How Many Kinds of Wine Are There?
The precise number of wine varieties is difficult to pinpoint, but broadly speaking, there are thousands of distinct wines, stemming from roughly 10,000 grape varieties used in winemaking around the world. Factors like terroir, winemaking techniques, and regional variations further contribute to the astounding diversity.
Understanding Wine Diversity: A Deeper Dive
The world of wine is vast and intricate, offering a seemingly endless array of flavors, aromas, and experiences. Understanding this diversity requires delving into the core elements that shape each unique wine.
Grape Varietals: The Foundation of Wine
The single most important factor determining the character of a wine is the grape variety (or varietal) used to make it. While thousands of grapes are technically suitable for winemaking, only a few hundred are widely cultivated and commercially significant. These include:
- Red Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, Zinfandel, Sangiovese.
- White Grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier.
- Other notable varieties: Tempranillo, Grenache, Nebbiolo.
Each varietal possesses its own distinct profile, contributing to the wine’s aroma, flavor, acidity, tannin level (in red wines), and body. For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold tannins and black fruit flavors, while Pinot Noir offers delicate aromas of red berries and earth.
Terroir: The Impact of Place
Terroir encompasses all the environmental factors that influence a wine’s character, including climate, soil, altitude, and aspect (the direction a vineyard faces). Even within the same grape variety, wines from different regions can display dramatically different characteristics due to terroir.
For example, Chardonnay grown in the cool climate of Chablis, France, is typically crisp and mineral-driven, while Chardonnay from the warmer climate of California can be richer and more fruit-forward. Similarly, the volcanic soils of Santorini, Greece, impart a distinctive minerality to its Assyrtiko wines.
Winemaking Techniques: Shaping the Final Product
The winemaker’s choices also significantly impact the final wine. These decisions include:
- Fermentation: Using different yeast strains, temperature control, and fermentation vessels (stainless steel, oak barrels) can alter the wine’s flavors and aromas.
- Aging: Oak aging can add vanilla, spice, and toasty notes to a wine, while aging in stainless steel preserves its freshness and fruitiness.
- Blending: Blending different grape varietals can create more complex and balanced wines.
- Filtration: Some winemakers prefer unfiltered wines, which may retain more flavor and texture, while others opt for filtration to remove sediment.
Wine Styles: Categorizing the Diversity
Wine can be broadly categorized into different styles, each with its own unique characteristics:
| Style | Description | Example Wines |
|---|---|---|
| Red Wine | Made from red or black grapes, fermented with the grape skins, resulting in color, tannins, and complex flavors. | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz. |
| White Wine | Made from green grapes (or red grapes with the skins removed), typically lighter-bodied and refreshing. | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Gris. |
| Rosé Wine | Made from red grapes, but the skins are removed after a short period of fermentation, resulting in a pink color and lighter body. | Provence Rosé, White Zinfandel. |
| Sparkling Wine | Wine that is carbonated, either through secondary fermentation in the bottle (Traditional Method) or in a tank (Charmat Method). | Champagne, Prosecco, Cava. |
| Dessert Wine | Sweet wines, often made from late-harvest grapes, botrytized grapes (affected by noble rot), or fortified with alcohol. | Sauternes, Port, Icewine, Sherry. |
| Fortified Wine | Wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, is added. | Port, Sherry, Madeira, Marsala. |
Regional Variations: A Tapestry of Flavors
Each wine region possesses its own unique traditions, styles, and grape varietals. From the bold reds of Bordeaux to the elegant whites of Burgundy, each region offers a distinct expression of its terroir and winemaking heritage. Exploring these regional variations is key to understanding the true diversity of wine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many commercially important grape varieties are there?
While there are around 10,000 grape varieties used in winemaking, only a few hundred are commercially significant. These are the grapes that are widely planted and used to produce the vast majority of wine available on the market.
What is the difference between a varietal wine and a blended wine?
A varietal wine is made primarily from a single grape variety, typically required to contain at least 75% or 85% of that grape variety depending on the region’s regulations. A blended wine is made from two or more grape varieties, combining their characteristics to create a more complex and balanced final product.
What is “Old World” vs. “New World” wine?
Old World wines typically refer to wines from traditional winemaking regions in Europe (France, Italy, Spain, etc.). These wines often emphasize terroir and have a more restrained fruit profile. New World wines come from regions outside of Europe (USA, Australia, South Africa, etc.) and tend to be more fruit-forward and often have higher alcohol levels.
What factors contribute to the price of wine?
Several factors influence wine pricing, including the grape variety, the reputation of the producer, the region of origin, the vintage (year), the production costs, and the market demand. Rarity and aging potential can also significantly increase a wine’s value.
How does oak aging affect wine?
Oak aging can impart a variety of flavors to wine, including vanilla, toast, spice, and coconut. It can also add tannins, which contribute to the wine’s structure and aging potential. The intensity of oak influence depends on the type of oak used (American vs. French), the level of toasting, and the age of the barrel.
What is “tannin” and why is it important?
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They contribute to the structure and texture of red wines, giving them a dry, astringent mouthfeel. Tannins also act as preservatives, allowing red wines to age for longer periods.
What is the best way to store wine?
The ideal conditions for wine storage include a cool, consistent temperature (around 55-65°F), high humidity (around 70%), darkness, and minimal vibration. Wine should be stored on its side to keep the cork moist.
What is the best temperature to serve wine?
Serving temperature depends on the type of wine. Generally, red wines are best served slightly below room temperature (60-65°F), white wines are best served chilled (45-55°F), and sparkling wines are best served very cold (40-45°F).
What is “noble rot” (Botrytis cinerea)?
Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot, is a beneficial fungus that can develop on grapes under specific conditions. It concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, leading to rich, honeyed dessert wines like Sauternes.
What does “body” mean in the context of wine?
Body refers to the weight and texture of a wine in your mouth. Wines can be light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied. Factors like alcohol content, tannins, and acidity contribute to the wine’s body.
What are sulfites in wine? Are they harmful?
Sulfites are naturally occurring compounds produced during fermentation, and they are also often added as a preservative to prevent oxidation and spoilage. While some people are sensitive to sulfites, they are generally harmless to most individuals.
How do I begin to learn more about wine?
Start by exploring different grape varietals and regions. Attend wine tastings, read books and articles about wine, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Consider taking a wine education course to gain a more structured understanding. Most importantly, drink and enjoy the process!