There are thousands of grape varietals used to produce wine around the world. Most wine drinkers would be hard-pressed to name more than ten.
The grape is the most significant factor in determining a wine’s flavor, character, and even longevity. Factors such as where the grape is grown, and winemaking techniques and talents are also important, but these are secondary to the grape variety.
Some of these grape varietals are ancient, while others are just decades old, or even years old. Some have developed as natural crosses between two varietals, while others have been created. In some cases, the child grapes are more popular than the parents.
Below, we present a Top Ten list of the world’s most popular (by volume) wine grape varieties, which we call Global Headliners. Next, we offer a list of 12 grapes we call Regional Classics. Often, what separates a Global Headliner from a Regional Classic is that the variety is a world-class grape recognized by wine lovers everywhere, but it is primarily grown in just one nation. In other cases, the variety is important but sits in the shadow of Global Headliners. For all 22 recognized varieties, we offer a detailed profile of each grape, including an infographic that visualizes its aromatic and flavor attributes.
Last, but certainly not least, we encourage you to browse our complete Grape Encyclopedia. It’s a tremendous resource for wine lovers everywhere.
Exploring Wine Grapes
The Global Headliner Wine Grapes (The world’s top 10)
1. Cabernet Sauvignon (France) — View Our Full Profile
2. Merlot (France) — View Our Full Profile
3. Tempranillo (Spain) — View Our Full Profile
4. Airén (Spain) — View Our Full Profile
5. Chardonnay (France) — View Our Full Profile
6. Syrah (France) — View Our Full Profile
7. Garnacha/Grenache Noir (Spain) — View Our Full Profile
8. Sauvignon Blanc (France) — View Our Full Profile
9. Pinot Noir (France) — View Our Full Profile
10. Trebbiano Toscano / Ugni Blanc (Italy) — View Our Full Profile
Regional Classic Wine Grapes
Regional Classics are grapes that are vital in their home regions while also enjoying international acclaim and prominence. While not in the world’s top ten, these grapes are known by every serious wine lover. Included in this tier are Sangiovese, Italy’s most planted varietal, Malbec, and Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre).
1. Sangiovese (Italy) — View Our Full Profile
2. Riesling (Germany) — View Our Full Profile
3. Nebbiolo (Italy) — View Our Full Profile
4. Cabernet Franc (France) — View Our Full Profile
5. Malbec (France) — View Our Full Profile
6. Chenin Blanc (France) — View Our Full Profile
7. Pinot Gris (France) — View Our Full Profile
8. Muscat (Greece) — View Our Full Profile
9. Gewürztraminer (Italy) — View Our Full Profile
10. Barbera (Italy) — View Our Full Profile
11. Viognier (France) — View Our Full Profile
12. Agiorgitiko (Greece) — View Our Full Profile
All Grapes — Headliners, Regional Classics, and Hidden Gems
See the BevX complete Grape Encyclopedia, fully searchable.
Do you want to better understand wine grapes? May we suggest Be A Beverage Expert (BABE), a guide to understanding wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails.