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.

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,
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,