Grape library
The grapes worth knowing by heart
These 31 varieties carry most of the wine world, and most of the Level 2 exam. Each guide covers how the grape tastes, how it is built (acidity, tannin, body) and the regions where it does its best work. Learn the pairs, pass the exam, order better wine forever.
Black grapes
Pinot Noir
strawberry · raspberry · red cherry
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Zinfandel / Primitivo
strawberry · raspberry · plum
Cabernet Sauvignon
green bell pepper · mint · blackcurrant
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Merlot
green bell pepper · strawberry · red plum
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Syrah / Shiraz
black cherry · blackberry · herbal
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Gamay
raspberry · red cherry · red plum
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Grenache / Garnacha
strawberry · red plum · red cherry
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Tempranillo
strawberry · raspberry · red cherry
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Carmenère
green bell pepper · eucalyptus · blackberry
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Malbec
blackberry · black plum
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Pinotage
strawberry · raspberry · red cherry
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Nebbiolo
red cherry · red plum · rose
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Barbera
red cherry · red plum · black pepper
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Corvina
red cherry · red plum
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Sangiovese
red cherry · red plum · dried herbs
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Montepulciano
black plum · black cherry
White grapes
Riesling
apple · pear · lemon
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Chenin Blanc
apple · lemon · peach
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Sémillon / Semillon
apple · lemon · grass
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Furmint
green apple · lime · pear
Chardonnay
apple · pear · lemon
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Sauvignon Blanc
grass · green bell pepper · asparagus
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Pinot Grigio
green apple · lemon
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Pinot Gris
lemon · peach · mango
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Gewürztraminer
rose · peach · apricot
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Viognier
blossom · peach · apricot
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Albariño
lemon · grapefruit · peach
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Cortese
blossom · apple · pear
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Garganega
apple · pear · lemon
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Verdicchio
apple · pear · lemon
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Fiano
peach · melon · mango
Can you match them to their regions?
Grape-to-region pairs are the highest-scoring memorisation in the whole Level 2 syllabus. Test yourself with the free practice quiz.
Duo Vino is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by WSET®. WSET® and the Systematic Approach to Tasting® are registered trademarks of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust; the name is used here only to describe what this independent study aid helps you prepare for.