George Warwar: The Best Grapes in the World

George Warwar: Where Are the Best Grapes in the World Grown For the Wine Industry? There are more than 10,000 registered grape varieties worldwide. While many are used primarily for table wine production, a select few have gained prominence in the wine industry. These 13 varieties account for a third of the world’s vineyards according to a recent report published by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV).

The most common of these grapes is Chardonnay, which is widely planted and produces wines that are well-suited to most climates. The variety has been known to take on oak flavorings and a bit of residual sugar, which can make for a complex and versatile wine.

Pinot Noir, explain George Warwar, is another popular varietal, a noble red that has become a symbol of the Burgundy region in France, where it is most famous for its finesse, elegance and structure. Pinot Noir also makes wines that are fruity and fresh, with delicate aromas of berries and earth.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a widely planted grape that can produce wines that are robust, complex and ageable. This variety has been described as “noble” and full of “spicy black cherry, tobacco, and cedar,” all of which contribute to the richness and ripeness of its wines.

Syrah is the fourth most commonly planted grape in the world, producing a wide range of styles, from fruity and soft to spicy and full-bodied. In the US, it has found its home in California and is often blended with other grapes to create a smooth, rounded wine.

Sauvignon Blanc is a popular grape in both the New World and Old World, where it can be barrel-fermented to showcase peach and tropical fruit flavors. It can be racy and intense in New Zealand, or a little smoky and salty in Chile. This grape is also a stalwart of the Great Lakes region, where it has been known for its crisp and citrusy characteristics.

Lemberger, which is sometimes referred to as Blaufrankisch, is a common grape in South-central Germany and Austria. This grape is cold hardy and is capable of ripening throughout the year. Lemberger is a staple of the Maple Springs Vineyard in eastern Pennsylvania and offers a unique, ripe and floral aroma, which pairs well with oak.

Despite the popularity of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, some grapes are overlooked in favor of more “commercial” varieties. The trend is changing, however. Increasingly, winemakers are using grapes like Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre and Grenache to produce wines that have distinctive personalities and a wide array of flavor profiles.

In addition to experimenting with these grapes, winemakers are also planting more traditional and obscure varieties that they believe offer the potential for high-quality wines. Heirloom varieties that are being rediscovered include Norton, Black Spanish and Mission, which is a hybrid of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. These and other lesser-known grapes are being tested by researchers at land-grant universities around the country to determine their viability as potential crop options for U.S. growers and producers.