Grape varieties

Grapes are a vine fruit.

In order to produce a quality wine, it all begins with the *cep,*or vine stock, hence the name cépage in French (used to describe the different grape varieties). The vines must be flourishing, i.e.an average of ten to fifteen years old; they must also be planted in poor soil and benefit from a moderate supply of water (a little rain in autumn and spring, and sun during the summer). The grapes are then harvested once they are well ripened, perfectly healthy and full of sugar: this is the harvest.

Some principal red grape varieties

Grape varieties

Major regions and mainproducing countries

Main characteristics

Pinot noir

France (Bourgogne), California (USA), New Zealand.

Aromas: red fruits, blackcherry, game Average acidity, slightly tannic

Cabernet sauvignon

France (Bordeaux),Australia, California, Chile

Aromas: blackcurrant, blackcherry Strong acidity, tannic

Merlot

France (Bordeaux, Languedoc), Italy, California

Aromas: red and blackfruits Weak acidity, slightly tannic

Syrah

France (Languedoc-Roussillon, Vallée du Rhône),Australia

Aromas: violet, blackberry,spices Average acidity, tannic

Grenache

France (Languedoc-Roussillon, Vallée du Rhône), Spain

Aromas: red fruits, leatherSlightly acidic and slightly tannic

### Some principal white wine grapevarieties :

Grape varieties

Major regions and main producing countries

Main characteristics

Chardonnay

France (Bourgogne,Champagne), California, Australia

Aromas: citrus fruits,butter, mineral Relatively high acidity

Sauvignon blanc

France (Val-de-Loire), New Zealand, California

Aromas: green fruits, stonefruits, vegetables. Strong acidity

Riesling

France (Alsace), Germany

Aromas: peach, green apple,smoked Strong acidity Late harvests: dried apricot, honey, almond

Pinot gris

France (Alsace), Germany,Italy

Aromas: honey, musk, spicesWeak acidity

Sémillon

France (Bordeaux,South-West), Australia, Chile

Aromas: citrus fruits,honey, toast, vanilla More or less acidic according to the wine(Graves, Sauternes)

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