Grape Varieties and Growing Regions

Grapes selection for flavour and agronomic purposes has occurred throughout wine making history. Some currently popular grape varieties and their characteristics for red and white wines are listed. The relevance of agronomic conditions (grape cultivar, climate, soil) and ripeness are discussed. France, Italy and Spain are the largest wine producers, but some new world countries score wine making success based on scientific research and they influence viticultural practice and winemaking world wide. Tables showing region, best known wine types and main grape varieties used are presented. Typical quality control systems and wine classification are outlined, regulating grape production and wine making in different regions.