What are Grape Variety Differences?

Every wine grape variety has unique characteristics in flavor but also in how it looks, grows, and how it grows. At LDV Winery, we grow four different grape varieties that keeps us very busy. We cannot imagine having 30 or more varieties that some vineyards grow. A varietal wine (over 75% of one grape type) should reflect the varietal and the place it was grown with a little bit of the winemaker’s panache. For example, if Petite Sirah is on our label, it should be reflective of our place; where the grapes were grown. 

There are over 5,000 recognized wine grape varietals worldwide and at LDV we chose to grow Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Viognier. These Vitis Vinifera (wine grapes) trace their most recent heritage to France’s Rhone region. Our land in the Chiricahua Mountain foothills at 5,000 feet above sea level has not hosted cultivated agricultural activities since the ancient people survived off the land growing corn and LDV winery’s first vines were planted in mid-April 2008 with two acres of Petite Sirah. The soil, climate, and water quality of the estate directed us toward Rhone-varietal grapes. These are grapes from the Rhone region in France. Once we decided to grow Rhone-varietal grapes, we made several other key decisions regarding the rootstock, clones, and particular grape varietal.

Rootstock Picking the best rootstock that will work in the soils and is tolerant to heat and disease is critical. This is probably the most important decision made by a grower and producer of wines. The goal is to select rootstocks that will do well in the soil structure and climate for the best chance of success. We have found that 1103P and 110R rootstock works best in Arizona.

Varietal A “varietal grape” no matter where it is planted and how it is turned into wine will embody certain characteristics that reflect that grape’s personality. The terroir or sense of place (soil, water, and weather, etc.) impacts the varietal but the basic characteristics shine through. How the winemaker enhances the grape’s personality through the winemaking process imparts the winemaker’s personality. At LDV we allow the grape varietal to express itself in the best possible way, reflecting its unique characteristics.

Clone “Clone” is the genetic makeup of the actual grape varietal. All wine grapes have multiple clones that produce different characteristics from the original. For example, there are different clones to choose from for our Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. Certain clones might have distinctly different aromas and flavors, or a clone may be hardier and less prone to disease. You chose the clone that you like the flavor of best or you might choose a combination of clones. It depends on the goal of the winery.

At LDV we have over ten different clones among the varietals because of their vigor, hardiness, flavor profile, aroma, and heat resistance. Each clone is grafted to rootstock suitable to the soil type and location.

Using our four varieties, below are the basic differences.

Grenache is a drought and heat resistant grape varietal ideal for Arizona’s wine regions. Grenache is grown worldwide and is especially prevalent in France, Spain, Australia, California, and Washington. Nicknamed the “Pinot Noir of the Desert” this grape produces medium-bodied red wines. Grenache is often used as a blending grape to make wines as the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape from France. Characteristics to describe Grenache include fruity and spicy with soft tannins. In the north and south regions of Spain, the grape varietal is called Garnacha.

Syrah (or sometimes called Shiraz) is one of the top 10 most widely planted grapes worldwide. It was planted in the early 1800’s in the Rhone Valley of France but really took off in the 1960’s. The first California Syrah grapes were planted in the late 1800’s in Napa Valley. It is a small, dark-skinned berry that grows in small, tri-angular- shaped bunches. Syrah grapes look and taste very different than Petite Sirah grapes. Syrah grapes are high, but not too high, in acidity and tannins. It loves dry climates and does well in rocky soils that allow for deep root penetration and good water drainage. LDV’s volcanic, rocky soils and rhyolite granite are a perfect place for Syrah. LDV Syrah produces a highly concentrated Syrah wine with beautiful deep dark color.

Petite Sirah creates small berries with a high skin to pulp ratio that produces rich wine and bold flavor. LDV farms for small berries to ensure intense flavor and color. LDV fondly calls it “liquid midnight” because of its dark hue and rich tannins. It is often used for blending but on its own it can be intense and peppery that will age well.

Viognier (vee-oh-NYAY) is a white grape that has been proven to be difficult for LDV to grow. It is an old varietal that typically produces low yields that thrives in dry, warm climates similar to the Rhone Valley of France. The grape varietal produces incredible floral aromas and an abundance of spiciness that are unique to this white grape.