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.

Join California wine events at MWM Wine School

Related Blogs

Posted by davidli | 2025-07-08
North CoastNapa Valley:Volcanic soils (e.g., tufa and basalt) in mountain vineyards. Alluvial soils (e.g., gravel, sand, and clay) on the valley floor. Loam (a mix of sand, silt, and clay)...
Posted by davidli | 2025-07-08
North CoastNapa Valley:Valley Floor: 0–400 feet (0–120 m). Mountain Vineyards (e.g., Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain): 1,400–2,200 feet (425–670 m). Sonoma County:Coastal Areas: Near sea level to 1,000 feet (300 m)....
Posted by davidli | 2025-07-08
North CoastNapa Valley: World-renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and premium Chardonnay. Sonoma County: Diverse, with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Los Carneros: Cooler climate; specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Mendocino...
× Chat Now