Through the years, wines have become more and more popular all around the world. The production of grapes for must and wine followed that trend. Interestingly, in the last 20 years, non-traditional grape and wine production countries, such as China and New Zealand, have significantly increased their wine production due to increased vineyard areas and natural resources. On the other hand, traditional wine production countries (France, Spain, and Italy) decreased the area of harvested vineyards; however, they remain the world’s largest producers of wine.
The popularity of wine, new areas harvested (connected with different climate conditions) and new technology have increased the number of grape varieties. The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation database records 1,271 grape varieties. Traditionally, there were more white wine varieties grown in the world, but in recent years, red wines have dominated due to changes in wine consumption, especially in non-traditional wine countries such as China, where they prefer red wines.
The top 10 most common grape varieties produced in the world are presented below; some are more widely recognized than others.
No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon
A red grape variety that grows well in almost all climates except from northern regions. It has a full-bodied but firm taste; due to its high tannin content, winemakers often blend it with other varieties, such as Merlot and Syrah.
No. 2 Merlot
A red grape variety and the most planted grape variety in Bordeaux, France. It’s widely recognized also in Italy, Romania, California, and Chile. It has a deep colour, a full body, and contains less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon. That’s why it is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or both.
No. 3 Airen
A white grape variety mostly recognized in Spain. It tolerates hot and dry conditions and poor soil. Wine is often acidic and characterless; that’s why it’s mainly used in the brandy industry, production of high-alcohol local wines and lighter-bodied red wines when blended with Cencibel.
No. 4 Tempranillo
A red grape variety of Spain. Since it prefers warmer climates, it is also widely recognized in California, Australia, South America, Turkey, and New Zealand. It has a full-bodied taste and a high acidity level.
No. 5 Chardonnay
A white grape variety that grows in almost every wine-production country in the world, because of its adaptability to a wide range of climates. It has a full-bodied taste and medium to high acidity. Typically, chardonnays are dry or half-dry wines.
No. 6 Syrah
A red grape variety, mostly grown in California, Australia, and France. It has a full-body taste and firm tannin; the grapes contain the most antioxidants among all popular wine grape varieties.
No. 7 Garnacha Tinta
A red wine variety that needs hot and dry conditions and ripens late. It has a low acidity and tannin and is usually used for blending with other red varieties.
No. 8 Sauvignon Blanc
A white wine variety that grows in France (Bordeaux and Loire Valley), Italy, South Africa and California. It is high in acidity with pronounced aromas and flavours.
No. 9 Trebbiano Toscano
A white wine variety originated from Italy, but it’s also grown in France, Portugal, Spain, South America, and Australia. Wine is fresh and fruity with high acidity and is usually used for blending with other wines and for brandy production.
No. 10 Pinot Noir
A red wine variety, grown in France, California, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. It has medium to high acidity, medium to low tannin, and fruity or earthy flavours. It’s not common to blend it with any other grapes.
Sources:
Popular Red Wine Varietals; Wines. com
What are the most popular wine grapes in the world?; International business times
The Most Popular Red Grape Varieties; For Dummies
The Most Popular White Grape Varieties; For Dummies
Featured image: by Polina
