Thousands of grape varietals exist all over the world, some we may never even know about. Every region around the globe has varietals they are known for, generally in relation to the terroir and climate surrounding the area.
As of recent date, USA Wine Ratings lists the following five varietals as the most popular in the United States by sale:
Cabernet Sauvignon: the queen of all red wines. This beautifully bold child of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc is easily the most sold red wine around the globe. Its hardy vines and resistance to disease makes it incredibly easy to grow, and therefore has been a winner for centuries.
Chardonnay: the wine for all occasions. Chardonnay comes in two forms- oaked and steel-aged- so there is an application for every wine drinker. It’s a go-to pick for most of America, as well as many parts of the world.
Pinot Gris: also known as Pinot Grigio. The only difference is in the origin of the name, one is French and one is Italian. It contains flavors of lime, green apple, lemon, and nectarine making it an easy pair to almost everything.
Pinot Noir: the world’s most publicized wine. That may be exaggerated but Pinot Noir is featured in so many songs, movies, and television shows when you see people on dates or in a romantic setting.
Sauvignon Blanc: the most popular Bordeaux white. Sauvignon Blanc was born in the Bordeaux region, which many people forget, but this highly acidic vino is one of the most popular whites in the entire world.
You’ll notice many of the grapes on this list are considered noble grapes, otherwise known as the father grapes of all of viticulture. These varietals have been around for a very long time and are easy to grow in many climates, which is a leading factor in their incredibly long-standing popularity.
Logically, it makes sense, right? If a grape has been around for a long time and thousands of cultures around the world are familiar with it, it’s going to continue to be amongst the most popular. Because these are grown throughout the globe, different regional versions of each varietal can have their own personalities so make sure to try new ones every time!
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