Most people think of grapes or fresh fruit on the vine or juice in a carton.
You may not realize, however, that grapes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes beyond the two most common forms, red and green.
However, here are the different types of grapes that you need to know about and the different ways you can use them to enhance your culinary creations.
1. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape that is grown in cooler climates. It is a different thin-skinned grape type, making it challenging to grow in warm weather.
The grape produces wines that are light-bodied and have fruity flavors. Pinot Noir wines are typically dry with moderate acidity levels.
Moreover, the grape is used to make red and white wines, although it is most commonly associated with red wine production.
Pinot Noir wines are often aged in oak barrels before bottling and selling.
The grape is named after the French word for pine because the shape of the grape clusters resembles that of a pinecone.
2. Sweet Jubilee
Jubilee grapes are different types of grapes, a type of table grape known for its sweetness.
The grape was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Robert E. Pond and is a hybrid of two other grapes, the Thompson Seedless and the Concord.
Nevertheless, Jubilee grapes are large, round, and have a deep purple color.
Because of their high sugar content, they are often used in jams, jellies, and pies.
Additionally, they can be eaten raw but typically require peeling.
3. Muscadine
Muscadine grapes, native to the southeastern United States, are unique and cherished grapes known for their large, round shape and thick, robust skin.
These grapes come in various colors, from deep purple and black to bronze and green, offering a distinctive appearance and flavor profile.
4. Koshu
Hailing from Japan, Koshu grapes are white wine grapes known for their delicate flavor and floral aroma.
The grapes are often used in blends but can also be made into a standalone varietal wine.
If you’re looking for light and refreshing different types of grapes, Koshu grapes should be at the top of your list.
Also, look out for Riesling or Chenin Blanc, which are similar wine grapes with subtle flavors.
Chardonnay is another variety of white wine grapes you might like if you want something with a little more body than those mentioned above.
For red wines, Pinot Noir is the most popular choice on this list, with Shiraz coming in second place.
5. Cotton Candy
As the name suggests, these different types of grapes taste like cotton candy! They’re super sweet and have a delicate, crisp texture.
Cotton candy grapes are a hybrid of two grape varieties: Vitis vinifera (the traditional wine grape) and Muscadinia rotundifolia (a North American native grape).
Although, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in these candy-like fruits because they’re low in calories and antioxidants.
If you can’t find them at your local grocery store, you can order them online from Amazon or Walmart.
6. Riesling
Riesling grapes are initially from the Rhine region in Germany. These different types of grapes are also grown in Alsace, Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.
Riesling grapes are used to make white wine. The flavor of Riesling wine can range from sweet to dry. A good Riesling is crisp with pleasant acidity. These wines are typically made for drinking young, but some varieties can age very well.
However, as a general rule, try to drink Rieslings within five years of their vintage date. Rieslings pair well with lighter dishes like sushi or other seafood; however, they are also great paired with poultry dishes or spicy food.
7. Red Globe
A type of table grape, Red Globe grapes are large and round with a thick skin. They’re firm and have a mildly sweet flavor with acidity. They’re often used in fruit salads and for making wine and jelly.
Also, It’s a great variety if you like tart flavors or want something different than the usual red or green types of grapes.
8. Niagara
A hardy bunch grape, the Niagara is large and round with a thin skin. It’s most commonly found in white wines but can also be used to make red and blush wines. The Niagara grape is named after the Niagara River and grows well in cool climates.
In terms of wine production, it is considered an early-ripening grape that needs little time on the vine before being harvested.
Wine made from this grape has fruity flavors and crisp acidity, leaving you wanting more of different types of grapes.
9. Centennial
The Centennial grape is a white wine grape known for its high acidity. It is often used in blends, as it can add a nice zesty note to the wine.
Another everyday use for these different types of grapes is to make sweeter wines, such as dessert and sparkling wines. This grape seems popular in France, where it is often made into a sweet muscat wine.
In addition, some people think that centennial grapes are related to Muscat grapes, but they are unsure how they got their name.
Whether these two grapes are related has yet to be proven, but one thing is certain—the centennial grape makes excellent wines!
10. Concord
Concord is a native North American grape and one of the most widely cultivated grapes in the United States. It is a small, dark-blue grape with thick skin.
Concord grapes are used to make juice, jam, and jelly. Their flesh is sweet and juicy, with a slightly tart flavor.
Moreover, they are also used in some wines. It’s grown commercially in California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It’s often used as a table grape for fresh eating or juicing different grape types.
11. Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer grapes are white wine grapes native to the Alto Adige region of Italy. These different types of grapes are known for their intense floral and spice aromas and lychee flavor.
Gewürztraminer grapes are used to make dry, off-dry, and sweet wines. The grape is also used to produce sparkling wine and ice wine.
Gewürztraminer wines are typically high in acidity and have moderate alcohol content. These wines pair well with spicy foods, cheese, and fruits.
12. Zinfandel
Zinfandel grapes are among the most celebrated and widely grown grape varieties worldwide, particularly cherished for their versatility and robust flavor profile. These grapes are primarily used in the production of red wine, where they shine with their bold, complex characteristics that delight wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
13. Merlot
Merlot grapes are another type of grape that’s often used to make red wine. They’re known to be softer and more approachable than other red wine grapes. However, Merlot is excellent for different types of grapes if you’re new to drinking red wine.
14. Black Muscat
A type of table grape, the Black Muscat has a thin skin and large, seedless berries. The flesh is sweet and juicy with a floral aroma. These different types of grapes
are often used in wine production and can also be eaten fresh or made into jam. Nevertheless, Some people use them for juicing, making cocktails, or eating as a dessert.
15. Thompson Seedless (Sultana)
Thompson Seedless grapes are the most common type of grape in the world. They’re named after William Thompson, who introduced them to California in 1849.
Thompson Seedless grapes are green or red; sometimes, both colors can be found on the same bunch. These different types of grapes are used to make raisins, table wine, and juice, among other things.
Nevertheless, Thompson Seedless grapes are easy to grow and don’t require much special care. They’re versatile grapes that can be used in several different ways. Thompson Seedless is a good choice if you’re looking for a grape that’s easy to find and use.
16. Kyoho Grape
Kyoho is a type of black grape native to Japan. It is large and round with thick skin. Kyoho is often used in winemaking and is known for its sweet, concord-like flavor.
Kyoho has grown in other countries, such as China and South Korea. They’re prevalent in many parts of the world and are typically used for table grapes and winemaking.
