Grape varieties
There are said to be about 10,000 different grape varieties in the world. Learn about the most outstanding varieties for making wine and the wines they result in.
The Cannonau variety, renowned for its Sardinian origin, is essential for crafting exquisite red wines notable for their intense flavors and robust body. This grape imparts fruity and spicy notes, resulting in balanced and aromatic wines, perfect for those seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience.
The Cariñena grape variety, also known as Mazuelo, is primarily cultivated in Spain and the south of France. It is renowned for producing full-bodied red wines with high acidity and pronounced tannins, making it ideal for aging. Used in blends, its character imparts structure and depth, delivering flavors of ripe dark fruits and a hint of spices.
White Cariñena is an uncommon variety primarily cultivated in northeastern Spain. It is perfect for crafting white wines, notable for its ability to produce refreshing beverages with bright acidity and citrus notes. These wines are ideal for those seeking something different and surprising in their glass.
Carmenère is a red grape variety that thrives particularly well in Chile, where it finds ideal conditions for cultivation. Wines made from Carmenère are often notable reds characterized by their smoothness, with notes of dark fruits and spices. They are elegant and silky wines, perfect for savouring on any occasion.
Carricante is primarily cultivated on the slopes of Etna in Sicily. The white wines produced from this grape are renowned for their vibrant freshness and distinctive mineral profile, influenced by the volcanic soil. They usually possess a pleasant acidity and citrus notes, making them refreshing and elegant choices.
The Cartoixà Rojo variety, renowned for its uniqueness, is primarily cultivated in Catalonia. This type of grape forms the foundation of exceptional sparkling wines, where its distinctive fruity character and subtle acidity shine. This variety imparts freshness and a delicate floral aroma, transforming each glass into a refreshing and memorable experience.
The Castelão grape variety, predominantly cultivated in the sun-drenched regions of southern Portugal, gives rise to red wines brimming with character. These wines are distinguished by their freshness, with notes of red fruits and a hint of spices, providing a balanced and flavorful experience that pairs perfectly with a wide array of dishes.
The Catarratto variety, primarily cultivated in Sicily, is the soul of many Italian white wines. Known for its high acidity and freshness, this grape produces vibrant and citrusy wines, perfect for enjoyment in warm climates. Furthermore, its versatility allows the crafting of both dry and sweet wines, each reflecting the sun-drenched character of the Mediterranean.
Cencíbel, the Spanish name for the popular Tempranillo, is a grape that stands out in regions like La Mancha and Valdepeñas. Primarily used to craft red wines, it imparts flavors of red fruits with a hint of spice. Cencíbel wines are balanced and versatile, perfect for complementing a variety of dishes.
Chardonnay is a white grape originating from Burgundy, France, and is cultivated globally, from the United States to Australia. This variety is renowned for its versatility, producing both fresh, fruity white wines and complex, barrel-aged wines. Chardonnay wines often offer notes of apple, melon, and butter, adapting to various winemaking techniques that highlight its distinctive character.
The Chasselas variety is renowned for producing fresh, light white wines, particularly popular in Switzerland and France. These wines are distinguished by their smoothness and a subtle fruity hint, marked by floral notes. They are ideal as an aperitif or paired with light dishes, perfectly reflecting the terroir from which they originate.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape variety, renowned for its cultivation in the Loire Valley, France, and South Africa. This grape is primarily used to produce white wines celebrated for their freshness and vibrant acidity. Wines made from Chenin Blanc can range from dry and fruity to sweet and honeyed, always with a distinctive aromatic complexity that makes them unique.