Top Most Commonly Used Wine Grape Varieties
Currently there are thousands of varieties of grapes, but the vast majority of modern day wines are currently made with only a few varieties.
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Pinto Grigio/ Pinto Gris
Moscato
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinto Noir
Syrah/Shiraz
Grenache/Garnacha
But, what about the rest?
Airen and Cinsaut varieties are usually considered work horse grapes and usually only used for making bulk wines or brandy.
Varieties like Tempranillo and Chenin Blanc just haven’t caught on outside of their home regions where they are very popular, these varieties can make some exceptionally great wines.
The Best of the Rest
Pinot Blanc
Semillon
Chenin Blanc
Viognier
Gewurztraminer
Gruner Veltliner
Albarino
Gamay
Cabernet Franc
Carmenere
Malbec
Sangiovese
Barbera
Nebbiolo
Montepulciano
Aglianico
Zinfandel
Monastrell
Teempranilla
Pinotage