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:
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France
Major Grapes: Merlot, Grenache, Trebbiano, Toscano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
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Italy
Major Grapes: Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Nero d’Avola, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco.
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Spain
Major Grapes: Tempranillo, Airén, Garnacha, Monstrell, and Bobal.
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The United States
Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.
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Argentina
Major Grapes: Malbec, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Sauvignon.
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Australia
Major Grapes: Shiraz (Syrah), and Chardonnay.
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Germany
Major Grapes: Riesling, and Müller- Thurgau.
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South Africa
Major Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Chardonnay.
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Chile
Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carménère, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
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Portugal
Major Grapes: Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Alvarinho, and Arinto.
Photo: Anna Kaminova
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.
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Sparkling Wine
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Light- Bodied White Wine
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Full- Bodied White Wine
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Aromatic (Sweet) White Wine
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Rosé Wine
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Light- Bodied Red Wine
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Medium- Bodied Red Wine
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Full- Bodied Red Wine
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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
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.
Created for Regions
Bordeaux
Napa Valley
Rhône Valley
Barossa Valley
Grape Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec
Merlot
Syrah

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