Types
of Wine
The types of grapes used to make a wine are the most important factor in the
taste of the wine. However, the flavors are also affected other factors such as
soil, exposure to sunlight, climate, how the grapes are handled and fermented,
types of yeast used, whether the wine is aged in wood, etc. Because of this, the
same type of wine can be produced in several different regions, but various
factors result in wines which taste different! Half the fun of experiencing wine
is the incredible array of flavors available!
Varietal simply refers to the grape variety used to make a particular wine.
Serious wine-producing countries and states regulate the amount of a particular
grape that make up a particular wine. In California and Washington any wine
referred to by the name of the grape (Chardonnay, for example) must be at least
75% of that grape; most varietals in Oregon must be 90% of the named grape; and
Alsace requires 100%.
Click on the links below to find out about the most common
varietals and types of wine.
