Grape varieties Originally, grapevines were wild forest plants. Today, they are one of the world's most important cultivated plants. There are estimated to be around 10,000 different grape varieties in the world, of which only around 2,500 are authorised for winegrowing. These grape varieties have become established due to their special flavour and hardiness.
Among the white wine varieties, these include Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Muscat, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo and Zinfadel are common among red wine grapes worldwide. Some countries also have unique indigenous grape varieties. There are over 400 of the so-called autochthonous grape varieties in Portugal. The most important of these include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz/Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Arinto, Alvarinho and Verdelho. The only indigenous grape variety found in South Africa is Pinotage. You can find wines from many of these grape varieties in our range at Currywines.
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Portugal and South Africa are two outstanding wine-growing countries that each offer their own unique grape varieties and wine styles. In Portugal, wines are characterised by indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, which produces intense, powerful red wines, and Alvarinho, a fresh and lively white wine grape. South Africa, on the other hand, impresses with its famous Pinotage and versatile Chenin Blanc, which delights both as a fresh white wine and in complex, mature varieties. Both countries offer wines that reflect the terroir of their origin and delight wine lovers worldwide with their variety of flavours and styles.
