Wine produced from a specific type of grape is referred to as varietal wine. A multitude of different grapes exist around the world. Every one in theory is capable of making wine, but some are more prized for the wine they produce and have become the common grapes used in many wine producing regions around the world. The principal wine grape species is known as Vitis vinifera.

Cabernet Franc is the main role playing varietal of Bordeaux and shares qualities similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. This black grape is commonly a key part of the blend in both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietal wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape most commonly associated with the classic red wines of Bordeaux. This varietal is an old world cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is a thick skinned grape that ripens late in the harvest season and is usually one of the last varietals picked.

Genetic profiling has revealed this heartily structured grape originally developed in northeastern Spain. Until recently, Carignane was the most widely planted grape in France, with large acreage devoted to the grape in the Languedoc region. However, Merlot took over the top spot during the last part of the 20th century when nearly half the Carignane vines were replanted to other varietals.

Less than 80 acres of this late ripening grape are still cultivated in California. Genetic mapping at UC Davis reveals Charbono to be identical to Corbeau found in the French alps bordering Switzerland. The varietal is one of the last to ripen during the growing season and usually creates inky-purple, spice-driven wines. Just over half of the remaining acreage is planted in Calistoga, where warmer daytime highs help the grape reach full maturity.

Chardonnay is the white grape of Burgundy. It holds the distinction of being the world’s most popular white wine. Recent research shows it originated as a cross between the grape Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay is a very versatile grape that can make a range of wine styles since its character is quite neutral.

One of the oldest cultivated varietals on the planet, the origins of Chasselas remain unknown. Like many varietals, the grape goes by a number of names depending on the region and country in which it is grown. In Switzerland, where often known as Fendant, it remains the county’s most planted and revered varietal. Swiss producers focus on dry wines that are fairly low in acidity. Plantings also exist in Italy, Germany, France as well as across Central and Eastern Europe, North Africa, Chile and New Zealand.

A wine fortified with distilled alcohol. Fermented wines generally produce alcohol levels somewhere between 9% and 16%. Most yeast strains can't handle levels higher than this and die off. When producing fortified wines, brandy or other wine spirits are added to bring the alcohol levels between 17% and 22%. The higher alcohol content preserves the wine and prevents microbial spoilage.