A comprehensive guide to the world's grape varieties. Understanding the characteristics of each grape—its typical aromas, structure, and regional expressions—is essential for both appreciation and blind tasting success.
👃 Le Nez du Vin Aroma Reference → The official 54 wine aromas for training your nose
The "king of red grapes." Blackcurrant, cedar, graphite. High tannin, full body. Ages magnificently. Thrives in Bordeaux, Napa, Chile, Australia.
Delicate and complex. Red fruits, earth, mushroom. Light to medium body, silky tannins. The ultimate expression of terroir.
Plush and approachable. Plum, chocolate, herbs. Softer tannins than Cabernet. Star of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.
Bold and peppery. Blackberry, black pepper, smoke, meat. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Northern Rhône elegance vs Australian power.
The world's most versatile white. From lean and mineral to rich and buttery. Apple, citrus, or tropical depending on climate and winemaking.
Crisp and aromatic. Gooseberry, grass, citrus, sometimes tropical. High acidity. Loire elegance vs Marlborough intensity.
Noble and age-worthy. Lime, stone fruit, petrol. Electric acidity. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Germany, Alsace, Australia.
Light and fresh (Italy) or rich and spicy (Alsace). Pear, apple, almond. Versatile and food-friendly.
📝 More grape varieties coming soon...
This encyclopaedia will expand to include detailed profiles of dozens of varieties with tasting notes, regional comparisons, and blind tasting tips.