WSET Level 1 Grape Varieties Cheat Sheet
Compare the eight principal white and black grape varieties by sweetness, acidity, tannin, body, flavour profile, and common use of oak.
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Eight principal grape varieties at a glance
| Grape | Sweetness | Acidity | Tannin | Body | Typical flavours | Oak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Dry | High to Med | N/A | Light to Full | Apple, Citrus, Tropical | Often |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Dry | High | N/A | Light to Med | Green fruit, Grass, Passion fruit | Rarely |
| Pinot Grigio | Dry | High | N/A | Light | Pear, Lemon | Rarely |
| Riesling | Dry to Sweet | High | N/A | Light to Full | Floral, Lime, Apricot | Rarely |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Dry | High | High | Full | Blackcurrant, Cedar | Often |
| Merlot | Dry | Medium | Medium | Medium to Full | Plum, Blackberry | Often |
| Pinot Noir | Dry | High | Low to Med | Light to Med | Cherry, Strawberry | Sometimes |
| Syrah / Shiraz | Dry | Med to High | Med to High | Med to Full | Black fruit, Pepper | Often |