Dear Grape Curious,
A “varietal” refers to the type of grape used in a wine. Think about tomatoes. There are a lot of different kinds, right? Take beefsteak tomatoes versus cherry tomatoes. Both are tomatoes, but they have different flavors, sizes, and uses. Beefsteak tomatoes are great for slicing and putting in sandwiches, while cherry tomatoes are sweeter and make perfect bite-sized snacks.
Wine varietals work in a similar way. A varietal refers to a wine made primarily from one specific type of grape. For example, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all varietals. Each grape has its own distinct flavor profile, growing conditions, and characteristics that give the wine its unique taste. Just like you’d choose a specific tomato for a certain dish, different grape varietals are chosen to create different styles of wine.
Some grapes, like Cabernet Sauvignon, are big and bold, often best with hearty meals. Others, like Sauvignon Blanc, are bright and light. Moscato is always sweet, while Riesling is often sweet but has really high acidity. And just like tomatoes, winemakers sometimes blend different grape varietals together to create a more balanced wine—like how a high-end restaurant might use a variety of heirloom tomatoes in a salad to create a complex dish.
Each varietal brings its own set of flavors, textures, and aromas to the table, and winemakers work with those characteristics to create a blend. For example, take a classic Bordeaux blend. It often includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and maybe even a splash of Petit Verdot or Malbec. Each grape serves a purpose:
- Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, tannins, and bold flavors like blackcurrant and tobacco.
- Merlot softens things up with its juicy, plummy notes and smooth texture.
- Cabernet Franc adds herbal, earthy undertones and bright acidity to keep things lively.
- Petit Verdot contributes deep color and a touch of spice, while Malbec can add richness and dark fruit flavors.
By blending these varietals, winemakers can balance a wine’s tannins, acidity, and flavor complexity.
You may find that you love Sauvignon Blanc from California but dislike it when it’s grown in New Zealand. Where the varietal is grown, as well as how the wine is made, also contributes to its taste.
Cheers,
