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Popular varietal wines & grape varieties

Discover common wine varietals and what to expect from each type of wine. 

Discover the popular grape varieties and the delicious varietal wines they produce in New Zealand and around the world. Each guide tells you everything you need to know.

We produce some wonderful wines in New Zealand. Most of them are produced from a single variety of grape. 

These varietal wines can have a wide range of characteristics, flavours and aromas depending on the region, soil types and climate where the grape was planted. 

Use our guides below to learn a bit more about the main grape varieties and the varietal wines they produce.

Popular wine varietals

Rosé

In the last few years we have seen a huge increase in the number and quality of Rosé.

Sparkling wine

Sparkling wines are made throughout the world and the most famous are from the region in France known as Champagne.

Low alcohol wines

Good news for consumers looking for low alcoholic drinks - there's much more to choose from these days.

Emerging grape varietals

Winegrowers are keen to experiment and try new products. With wine that often means introducing new grape varieties which have been successful overseas.

White wine varietals

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a dry, light bodied, fresh white wine with a zesty fresh herb character. This delicious wine really put New Zealand wines on the map remaining a firm favourite to this day.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, the white grape of Burgundy, is the most planted white grape in the world. With its oaked and unoaked varieties there really is something for everybody.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is an aromatic wine that fits for all occasions. Typical aromas and flavours of New Zealand Pinot Gris are apples, pears, honeysuckle and spice.

Aromatic and sweet wines

Aromatic wines are white wines where the flavour and aromas of the wine is that of the grape and include Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

Red wine varietals

Pinot Noir

We’re very lucky in New Zealand to have such delicious Pinot Noir. Whether you’re an everyday drinker or fancy yourself a connoisseur, this incredibly versatile wine deserves its place in our hearts - a kiwi favourite for any occasion. So, pour yourself a glass and let’s dive in!

Single varietal reds and blends

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are classic components of Bordeaux wines, a style of wine that the French have been refining for 500 years. These two principle varieties have been transplanted all around the world.

Shiraz and Syrah

A very old grape variety whose origins date back to Persia (now part of Iran) and is believed to have been in existence for at least 14,000 years.

Common questions about varietal wines

  • What is the difference between a grape variety and wine variety?

    A wine varietal is made using the fruit of a grape varietal, as in Chardonnay wine is made from Chardonnay grapes. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are examples of grape varieties.

    A grape variety is a specific species of grape within the genus of Vitis Viniferia which is the species of grape vines native to Europe and used to make wine. 

     

  • How many different varieties are there?

    There are around 10,000 different varieties of grapes.

    Potentially there are as many wine varietals as there are grape varietals, which is around 10,000, but in reality there are about 20 mainstream varietals.

  • What are the main grape varieties?
    In New Zealand they are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Gewurtztraminer, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

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