Terms such as “region”, “variety”, and “varietal” are mentioned and discussed amongst the wine community and those in the business like the weather. For those who are still learning, it can be quite overwhelming- at least for me. I’ve put together a guide of the most popular regions, wine styles, and which glass you should use for the type of wine being served.

Region

Wine Folly wrote an article about the top wine regions around the globe. They reported the top 10 wine producing regions and the major grapes produced within each region. Check them out, below:

France

Major Grapes: Merlot, Grenache, Trebbiano, Toscano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Italy

Major Grapes: Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Nero d’Avola, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco.
Spain

Major Grapes: Tempranillo, Airén, Garnacha, Monstrell, and Bobal.
The United States

Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Argentina

Major Grapes: Malbec, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Sauvignon.
Australia

Major Grapes: Shiraz (Syrah), and Chardonnay.
Germany

Major Grapes: Riesling, and Müller- Thurgau.
South Africa

Major Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Chardonnay.
Chile

Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carménère, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Portugal

Major Grapes: Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Alvarinho, and Arinto.

9 Primary Styles of Wine

Wine is made using grapes, but not the table grapes we are used to consuming and seeing in the produce section or farmer’s market. Wine grapes are smaller, sweeter, contain seeds, and have thick skin. While there are over a thousand wine grapes, there are common ones you will see and hear about. Wine Folly shares the 9 primary styles of wine.

Sparkling Wine
Light- Bodied White Wine
Full- Bodied White Wine
Aromatic (Sweet) White Wine
Rosé Wine
Light- Bodied Red Wine
Medium- Bodied Red Wine
Full- Bodied Red Wine
Dessert Wine

variety

Variety also known as varieties refers to the type of grape. For example, Chardonnay grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, etc.

varietal

A varietal is a wine labeled that is made from one grape.

Liberté

Liberté is freedom and the Liberté glass was created to be an option for any wine during any phase of its life.

Created for Regions

Champagne

Beaujolais

Valpolicella

Burgenland

Grape Varietal

Chardonnay

Gruner Veltliner

Pinot Grigio

Rose

Grassl Liberté Wine Glass from Ivy Grapes Luxury Stemware

cru

The term ‘Cru’ is reserved for and associated with the highest quality. Ideal for single grape wines where delicate aromas are as important to the experience as the taste.

Created for Regions

Burgundy

Piedmont

Tuscany

Sonoma

Grape VarieTY – Medium Body Reds

Pinot Noir

Barolo (Nebbiolo)

Grenache

Mencia

Mineralité

Terroir shines through with this glass. The Mineralité glass’s design, with an ample bowl to assist with allowing the wine to open is complimented by a narrowing chimney bringing focus and precision to the nose. The Mineralité glass is ideal for acidic wines with verve.

Created for Regions

Mosel

Sauternes

Champagne

Loire Valley

Grape Varietal

Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

Port

Chenin Blanc

1855

The Grassl 1855 is a homage to the Exposition Universelle de Paris. This shape is designed for reds and whites of great complexity, concentration and body. The design of the bowl provides the wine with the space it needs to evolve.