A grape variety (or cultivar) is a distinct type of grapevine — Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo — each with its own flavours, structure, ripening behaviour and ideal climate. Variety is one of the largest influences on a wine's character. Wines may be single-varietal or blends, and the same variety expresses differently across regions, a balance of grape (nature) and place (terroir).
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Knowing varieties is the foundation of wine literacy: it lets you predict style and find wines you'll like. But the same grape varies enormously by region and producer, so variety is a starting point, not the whole story.
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