Wine Grape Varieties

There are many different variations of grapes used to make wine. Each one has its own characteristics and most can be used on their own or mixed with another creating a different blend and taste. In total there are around 600 different variations of grape, with a lot of untested combinations meaning that new wines could potentially still be found and introduced to the world.

There are many factors that decide the final outcome of a grape’s quality, the conditions it’s subject to whilst growing plays a big role. Each grape variety has its own ideal conditions, making different countries better for certain variations. This also means that if you are in a cold climate, you’ll find it hard to grow vines that require warmer climates. Another factor that will vary from grape to grape is the aging process, some will require a lot more growing time than others. This can take up to 15 years and you should never pick or consume the wine too early or late as this affects the wine quality in different ways. For example, if a grape was to be picked too early it would lack the full taste potential and seem bland, whereas if you pick them too late they would be a lot more acidic.

The main difference between grapes will initially be the colour of the wine produced from it - either red or white, some can be deceiving as the colour of the skin may not represent the true result. Some grapes are well known for giving better quality, so if you were to do your research you will be able to find these out and buy according to personal your taste and preference.