Varietal vs. Place-Based Naming
- Varietal labelling (New World) — Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Place-based labelling (Old World) — Burgundy (Pinot Noir), Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), Barolo (Nebbiolo)
New World consumers often learn wine through grape varieties, while European traditions emphasise that terroir matters more than the grape.
Varietal Percentages
Most wine laws require a minimum percentage of the named grape:
- USA — 75% minimum
- EU — 85% minimum
- Australia — 85% minimum
- Argentina/Chile — 85% minimum
Major International Varieties
The most widely planted and traded grape varieties include:
- Red — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo, Sangiovese
- White — Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Gewürztraminer
Indigenous Varieties
Beyond international varieties, thousands of indigenous grapes exist worldwide — from Assyrtiko in Greece to Malbec in Argentina to Tannat in Uruguay. Discovering these local varieties is one of wine's greatest pleasures.