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When you're standing in the wine aisle, scanning label after label, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir - what do they all mean?
At Nepenthe, we believe wine should feel less like a puzzle and more like a pleasure. Understanding wine varietals - the types of wine made from a single dominant grape is one of the easiest ways to navigate the world of wine and find what suits your palate, budget, and occasion.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of wine varietals, not just the grapes they're made from, but how they taste, feel, and elevate life’s many moments.
A wine varietal refers to a wine made primarily from a single named grape variety and typically labelled as such. Think Shiraz, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio. But when we talk about varietals, we’re not just talking about the grapes on the vine; we’re talking about the final product in your glass: how it smells, tastes, ages, and most importantly, makes you feel.
While the grape variety itself matters, the region, winemaking style, and climate also shape the final result, meaning a Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills can taste very different from one grown in Marlborough or the Loire Valley
There are thousands of wine grape varieties around the world, but in terms of wine varietals you'll commonly see on shelves, the number is more manageable. The global wine market mostly revolves around about 50–70 main varietals, with a handful of classics, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, dominating commercial popularity.
At Nepenthe, we focus on producing expressive, high-quality varietals that reflect the unique character of our home in the Adelaide Hills - one of Australia's most exciting cool-climate wine regions.
Wine can be broadly divided into four primary types , based on color and style:
1.Red Wines – eg, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
2 .White Wines – eg, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris
3. Rosé Wine – often made from red varietals
4. Sparkling Wine – including Champagne-style wines and prosecco
Some wine enthusiasts also consider these additional types:
5. Dessert Wine – often sweet, served with or instead of dessert
6. Fortified Wine – like Port or Sherry, with added spirits
But within each type, it's the variation that gives the wine its distinctive identity.
Australia has carved out a global reputation for varietals like:
•Shiraz – bold and synonymous with Australian wine
• Chardonnay – ranging from buttery to crisp and citrusy
• Sauvignon Blanc – zippy and aromatic, especially from cool climates like the Adelaide Hills
• Cabernet Sauvignon – structured, elegant, age-worthy
• Pinot Noir – delicate, light-bodied, but incredibly expressive
Among these, Shiraz remains the most planted and best-known varietal globally when it comes to Australian wine. But varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are quickly gaining fans, especially as tastes shift toward more food-friendly, fresh styles.
Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine regions, and varietals from this region offer freshness, elegance, and aromatic intensity. The elevation and climate allow for slower ripening, which enhances flavour development and acid balance.
Key Adelaide Hills varietals include:
• Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, herbaceous, citrus-driven
• Pinot Noir – light-bodied but full of red fruit complexity • Chardonnay – pure, minerally, with subtle oak
• Shiraz – cooler-climate expression, with peppery spice and restraint
• Pinot Gris – growing in popularity for their food versatility and aromatic charm
At Nepenthe, we proudly bottle these varietals with minimal intervention, letting the vineyard speak for itself.
Price often reflects more than just the grape. Certain varietals tend to be more expensive due to:
• Low yields – e.g., Pinot Noir can be fussy and hard to grow
• Oak ageing – adds complexity but also cost
• Region prestige – varietals from renowned regions fetch more
• Winemaking technique – hand-harvesting, wild fermentation, small batch processing all add to the final cost
That said, there are plenty of varietals that offer tremendous flavour and value even at affordable price points. At Nepenthe, we aim to deliver premium quality without the pretension.
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