All grapes are of the genus Vitis. Nearly all wine grapes for wine belong to grape species vinifera. According to Wine for Dummies, more than 10,000 varieties of grape exist in the species vinifera. Only a small number are used as popular wine grapes. You can learn identify grapes for wine in several ways, including becoming familiar with the various growing regions.
Instructions
Identifiers
1. Note the name. The easiest way to distinguish a wine grape is by its name. Popular wine varieties are named after the grape that was fermented to make it. Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Syrah are all examples of grape varietals that lend their name to the wine.
2. Taste the grape. The flavor of grapes grown for wine production develops during the fermentation process. Wine grapes are picked at peak acidity and sugar levels for the specific wine being made, not for immediate eating off the vine. Wine grapes are higher in tannins and generally have thicker skins than table grapes.
3. Look at the color of the grape. Wine grapes are divided into two color types: white and red. White grapes generally have green skin, though some, such as the pinot gris, are marked with blue and red color. Red grapes range from deep pink to nearly black.
4. Familiarize yourself with major wine grape growing regions. Grapes grown there are nearly always meant for wine production. Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California, Burgundy and Bordeaux in France, Mendoza in Argentina, New South Wales and Barossa Valley in Australia and Malpo Valley in Chile are all examples of major wine regions.
5. Learn descriptions of common wine grapes. You will be able to identify them much faster if you know what you're looking for:
Chardonnay
White grape. Grown worldwide, in a variety of soil. Fruity aromas. Fairly neutral flavor that depends on the whims of the winemaker
Reisling
Popular German grape, also grown successfully in Alsace (France), Austria and Clare Valley of Australia (cold growing regions). Light bodied, and refreshing. High acidity. Low/medium alcohol levels. Fruity.
Sauvignon Blanc
White Grape. High acidity. Grown in Bordeaux and Loire Valley France, also Northern Italy, South Africa, New Zealand and California. Flavor is often described as grassy or herbaceous.
Pinot Gris/Grigio
White grape but skin is darker than most of the classification. Low acidity. Neutral, soft aroma. Alsace (France) and Oregon are main growing regions, also Northeastern Italy and Germany.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grown globally, most noble in Bordeaux, California, Washington, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Australia and southern France. High in tannin. Because it's so widely grown, it varies in quality--the best are deep in flavor and body. Small in size, tough skin.
Merlot
Bordeaux, California, Long Island, Washington State, Chile, Northeastern Italy. Small, thin skin grapes. Low tannin. High alcohol.
Pinot Noir
Limited production. Burgandy, France is the classic home. Also grown in Oregon, California, New Zealand and parts of Australia. Medium tannin. Medium to high acidity. Soft, balanced flavor.
Syrah/Shiraz
Northern Rhone Valley in France. Australia, California, Italy and Spain other main growing regions. Dark and thick skin. High tannin. Big flavor.
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