Faculty of Grapes
Grape Varieties & Sensory Profiles
The grape variety is the bedrock of wine knowledge. It dictates natural acidity, tannin texture, viscosity, and the primary aromatic spectrum in the glass. Master the core varieties, and supermarket shelves will never feel like a lottery again.
Each card below features: sensory scales from 1 to 5, aromatic markers, and recommended gastronomy pairings. Begin with Course 1 (Red Wines) if you favor robust, structured wines with steaks, or Course 2 (White Wines) if you seek crystalline freshness and floral elegance.
🍷 Course 1: Red Wines (Structure & Tannins)
Pinot Noir
The capricious holy grail of Burgundy. Transparent ruby, silky tannins, red cherry, and earthy forest floor.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The King of Reds. Architectural tannins, blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco leaf, and supreme cellar longevity.
Merlot
The velvety soul of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Ripe black plum, cocoa, rounded texture, and accessible fruit.
Syrah / Shiraz
Monumental power and spice: dark blackberry, cracked black pepper, smoked meat, and savory depth.
Malbec
High-altitude Andean powerhouse: inky purple depth, dark plum, sweet violet perfume, and velvet tannins.
Tempranillo
Spain’s national benchmark: ripe red plum, leather, dill, and sweet coconut from American oak maturation.
Sangiovese
The noble spine of Tuscany: sour red cherry, dried oregano, terracotta minerality, and vibrant acidity.
Nebbiolo
Piedmont’s translucent monarch: pale garnet hue hiding towering tannins, brisk acidity, tar, and dried roses.
Grenache / Garnacha
Generous Mediterranean warmth: candied strawberry, white pepper, orange peel, and expansive plush body.
Zinfandel / Primitivo
Hedonistic Californian power: jammy blackberry, sweet cinnamon spice, black pepper, and rich warmth.
Пинотаж
Гордость и страсть Южной Африки: глубокий цвет, сочные черные ягоды, бархатные танины и фирменный дымно-кофейный шлейф.
Каберне Фран
Изящество, свежесть и аристократизм: лесная малина, фиалка, карандашный графит и звонкая кислотность Луары.
Карменер
Чилийский феникс из Бордо: темные лесные ягоды, черный шоколад, сладкая паприка и бархатистая текстура.
Мурведр (Матаро)
Дикая мощь и землистый характер: черные лесные ягоды, кожа, черный перец, плотные танины и ключевая роль в купажах GSM и Бандоле.
Турига Насьонал
Гордость Португалии: чернильная глубина, аромат горной фиалки, черная смородина, смолистые травы и монументальная структура.
Porto (Douro)
Monumental fortified Portuguese classic: dark plum, fig, dark chocolate, and infinite cellar longevity.
🥂 Course 2: White Wines (Freshness & Acidity)
Chardonnay
The chameleon of white wine: razor-sharp mineral Chablis to rich, toasted brioche and creamy hazelnut.
Sauvignon Blanc
Electric aromatics and vibrant acidity: gooseberry, passionfruit, lime zest, cut grass, and flint.
Riesling
The aristocrat of Germany: crystalline slate minerality, electric acidity, green apple, and white blossom.
Albariño
Ocean-sprayed coastal white from Galicia: brisk saline minerality, white peach, lemon, and apricot.
Gewürztraminer
Aromatic fireworks: exotic lychee, Turkish delight, rose petals, ginger, and opulent oily texture.
Pinot Grigio / Gris
Crisp green apple and citrus in northern Italy; honeyed, textured, and spice-laden in French Alsace.
Chenin Blanc
Loire chameleon: razor-sharp wool and quince when dry; ethereal baked apple and honey when sweet.
Viognier
Rhône valley luxury: intoxicating aromas of fresh apricot, white peach, jasmine, and honeysuckle.
Grüner Veltliner
Austria’s signature star: crisp green apple, radish, white pepper, and laser-focused citrus acidity.
Torrontés
Argentina’s aromatic native white: heady jasmine and rose petal perfume paired with a bone-dry finish.
Moscato / Muscat
Ancient aromatic grape: sweet orange blossom, Meyer lemon, and playful effervescence in Asti.
Sauternes & Noble Rot
Bordeaux’s liquid gold: Botrytis-affected Sémillon yielding candied apricot, honey, saffron, and beeswax.
Oloroso Sherry
Oxidized Andalusian wonder: roasted walnut, dried fig, antique wood, tobacco, and bone-dry warmth.
✨ Course 3: Sparkling & Rosé Wines
Glera (Prosecco)
Veneto’s celebratory sparkling grape: crisp green apple, white peach, honeydew, and refreshing bubbles.
Cava (Penedès)
Traditional-method Spanish sparkling: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada yielding smoky almond and brioche.
Provence Rosé
Pale salmon luxury: crunchy redcurrant, wild strawberry, watermelon, and mineral Mediterranean breeze.