Grape varieties

There are over 100 varieties you need to know for WSET3 and you’ll discover more as you continue your journey.

WSET3 focus is on grape varieties commonly found in countries and key regions - so you’ll have to know a variety of Muscat, differences in Pinot Gris palate from several countries. Don’t worry - all the varietals you must know are in the syllabus.

Bottle of Taurasi DOCG wine

Aglianico

Italy’s enigmatic grape variety known for its bold character and complex flavors - some call it the Nebbiolo of the South. If you like Barolo you’ll probably like this.
Notable Regions: Italy South,
Tastes of: Forest floor, Mushroom, Plums, Cherries,
Style of Wine: Dry,
Albariño

Albariño / Alvarino

Spain’s charismatic grape variety that weaves tales of ocean breezes, lush orchards, and irresistible flavors.
Notable Regions: Spain, Portugal,
Tastes of: Saline, Apple, Pear, Grapefruit,
Style of Wine: Dry,
Assyrtiko wine bottle and glass

Assyrtiko

Discover the Assyrtiko grape, known for its high acidity and minerality, often grown in Greece’s volcanic soils.
Notable Regions: Greece, Australia,
Tastes of: Saline, Lemon, Stonefruit, Green apple, Minerality, Passion fruit,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Baga

Step into the world of Baga, a Portuguese grape variety renowned for its distinctive character and remarkable wines.
Notable Regions: Portugal,
Tastes of: Spice, Black plum, Black cherry,
Style of Wine: Dry, Sparkling,
Bottle of Barbera wine from Australia

Barbera

Immerse yourself in the world of Barbera, Italy’s beloved grape variety celebrated for its lively character and remarkable wines.
Notable Regions: Italy Piemonte,
Tastes of: Red cherry, Red plum, Pepper,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Blauer Portugieser

Take a journey into the captivating world of Blauer Portugieser.
Notable Regions: Germany - Pfalz, Germany - Rheinhessen, Austria,
Tastes of: Cherry, Strawberry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Blaufränkisch

Embark on a journey into the captivating world of Blaufränkisch, Austria’s celebrated grape variety known for its rich character and elegant wines.
Notable Regions: Austria,
Tastes of: Pepper, Sour cherry, Blackberry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Bourboulenc

Discover Bourboulenc, a grape variety that quietly weaves its magic in Mediterranean vineyards.
Notable Regions: France - Southern Rhône,
Tastes of: Green apple, Lemon,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Brachetto

Brachetto the other Italian sparkling - strawberry serenades, floral whispers and Italy’s sweet soul.
Notable Regions: Italy Piemonte, Australia,
Tastes of: Strawberry, Raspberry,
Style of Wine: Sweet, Off dry, Sparkling,

Cabernet Franc

Explore the timeless elegance of Cabernet Franc, a grape that lends its soul to some of the world’s most exquisite wines.
Notable Regions: France Loire, France Bordeaux,
Tastes of: Raspberry, Red cherry, Bell pepper, Spice, Violet,
Style of Wine: Dry,
Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Chile

Cabernet Sauvignon

Dive into the world of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety renowned for its bold character and age-worthy wines.
Notable Regions: France, Australia, USA, Italy, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile,
Tastes of: Black currant, Black cherry, Green pepper, Mint, Herbaecous,
Style of Wine: Dry,
a bottle of Carignan wine and a glass

Carignan / Cariñena

Carignan, a robust Mediterranean grape, crafts wines with rustic charm, showcasing red and black fruit aromas, firm tannins, and a structured finish.
Notable Regions: France South, Spain,
Tastes of: Raspberry, Cherry, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Carmenere

Explore Carmenere, Chile’s signature grape, celebrated for its lush tasting profile, warm climate affinity, and aging potential. Learn about common regions, unique viticultural traits, and esteemed producers.
Notable Regions: France, Chile,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Pepper, Spice, Herbaceous, Green pepper, Green bean,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, the versatile white marvel, offers a broad spectrum of flavors, thriving in diverse climates and producing wines suitable for immediate enjoyment or long-term aging.
Notable Regions: France, Bourgogne, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Chile,
Tastes of: Apple, Pear, Lemon, Peach, Melon, Banana, Pineapple,
Style of Wine: Dry, Sparkling,

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc, the versatile white wonder, offers a broad array of flavors, excelling in different climates and producing wines suitable for immediate enjoyment or long-term aging.
Notable Regions: South Africa, France,
Tastes of: Apple, Pear, Lemon, Peach, Melon, Banana, Pineapple,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet, Sparkling,

Cinsault

Cinsault, often used in blends, offers light and fruity wines, thriving in warm climates and ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notable Regions: France, South Africa,
Tastes of: Red fruit, Floral,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Clairette

Clairette, a subtle white beauty, offers a delicate, floral tasting profile, adaptable to different climates, and suitable for immediate enjoyment with the potential for subtle aging.
Notable Regions: France - Southern Rhône, South Africa,
Tastes of: Apricot, Lemon, Floral,
Style of Wine: Dry, Sparkling,

Cortese

Cortese, the embodiment of refreshing elegance, offers a crisp and zesty tasting profile, thriving in cool climates and ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notable Regions: Italy - Piedmont,
Tastes of: Apple, Pear, Lemon,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Corvina

Corvina, a distinguished grape with a legacy of elegance, produces wines spanning from dry to sweet, each showcasing its unique characteristics.
Notable Regions: Italy - Veneto,
Tastes of: Cherry, Plum, Dried fruit, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Dolcetto

Dolcetto, the hidden gem of Piedmont, offers a bright and fruity tasting profile, thriving in moderate warmth, and is perfect for easy, youthful enjoyment.
Notable Regions: Italy Piemonte,
Tastes of: Black plum, Red cherry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Dornfelder

Dornfelder, Germany’s modern marvel, offers a fruity and vibrant tasting profile, thriving in both cool and warm climates, and perfect for both youthful enjoyment and aging.
Notable Regions: Germany,
Tastes of: Blackberries, Cherries, Plums, Floral, Earthy, Spice, Dark chocolate,
Style of Wine: Dry,