Grape varieties

Grape varieties were originally wild forest plants. Today they are one of the world's most important cultivated plants. There are estimated to be around 10,000 different grape varieties in the world, but only around 2,500 of them are approved for wine growing. These vines have established themselves because of their special taste and resistance.

When it comes to white wine varieties, these include Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Muscat, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvingon, Grenache, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo and Zinfadel are widespread among red wine grapes worldwide. Some countries also have unique native grape varieties. There are over 400 so-called autochthonous grape varieties in Portugal. The most important ones here include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz/Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Arinto, Alvarinho and Verdelho. There is only one native grape variety in South Africa: Pinotage. You can find wines from many of these grape varieties in our range on Wein-Deko.