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.

a bottle of Tarrango wine and a glass

Tarrango

Tarrango, an Australian grape variety, is known for its light-bodied, high-acid red wines with vibrant red fruit flavors, making it a refreshing choice for warm climates.
Notable Regions: Australia,
Tastes of: Red cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Tempranillo

Discover the allure of Tempranillo, a noble red grape famous for its versatility, bold flavors of red fruit, and hints of tobacco and leather. Explore its origins in Spain and Portugal, and why it’s cherished worldwide.
Notable Regions: Spain, Portugal,
Tastes of: Red fruit ( strawberry, cherry), Tobacco, Leather,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Torrontés

Discover Torrontés, a fragrant white grape variety known for its floral aromas, vibrant acidity, and refreshing character, originating from Argentina and gaining popularity globally.
Notable Regions: Argentina, Spain,
Tastes of: Floral, Citrus, Lemon, Stone fruit, Peach, Apricot,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Trebbiano Toscano / Ugni Blanc

Discover Trebbiano Toscano / Ugni Blanc, a versatile white grape known for its high acidity, light body, and refreshing citrus and herbal notes, widely used in Italian and French winemaking traditions.
Notable Regions: Italy (Tuscany), France (Cognac, Armagnac),
Tastes of: Citrus, Lemon, Grapefruit, Green apple, Herbal notes,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Verdejo

Discover Verdejo, a versatile Spanish white grape celebrated for its high acidity, crisp citrus flavors, and herbal aromatics, making it ideal for producing refreshing and vibrant wines.
Notable Regions: Spain, Portugal,
Tastes of: Citrus, Melon, Peach, Herbal notes,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Verdelho

Explore Verdelho, a versatile white grape known for its refreshing acidity, medium body, and vibrant tropical fruit flavors of lime, pineapple, and passion fruit, making it ideal for both dry and sweet styles of wine.
Notable Regions: Portugal, Australia,
Tastes of: Lime, Pineapple, Passion fruit,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Verdicchio

Explore Verdicchio, a versatile Italian white grape known for its crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and almond notes, ideal for producing wines ranging from dry to sweet.
Notable Regions: Italy (Marche),
Tastes of: Lemon, Lime, Fennel, Green apple, Almond,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Vidal Blanc

Discover Vidal Blanc, a versatile white grape known for its adaptability to cold climates, producing wines with crisp acidity, fruity flavors, and a range of sweetness levels.
Notable Regions: Canada,
Tastes of: Citrus, Stone fruit, Tropical fruit,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Viognier

Explore Viognier, a luscious white grape celebrated for its full body, aromatic floral notes, and flavors of peach and apricot. Discover why Viognier thrives in both Old World and New World wine regions, including Australia.
Notable Regions: France (Rhone Valley), Australia,
Tastes of: Peach, Apricot, Floral ( violet, orange blossom),
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Welschriesling

Discover the versatile Welschriesling, a white grape known for its high acidity, refreshing citrus and green apple flavors, and adaptability to various wine styles.
Notable Regions: Austria,
Tastes of: Green apple, Citrus ( lemon, lime), Apricot,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry, Sweet,

Xinomavro

Explore Xinomavro, Greece’s noble red grape known for its high acidity, robust tannins, and flavors of sour cherry and tomato, offering age-worthy wines with distinctive character.
Notable Regions: Greece,
Tastes of: Sour cherry, Tomato, Olive,
Style of Wine: Dry,

Zweigelt

Discover Zweigelt, Austria’s celebrated red grape variety, known for its vibrant fruit flavors, medium-bodied profile, and versatility in producing both youthful and age-worthy wines.
Notable Regions: Austria, Germany,
Tastes of: Cherry, Blackberry, Spice,
Style of Wine: Dry, Off dry,