term is also called a grape cultivar in horticultural and viticultural contexts.
Different grape varieties have different natural characteristics. Some produce aromatic white wines, others are valued for acidity or structure, while red varieties differ in colour, tannin, berry size and ripening time. These tendencies are influenced by climate, soil, vineyard management, harvest decisions and winemaking.
Grape variety identifies the type of vine or grape. Varietal wine is a wine labelled primarily by the grape variety, subject to the labelling rules of the market. A wine may be made from one variety or a blend of several varieties.
Vitis vinifera is the European grapevine species that includes many classic wine varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hybrids and other Vitis species are also used in viticulture, particularly in regions where cold hardiness or disease resistance is important.
Example: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are two different grape varieties within the species Vitis vinifera.
Chef’s note: the grape variety is only one part of a wine’s identity. Region, vintage, producer and winemaking determine the final style and food-pairing potential.
This term is one of hundreds covered in depth across OCS courses, learning paths, and 1-on-1 coaching with Chef Eric.
