Guide to Wine Grape Varieties: Profiles & Pairings

Grape varieties have arrived

Wines differ depending on the variety, or type of grape used to make them. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, which play a major role in the wine’s colour and taste.

In addition to the taste tags that help you select wine at the grocery store, bottles will now be marked with the grape variety to help you find the wines you like. So stimulate your senses, satisfy your curiosity, and discover the charms of the many varieties on hand in the Wine Boutique at your local IGA

Red Wine

Pinot Noir

This grape produces delicate wines with aromas of spice and red fruit such as cherries and strawberries. These wines have a nice freshness that pairs well with white meats (chicken, duck, wild poultry) or a beef stew.

Merlot

With its intense fruity aromas (cherry, plum, blackcurrant, fig), Merlot tantalizes the tastebuds of lovers of lush, expressive wines. It goes well with red meat and dishes with mushrooms, anise, and fennel.

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the most popular varietals with wine producers around the world! It produces powerful purple-red wines that are almost opaque, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and spice. Serve it with red meat seasoned with pepper and rosemary

Grenache

Very aromatic, these wines often have red fruit aromas, roasted notes (coffee, cocoa, grilled almonds), and oriental spices (cinnamon, sandalwood). Pair them with beef, lamb, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes!

Syrah

Wines made with this varietal are an intense purple-red and often appeal to fans of full-bodied wines with rich tannins and spicy notes. They have aromas of pepper, cinnamon, raspberry, and sometimes even cocoa. They go well with red meat and game.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is known for producing powerful wines. On the palate, it reveals aromas of black fruit (blackberries). Pair it with sweet and salty dishes like ribs in barbecue sauce or with meat like lamb or game.

Shiraz

Stemming from the same grape as syrah, shiraz is a modern wine known for its strong character and vanilla and berry jam notes. This variety is sure to please Nouveau Monde wine lovers and pairs wonderfully with game stews or flavourful deli meats.

Malbec

With hints of anise and red and black fruit, Malbec produces full-bodied wines with a floral finish. They pair perfectly with slow-cooked dishes, beef stews, and port sauces.

White Sauvignon

Sauvignons are generally fresh with brilliant minerality. They have aromas of exotic fruit (lychee, passionfruit) and citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Sauvignon is an excellent appetizer wine. Serve it with smoked salmon, fish, and shellfish to emphasize its minerality, or pair it with goat cheese to bring out its floral notes.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most well-known white varietal in the world. Serve it with oysters and a seafood platter. However, if it has been oak-aged, serve it with white meat or fatty fish like salmon.