There are thousands of types of grapes and each of them brings their own flavor and aroma to a particular wine.

However, there are only seven main type of grape varieties, that make 75% of the world’s wine production.

So basically, if you know these grapes, you know about 75% of the world’s wine that is in production today.

1: Chardonnay (shar-duh-NAY)
When you order some white wine at your local restaurant, you are getting Chardonnay wine – guaranteed. The grape itself is not a favorite of the wine critics, but it is a very versatile great for winemakers and home winemakers as well. The Chardonnay grape is often used to create very well-balanced and strong intense wines.

2: Sauvignon Blanc (SO-veen-YON Blon)
If you like your wine with a little bit ’spicy’ flavor to it and with a strong natural aroma, then you will gladly appreciate the Sauvignon Blanc grape family. The Sauvignon Blanc grape is highly acidic so almost all wine makers skip the ‘Oak Barrel’ fermentation process for this one.

3: Riesling (REECE-ling)
One of the most underated grape type, Riesling grapes help create one of the best white wines known to man. They can create dry and full flavored wines due to it’s versatile properties. Riesling wines can be aged for years and only get better as time goes by.

4: Cabernet Sauvignon (CAB-err-nay So-vee-NYON)
Also known as just ‘Cabernet’ is hands down the most popular red wine around. Another wine that you can age for years to come. The really top Cabernet Sauvignon wines are continuously sought after by hardcore wine collectors

5: Merlot (mare-LOW)
A very well constructed grape that is used to create another very popular red wine, the Merlot. Overall, one of the most drinkable red wines around.

6: Pinot Noir (PEE-no-NWAHR)
Wine made from Pinot Noir grapes are excellent with red meat dishes. A very hard wine to grow, we suggest that you should only drink the best type of Pinot Noir wines that hail from the Burgundy region in France, California or Martinborough region in New Zealand.

7: Syrah (see-RAH)
Most people when they want to drink red wine, they go for the Syrah or Shiraz as its also called. They Syrah grape is a very aromatic grape too. Wine made from the Syrah grape can be aged and also quite drinkable when it is young.