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.

Durif / Petit Sirah

Durif, also known as Petite Sirah, is a bold and robust red wine grape variety known for its deep color and intense flavors, thriving in both cool and warm climates.
Notable Regions: USA California, Australia,
Tastes of: Blackberries, Blueberries, Plums, Black pepper, Leather, Chocolate,
Style of Wine: Dry,
a bottle of Tokaji sweet wine

Furmint

Furmint is a versatile Hungarian grape known for its high acidity and complex flavors, producing outstanding dry and sweet wines with excellent aging potential.
Notable Regions: Hungary,
Tastes of: Green apple, Pear, Quince, Citrus fruits, Apricot, Marmalade, Honey,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Gamay

Gamay, a favorite grape for many, is known for its bright red fruit flavors, refreshing acidity, and versatility, particularly thriving in the Beaujolais region.
Notable Regions: France, Bourgogne, Australia, New Zealand, USA,
Tastes of: Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Violet, Banana, Bubblegum,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Garganega

Garganega, the primary grape in Soave wines, is celebrated for its bright acidity, floral aromas, and versatility, thriving in Italy’s Veneto region and beyond.
Notable Regions: Italy Piemonte,
Tastes of: Chamomile, White peach, Almond, Honey, Citrus, Mineral,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,
bottle of Alsace Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest

Gewürztraminer

Gewurztraminer, a highly aromatic grape variety, is celebrated for its exotic flavors and versatility, thriving in Alsace and other regions worldwide.
Notable Regions: Germany, France Alsace, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Lychee, Rose petals, Ginger, Cinnamon, Tropical fruit, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Glera

Glera, synonymous with Prosecco, offers a spectrum of styles from dry to sweet, captivating wine enthusiasts with its refreshing profile.
Notable Regions: Italy Piemonte, Australia,
Tastes of:
Style of Wine: Dry, Sparkling,

Grenache / Granacha

Grenache, known for its versatility and rich fruit flavors, thrives in warm climates and is a key component in many of the world’s beloved wines.
Notable Regions: France Southern Rhône, Spain, Australia,
Tastes of: Strawberry, Raspberry, Cherry, White pepper, Herbs, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc, celebrated for its versatility, crafts wines ranging from dry to sweet, offering a spectrum of flavors to delight every palate.
Notable Regions: France - Southern Rhône,
Tastes of: Lemon, Citrus, Stone fruits,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Grolleau

Discover Grolleau, a versatile grape known for its fruity aromas, light body, and suitability for rosé wines.
Notable Regions: France Loire,
Tastes of: Red berries, Raspberry, Strawberry, Floral,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Hárslevelű

Discover the aromatic Hárslevelű grape, famous for its floral aromas, peachy flavors, and its role in Tokaji Aszú wines.
Notable Regions: Hungary,
Tastes of: Orange blossom, Acacia, Peach, Honey,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Malbec

Explore the bold and vibrant Malbec grape, renowned for its dark fruit flavors and plush texture.
Notable Regions: France South West, Argentina,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Plum, Violet,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,

Marsanne

Discover Marsanne, a rich and aromatic white grape variety known for its flavors of apricot, pear, and almond.
Notable Regions: France Northern Rhône,
Tastes of: Apricot, Peach, Honeysuckle,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,

Melon Blanc / Muscadet

Discover Melon Blanc, renowned for its crisp acidity and refreshing citrus flavors, perfect for wine enthusiasts.
Notable Regions: France Loire,
Tastes of: Citrus, Green apple, Floral notes,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Merlot

Discover the smooth texture and versatile character of Merlot wines from Bordeaux to California.
Notable Regions: France Bordeaux, Australia, Chile, USA, Italy,
Tastes of: Plum, Cherry, Cocoa,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Montepulciano

Montepulciano grape variety article covering taste, regions, and aging potential.
Notable Regions: Italy,
Tastes of: Black cherry, Plum, Black pepper,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Mourvèdre

Explore the bold flavors and aging potential of Mourvèdre wines from key regions like Provence, Bandol, Jumilla, and McLaren Vale.
Notable Regions: France - South, Spain, Australia,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Plum, Leather,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Müller-Thurgau

Discover Müller-Thurgau, a refreshing white grape known for its floral aromas and fruity flavors of apple and citrus.
Notable Regions: Germany, Austria,
Tastes of: Elderflower, Apple, Citrus,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Muscadelle

Muscadelle, a versatile white grape variety, contributes aromatic complexity to wines, offering floral and fruity aromas with refreshing acidity and delicate sweetness.
Notable Regions: France Bordeaux, Australia Victoria,
Tastes of: Citrus, Peach, Orange blossom,
Style of Wine: Sweet, Dry, Off dry,

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Discover the aromatic Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, renowned for its floral and citrus aromas and versatility in winemaking.
Notable Regions: Hungary, Australia, France Southern,
Tastes of: Apricot, Peach, Orange blossom,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,

Muscat of Alexandria

Discover the ancient Muscat of Alexandria grape, renowned for its aromatic richness and versatility in winemaking.
Notable Regions: Spain, Greece, Australia,
Tastes of: Apricot, Peach, Orange blossom,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Nebbiolo

Discover the noble Nebbiolo grape, known for its bold tannins and complex flavors, revered in Italy’s Piedmont region and beyond.
Notable Regions: Italy, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Tar, Roses, Cherry,
Style of Wine: Dry,