There are over 10,000 grape varieties worldwide - how can you keep track of them all? Here you can find out which grape varieties you should definitely know as a beginner.

To be able to have a say at the next wine evening, you should know at least a few well-known grape varieties. In addition to the classics such as Riesling, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, these include Pinot Gris and Pinot Noire. You can find the most well-known ones in this overview.

The most common grape variety in Germany by far is Riesling - a true classic in German households. This all-round white wine also enjoys a good reputation internationally. It is certainly one reason why Germany has gained worldwide recognition as a wine-growing region.

Riesling can be enjoyed dry or sweet. Its taste is fruity and sour. In general, the fruity acidity is the trademark of Riesling, which thrives particularly well on steep slopes along river valleys.

Aromas : Full fruits, especially apple, but also grapefruit, lime, lemon, peach

Did you know?

40 percent of all Rieslings in the world are grown in German vineyards.

Chardonnay is one of the most well-known grape varieties worldwide. This is also because this grape variety is relatively easy to grow and has few climatic requirements. Nevertheless, the grape is one of the highest quality in the world.

Chardonnay is considered to be very versatile, which is why many different flavors can be produced depending on the location and soil. It often tastes slightly smoky and can also contain notes of butter and hazelnut.

Aromas : Very versatile, often hazelnut, lemon and a strong fruitiness of apple and peach

Did you know?

Chardonnay is one of six permitted grape varieties in Champagne and is used in champagne production.

Pinot Noir is one of the best red wine grapes in the world. In Germany, the grape variety is known as Spätburgunder and is also one of the most commonly grown red wine varieties in this country.

There is a simple reason why this grape variety is so popular among wine connoisseurs: it has high soil and climate requirements and is grown by experienced winemakers. The best wines from this grape therefore come from Burgundy, where they are correspondingly expensive.

Aromas : Berries (blackberry, wild berries), strawberry

Did you know?

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties still cultivated in the world.

There is a reason why Sauvignon Blanc, grown in New Zealand and France, is one of the typical entry-level grape varieties: it is quite fruity and therefore easy to enjoy.

The grape variety is the second most important grape in the world after Chardonnay and is accordingly popular in Germany. In addition to the piquant aromas of currants and gooseberries, there are also flavors of freshly mown grass.

Aromas : blackcurrant and gooseberry

Did you know?

Sauvignon Blanc goes well with almost any meal – you can rarely go wrong with it.

Hardly any other red wine variety is better known, although it is rarely offered as a single variety. Instead, it is particularly suitable for cuvées, as it gives them an extremely fruity aroma.

The grape from the Bordeaux wine-growing region is known for its deep red color. In the area it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Simple wines mature in steel tanks, while more sophisticated ones mature in wooden barrels.

Aromas : Floral aromas, currant and tobacco

Did you know?

In 2000, a “Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992” was sold at auction for 424,000 euros – making it one of the most expensive wine bottles in the world.

Pinot Gris doesn't mean anything to you? In Germany, the grape variety is better known as Grauburgunder and is now one of the typical everyday wines of our time.

The Pinot Gris is characterized by a full bouquet and intense aromas and is usually sold dry with moderate acidity. You can mainly discover pear and pineapple aromas here.

Aromas : pear, fig, pineapple

Did you know?

The vine is a mutation of Pinot Noir and therefore still has the soft aromas and low acidity of a red wine.

The Merlot grape variety is particularly suitable for blending with other grape varieties. Its taste is often subtle, which is due to its low acid content. This is why it harmonizes quite well with Cabernet Sauvignon, for example.

Merlot is rare to find in its pure form. However, almost all Bordeaux wines contain a portion of the grape. Its characteristic taste is of plum and cherry.

Aromas : currant, plum, cherry

Did you know?

The most exclusive and one of the most expensive wines in the world, Château Pétrus, is made from the Merlot grape.