California Wine Digest: Grape Varieties

Posted by David Li | 2025-07-08 | California, Knowledge

White Wines

  • Chardonnay: Rich, buttery, or crisp and mineral-like; often aged in oak.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty, aromatic, with citrus and green apple flavors; usually unoaked.
  • Pinot Gris: Light-bodied, with pear and floral notes; dry to off-dry styles.
  • Viognier: Full-bodied, aromatic, with apricot and peach flavors.
  • Riesling: Aromatic, with lime and honey flavors; can be dry or sweet.
  • Chenin Blanc: High acidity; flavors of apple and pear; versatile styles.
  • Muscat: Floral and fruity, with lychee and orange blossom notes; often sweet.
  • Pinot Blanc: Crisp and light, with green apple and citrus flavors.
  • Sémillon: Medium to full-bodied, with honey and fig flavors; often blended.
  • Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne: Full-bodied Rhône-style whites with apple, citrus, and nutty notes.
  • Gewürztraminer: Aromatic, with lychee, rose, and spice; dry to sweet.

Red Wines

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with blackberry, oak, and spice; age-worthy.
  • Merlot: Medium-bodied with plum and cherry flavors; smooth tannins.
  • Pinot Noir: Light-bodied with red berries and earthy undertones; elegant.
  • Syrah: Bold, with black fruit and peppery spice; can be smoky.
  • Zinfandel: Jammy and spicy, with blackberry and raspberry flavors.
  • Barbera: Bright acidity, with cherry and plum flavors; food-friendly.
  • Grenache, Mourvèdre: Medium to full-bodied Rhône-style reds with berry and herbal notes.
  • Malbec: Full-bodied, smooth, with plum and cocoa flavors.
  • Petite Sirah: Bold, tannic, with blueberry and pepper notes.
  • Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Tempranillo: Medium-bodied, with red fruit and herbal/spicy flavors.

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