With a global value estimated at between 340-420 billion USD and approximate annual growth of 5%, it's easy to see the appeal of wine from both sides. However factors that determine our buying decision are still largely within the parameters of normal purchasing practices. Anything from the label colour, price and buying what we know are some of the reasons why we continue to buy popular brands. But how many look at flavour profiles to determine their next purchase? It's certainly true that grape variety is used to drive sales. The meteoric rise of Pinot Grigio is testament to that. There are also those who know enough to understand Sauvignon Blanc is good with fish due to its gooseberry overtones. If we like a certain wine, we tend to want to stick to it, so having access to flavour data could support a wider appreciation of different wines.
Of course, flavour is subjective and depends on several factors:
Terroir: The specific growing conditions of the grapes
Winemaking techniques: How the wine is produced
Vintage: The year the grapes were harvested
Personal perception: Individual taste preferences
As a result, the flavour notes we assign to a grape variety are merely guidelines—typical descriptors that many tasters identify.
Try the interactive data chart below and explore favours and grape varieties...
Tannin and Acidity: The Cornerstones of Balance
A wine’s tannin provides structure, texture, and a certain astringency, while acidity contributes freshness and liveliness. Striking the right balance between these two elements is crucial for a harmonious, complex wine, whether you plan to age it or drink it soon. Even for wines intended for immediate enjoyment, a well-balanced interplay of tannin and acidity keeps the wine vibrant and approachable, preventing it from feeling overly astringent or flat.
Popular Red Wine Grape Varieties | Country | Tannin Level | Acidity Level |
Cabernet Sauvignon | France | High | Medium-High |
Syrah/Shiraz | France/Australia | High | Medium |
Aglianico | Italy | High | High |
Nebbiolo | Italy | High | High |
Gamay | France | Low | High |
Barbera | Italy | Low | High |
Pinot Noir | France | Low to Medium | High |
Grenache | Spain/France | Low to Medium | Medium-High |
Carménère | Chile | Medium | Medium |
Cabernet Franc | France | Medium | Medium |
Merlot | France | Medium | Medium |
Malbec | France/Argentina | Medium | Medium |
Montepulciano | Italy | Medium | Medium |
Nero d'Avola | Italy | Medium | Medium |
Sangiovese | Italy | Medium | High |
Pinotage | South Africa | Medium | Medium |
Tempranillo | Spain | Medium | Medium |
Chambourcin | USA | Medium | Medium |
Zinfandel | USA | Medium | Medium |
Exploring wines with similar profiles
If you’re keen to branch out but aren’t sure where to start, consider matching grape varieties
with comparable flavour characteristics. For instance:
If you like Spanish Tempranillo, you might also enjoy a South African Pinotage.
If you’re a fan of Gamay (e.g., Beaujolais), you might find Barbera (e.g., Barbera d’Alba from Italy) appealing.
Those who often choose Pinot Grigio could try a Spanish Albariño, as both feature floral, mineral, and citrus notes.
Similarly, a classic French Cabernet Sauvignon, rich in blackberry, plum, spice and cedar, shares its robust tannin and acidity profile with Italian Aglianico.
Experimenting with parallels like these can help you discover new favourites.
Below are a few more suggestions based on grape variety overlaps:
Primitivo → Try Grenache, Shiraz, or a US Zinfandel (essentially the same grape)
Sauvignon Blanc → Try Chenin Blanc
Merlot → Try Cabernet Franc or Grenache (both offer similar tannin and acidity)
Embracing these connections can broaden your wine repertoire and guide you toward bold, rewarding choices in previously unfamiliar grape varieties and countries - give it a try next time you're in the wine aisle (grape varieties are nearly always listed on the back of the wine).