New World Grape Varieties and Wine Regions

Can wine be made from any type of grape?

The short answer is yes, wine can be made from virtually any type of grape. Alcohol can even be made from other sugar-containing fruits by fermentation. However, not all grapes are equally suitable for producing quality wines.

Grapes ideal for winemaking are characterised by small fruit, thick skin, few pips and little juice compared to table grapes. These qualities allow for greater extraction of colour, flavour and tannins during maceration. In addition, wine grape varieties tend to have a more intense aroma and less sweetness.

Red and white wine grape varieties

There are more than 1,300 grape varieties grown for winemaking in the world. The most commonly used for red wines are:

- Cabernet Sauvignon: A noble grape originating from Bordeaux, with intense black berry flavours and firm tannins.

- Merlot: Soft and fruity variety, very popular in Bordeaux and Ribera del Duero.

- Tempranillo: Spain's flagship grape, it produces wines with notes of red fruit and spices.

- Syrah: Grape with blackberry and black pepper aromas, originally from the Rhone.

For white wines, the following stand out:

- Chardonnay: Versatile variety that produces wines with citrus and floral notes.

- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its herbaceous and citrus aromas, it is excellent in Marlborough.

- Riesling: German grape that produces fresh, fruity wines with good balance.

New World Wines

New World wine regions such as California, Chile, Argentina and Australia have succeeded in producing world-class wines in recent decades. This is partly due to the freedom producers have to experiment with different grape varieties.

Australia

Australia has revolutionised the wine world with its bold and innovative style. Its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling have won numerous awards. Regions such as the Barossa Valley and Margaret River produce some of the best reds on the planet.

Argentina

Argentina is known for its Malbec, a variety originating in France that produces concentrated wines with notes of plum and vanilla. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay also stand out.

California

The United States is the world's fourth largest wine producer. California stands out for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Regions such as Napa and Sonoma have gained international fame for the quality of their red wines.

Chile

This South American country produces wines with great value for money. Its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère are highly appreciated. The influence of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes gives Chilean wines a distinctive freshness and acidity.

Conclusion

Although wine can be made from almost any type of grape, varieties grown specifically for winemaking produce the best results. New World wines have shown that innovation and experimentation with different grape varieties can produce excellent wines, challenging the notion that only traditional European grapes can produce quality wines. So next time you enjoy a glass of your favourite red, remember that there are centuries of winemaking tradition behind it, but also a lot of creativity and ingenuity.