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.

Negroamaro

Explore the bold flavors and rich history of Negroamaro, a robust red grape variety from southern Italy.
Notable Regions: Italy, USA, Australia,
Tastes of: Plum, Blackberry, Black cherry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Nero d'Avola

Discover the bold and robust Nero d’Avola, celebrated for its deep flavors and versatility in winemaking.
Notable Regions: Italy Sicily, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Tar, Roses, Cherry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Palomino

Discover the versatile Palomino grape, known for its role in sherry production and its unique characteristics.
Notable Regions: Spain, South Africa,
Tastes of: Apple, Almond, Citrus,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Petit Manseng

Explore the unique characteristics of Petit Manseng, a versatile grape variety known for its vibrant acidity and rich, exotic flavors.
Notable Regions: France South West, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Apricot, Peach, Orange blossom,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Petit Verdot

Explore the unique characteristics of Petit Verdot, a bold and complex grape variety known for its deep color and rich flavors.
Notable Regions: France South West, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Black cherry, Plum, Violet, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Picpoul

Discover the crisp acidity and refreshing citrus flavors of Picpoul wines from Languedoc to California.
Notable Regions: France, Australia, USA,
Tastes of: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Saline,
Style of Wine: Dry, Sparkling,

Pinot Blanc

Discover the elegance of Pinot Blanc, celebrated for its crisp acidity, delicate fruit flavors, and versatile styles ranging from dry to off-dry. Explore its expressions in Alsace, Germany, and Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region.
Notable Regions: France (Alsace), Germany, Italy (Trentino-Alto Adige),
Tastes of: Apple, Pear, Citrus,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,

Pinot Gris

Explore the versatile profile of Pinot Gris, known for its crisp acidity, delicate fruit flavors, and adaptability to various styles from dry to off-dry. Discover its expressions in cool climate regions of Australia and New Zealand, alongside classic European appellations.
Notable Regions: France Alsace, Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia), Australia, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Pear, Apple, Stone fruit,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,

Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier, a versatile grape known for its role in Champagne production, offers wines with vibrant red fruit flavors, moderate acidity, and a smooth texture.
Notable Regions: France, Germany,
Tastes of: Red fruits, Strawberry, Raspberry, Floral notes,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Pinot Noir

Discover Pinot Noir, renowned for its elegant and complex wines, characterized by delicate red fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive expression of terroir.
Notable Regions: France Bourgogne, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Red cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Pinotage

Discover the unique Pinotage grape, South Africa’s signature variety, known for its bold flavors and robust character.
Notable Regions: South Africa,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Plum, Smoky,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Primitivo

Explore the rich and robust characteristics of the Primitivo grape, known for its bold flavors and versatility in winemaking.
Notable Regions: Italy South, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Plum, Pepper,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,
two bottles of Riesling wine and glasses

Riesling

Discover the diverse world of Riesling, celebrated for its aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and wide range of styles from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Explore its origins in Germany, its expressions in Alsace and Australia, and why it remains a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
Notable Regions: Germany, France Alsace, Australia,
Tastes of: Lime, Green apple, Peach,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Roussanne

Discover the aromatic and versatile Roussanne grape variety, known for its rich flavors and excellent aging potential.
Notable Regions: France, California,
Tastes of: Pear, Honey, Herbal tea,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Sagrantino

Discover the bold and complex Sagrantino grape variety, known for its high tannin content and rich flavors.
Notable Regions: Italy South, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Cherry, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Sangiovese

Discover Sangiovese, the backbone of Tuscan wines, celebrated for its bright acidity, cherry flavors, and versatility in producing both bold and elegant wines.
Notable Regions: Italy Tuscany, USA California,
Tastes of: Cherry, Strawberry, Tobacco,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Sauvignon Blanc

Explore the crisp and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, renowned for its zesty acidity and refreshing citrus flavors.
Notable Regions: France Loire, France Bordeaux, New Zealand,
Tastes of: Grapefruit, Gooseberry, Passionfruit,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Semillon

Discover Semillon, a versatile white grape known for its ability to produce a wide range of styles from crisp and zesty to rich and honeyed, influenced by its terroir and winemaking techniques.
Notable Regions: France Bordeaux, Australia,
Tastes of: Lemon, Honey, Fig,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Silvaner

Explore the elegant profile of Silvaner, known for its crisp acidity, subtle fruit flavors, and versatility in dry and off-dry styles. Discover its origins in Germany’s Franken and Rheinhessen, and its expressions in Austria’s Burgenland region.
Notable Regions: Germany, Austria,
Tastes of: Green apple, Pear, Herbal notes,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,

St Laurent

Explore the elegant St Laurent, a red grape with a distinctive profile of cherry and violet, known for its structured body and vibrant acidity.
Notable Regions: Austria,
Tastes of: Cherry, Blackberry, Violet,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Syrah / Shiraz

Discover the versatile Syrah / Shiraz, known for its bold flavors of blackberry and pepper, and its ability to produce rich and complex wines with medium to high tannins.
Notable Regions: France Rhône Valley, Australia Barossa Valley,
Tastes of: Blackberry, Blueberry, Pepper,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,