The main French grape varieties are the different varieties of grapes grown in France to make wine. The grape variety greatly influences the wine and its character. So the main French grape varieties vary depending on the region and the type of wine wanted. Moreover, each grape variety has its own characteristics, whether in aromatic terms or in type of production. With this article, we invite you to discover the main French grape varieties and their characteristics.
The definition of a grape variety
A grape variety is the variety of the vine. So the grape variety is a more precise definition of the fruit within a species. There are two ways to recognise a grape variety. The first concerns the aromatic characteristics of the fruit. The second way to recognise a grape variety relates to the performance and growth factors of the vine. The grape variety used to make red wine is called a black grape variety. Finally, a white grape variety is the variety used to make white wine.
The main grape varieties grown in France
In France, there are more than 200 grape varieties authorised for production to make wine. However, 9 grape varieties account for more than 65% of the cultivated area. So the main grape varieties grown in France for red wine are: Merlot, Grenache noir, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot noir. For white wine, the main grape varieties grown in France are Ugni blanc, Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay.
The main black grape varieties in France
The main black grape varieties are the main French grape varieties used to make red wine.
Merlot
First, Merlot is the main grape variety in France for making red wine. This grape variety is extremely present in Bordeaux, where it accounts for nearly two thirds of the cultivated area (in particular in Pomerol and Fronsac). It is characterised by a medium-sized cluster and medium-sized berries too. Its blue-black grape, with thick skin, makes it possible to obtain structured wines. When Merlot can express itself, it gives exceptional wines for keeping.
Grenache noir
Grenache noir is characterised by a medium cluster and medium-sized berries. Originally from Spain, Grenache noir is found first in the Languedoc, in France. Today it is also found in the Rhône valley. This grape variety makes it possible to produce particularly fleshy wines, with a lot of body. Grenache noir is the main grape variety in Châteauneuf du Pape.
Carignan
Carignan originates from Spain. Its importation into France was the result of pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela. Today, this grape variety is found in Provence, in the Rhône valley and in the Roussillon. This grape variety shows a relatively limited tannin expression and demonstrates interesting keeping abilities.
Cabernet Sauvignon
With a small cluster and a small berry, Cabernet Sauvignon, of Bordeaux origin, is one of the most widespread grape varieties in France. In Bordeaux, this grape variety accounts for about a quarter of the cultivated vineyard. Gravel soils are perfect for the growth of this slightly temperamental grape variety. This grape variety makes it possible to produce structured red wines. Although tannic, these wines keep a particularly pleasant aromatic bouquet. Finally, Cabernet Sauvignon is present in the Loire, the Languedoc and Provence.
Pinot noir
Pinot noir is recognised by a small cluster size and a small berry size. This grape variety originates from Burgundy. Wines made with pinot noir are generally low in tannins, making it possible to obtain roundness and fruit on the palate. With a generally low alcohol content, pinot noir can produce particularly exceptional wines for keeping. Finally, it should be noted that Pinot noir accounts for nearly 40% of the grape varieties used in Champagne. It is also found in the Jura, the Moselle and the Bugey. !Wine - vine - main French grape varieties
The main white grape varieties in France
The main white grape varieties are the main French grape varieties used to make white wine.
Ugni blanc
Ugni blanc is the main French grape variety used to make white wine. Originally from Italy, this grape variety has a large cluster and small to medium fruit. Very present in Bordeaux, this grape variety is almost absent in the Rhône valley. The yield of this grape variety is very high. However, being late-ripening, it has to be used in blends to bring freshness.
Sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a grape variety originally from the South-West, which then spread across France. To recognise Sauvignon blanc, you just have to observe the small cluster size and the small fruit size. Sauvignon blanc accounts for a third of the white grape varieties present in Bordeaux. It is mainly used in making dry white wines. With rather low yields, this grape variety requires a lot of expertise to be grown at a high level. However, the wines it makes it possible to produce can be incredible and suited to ageing.
Chardonnay
First, Chardonnay is one of the main French grape varieties used to make white wine. Chardonnay comes from Burgundy and is characterised by a small cluster and small fruit. It is one of the best-known grape varieties in the world, thanks to its adaptability and the wines it makes it possible to produce.
The other grape varieties in France
Besides these main French grape varieties, there are many other grape varieties in France and around the world. The list is long, but we could mention, for red wines, Cinsault, Malbec, Gamay, Mourvèdre, or Tannat. On the white side, there are also other grape varieties such as Viognier, Aligoté, Chasselas, Chenin, or Semillon. So, having mentioned the main French grape varieties, we will not fail to go into the detail of each of these grape varieties. Finally, Viognier is the favourite grape variety of one of the podcast’s guests, do you have any idea who? A clue: they are not brothers but have opened a wine bar in Lille.
