Grape Varieties
Understand the personalities of the vines. Each variety has specific needs for heat, soil, and water to reach its perfect expression.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The King of Grapes. Thick-skinned, late-ripening, and capable of producing wines with massive structure and ageability.
Ideal Climate
Warm regions. Needs heat to ripen fully thanks to late ripening cycle.
Soil Preference
Gravel (like Bordeaux Left Bank). Excellent drainage is key.
In The Glass
Blackcurrant, Cassis, Cedar, Graphite, Green Bell Pepper (if unripe).
Main Challenge
Cool climates (stays herbaceous), Spring Frost.
Pinot Noir
The Heartbreak Grape. Notoriously difficult to grow but produces the most elegant and perfumed wines in the world.
Ideal Climate
Cool to Moderate. Loses elegance in hot climates.
Soil Preference
Limestone and Clay (like Burgundy).
In The Glass
Cherry, Raspberry, Mushroom, Forest Floor, Violets.
Main Challenge
Extreme heat (jammyness), Rot, Mildew.
Chardonnay
The Winemaker’s Canvas. A neutral grape that perfectly reflects its terroir and winemaking techniques (oak vs steel).
Ideal Climate
Adaptable. Best in Cool (Chablis) to Moderate climates.
Soil Preference
Limestone, Chalk.
In The Glass
Green Apple, Citrus, Butter (if oaked), Vanilla, Toast.
Main Challenge
Spring Frost (early budding).
Riesling
The Liquid Gold. High acidity and intense aromatics allow it to age for decades. Ranges from bone dry to intensely sweet.
Ideal Climate
Cool climates (Germany, Alsace).
Soil Preference
Slate (Mosel), Granite.
In The Glass
Lime, Green Apple, Beeswax, Petrol (aged), Honey.
Main Challenge
New oak (masks the fruit).
Syrah / Shiraz
Bold and Spicy. Known as Syrah in France (elegant, peppery) and Shiraz in Australia (bold, fruity).
Ideal Climate
Moderate to Warm.
Soil Preference
Granite (Rhone), Iron-rich Clay.
In The Glass
Blackberry, Black Pepper, Olive, Smoke, Meat.
Main Challenge
Too much shade (needs sun).
Merlot
Velvet in a Glass. Luscious, approachable, and often blended with Cabernet to add flesh to the bones.
Ideal Climate
Moderate to Warm. Ripens earlier than Cabernet.
Soil Preference
Clay (holds water well, cool soils).
In The Glass
Plum, Black Cherry, Chocolate, Dried Herbs.
Main Challenge
Drought (needs some moisture).