Grape guide
Grape varieties and their aromas
What does a Cabernet smell like? Why does Nebbiolo grip your gums? Each guide describes the typical aromas on the nose and the palate, the structure, and the grapes it is most often confused with in blind tastings.
Red grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, blackberry
Merlot
plum, black cherry, raspberry
Pinot Noir
red cherry, strawberry, raspberry
Syrah / Shiraz
blackberry, blueberry, black plum
Sangiovese
sour cherry, red plum, tomato leaf
Tempranillo
red cherry, plum, strawberry
Nebbiolo
rose, violet, red cherry
Grenache / Garnacha
strawberry, raspberry, red cherry
Malbec
blackberry, black plum, black cherry
Carmenère
red and black plum, blackberry, green bell pepper
Zinfandel / Primitivo
blackberry jam, raspberry, black cherry
White grapes
Chardonnay
green apple, lemon (cool climate), peach, melon (moderate), pineapple, mango (warm)
Sauvignon Blanc
gooseberry, grapefruit, lime
Riesling
lime, lemon, green apple
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
lemon, green apple, pear
Chenin Blanc
green apple, quince, pear
Gewürztraminer
lychee, rose petal, Turkish delight
Aromas at a glance
| Grape | Typical nose | Acidity | Tannin | Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, blackberry, green bell pepper (cooler climates) | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Merlot | plum, black cherry, raspberry, blackberry | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Pinot Noir | red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry | 4/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Syrah / Shiraz | blackberry, blueberry, black plum, black pepper | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Sangiovese | sour cherry, red plum, tomato leaf, dried herbs (oregano, thyme) | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tempranillo | red cherry, plum, strawberry, tomato | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Nebbiolo | rose, violet, red cherry, raspberry | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Grenache / Garnacha | strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, candied fruit | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Malbec | blackberry, black plum, black cherry, violet | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Carmenère | red and black plum, blackberry, green bell pepper, paprika | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Zinfandel / Primitivo | blackberry jam, raspberry, black cherry, raisin | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Chardonnay | green apple, lemon (cool climate), peach, melon (moderate), pineapple, mango (warm), wet stone | 3/5 | – | 4/5 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | gooseberry, grapefruit, lime, passion fruit | 5/5 | – | 2/5 |
| Riesling | lime, lemon, green apple, peach | 5/5 | – | 2/5 |
| Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris | lemon, green apple, pear, white peach | 3/5 | – | 3/5 |
| Chenin Blanc | green apple, quince, pear, lemon | 5/5 | – | 3/5 |
| Gewürztraminer | lychee, rose petal, Turkish delight, ginger | 1/5 | – | 4/5 |
Put it into practice
Our Wine Tasting Sheet guides you through appearance, nose, palate, quality and readiness — with hints in brackets so you always find the right word. Fill it in on screen or print it.