Wine varietals

The world’s most planted grape, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in gravel soils, expressing jammy black fruit in hot regions like Napa Valley and more restrained aromas of blackcurrant and cedar in its true cradle, Bordeaux.

The world’s most popular white wine, Chardonnay produces a myriad of expressions, from lean, mineral and citrus-scented Chablis to full-bodied and buttery oak-aged versions from California, and everything in between.

The flagship grape of Right Bank Bordeaux, Merlot is today grown around the world, producing varietal wines with plum and blackberry aromas or lending its signature smooth tannins and fleshy texture to red blends.

The Italian version of the French Pinot Gris grape, Pinot Grigio is produces wines with a mouthwatering freshness, light body and bright aromas of Meyer lemon, lime, green apple and nectarine.

Best known as the flagship grape of Burgundy, where it produces elegant red wines with a rather earthy bouquet, Pinot Noir is also grown in the New World, where it makes bolder, more fruit-forward wines.

Sauvignon Blanc is the aromatic variety by some of the world’s favorite white wines, including lean and mineral Sancerre, grassy and passionfruit-scented Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the decadent and sweet nectars of Sauternes.