Grape Varieties
Since quality of wine greatly depends on grape quality each wine producer chooses grape variety or varieties for his vineyard very carefully. Grape varieties are also crucial for production of special types of wines, while the choice of grape varieties also depends on terrain and soil chemistry, weather conditions and yeast cultures in particular region.
Wine can be made by using one or several grape varieties depending from what type of
wine one wants to produce. There are several thousands varieties of grapes which are
used for winemaking or eating (table grapes) and can be divided into red and white
grapes according to the color of the grapes. Most commonly used varieties for
winemaking are varieties of European species Vitis vinifera which is cultivated all
over the world. If only one grape variety is used for making wine or if one variety
in wine is predominant (at least 75% or more) the wine is called varietal and
commonly displays the name of the variety on the wine label (for example Chardonnay,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, etc.). Wines that are made from two or several
different varieties of the same vintage are known as blended wines.
Great importance in winemaking has also the terroir or special geographical characteristics which can result in great difference between wines made from the same varieties. Since top wines are grown and produced by using special methods and techniques which emphasize the characteristics of particular terroir in wine’s flavor, quality of wine is also closely connected with particular regions.