A wine's flavour is largely decided by the grape it is made from. Even within "red wine," styles run from light and breezy to deep and powerful. Here is a plain-language overview of the main grape varieties Swirl carries.
The main red grapes
| Grape | Intensity | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sangiovese | Medium | Italy's staple. Balanced acidity, easy with food |
| Primitivo | Medium | Generous fruit, gentle tannins — easy even for first-timers |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Full | Powerful, firm tannins. Great with meat |
| Shiraz / Syrah | Full | Spice aromas and deep fruit |
| Pinot Noir | Light | Red-fruit aromas, delicate and silky |
| Cabernet Franc | Medium | Herbal aromas, supple texture |
The main white grapes
| Grape | Intensity | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Medium to full | A chameleon shaped by region and oak |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Light | Crisp acidity with herb and citrus aromas |
Detailed guides by grape
For each grape's taste, food pairings and recommended wines, see the dedicated guides below.
- What is Sangiovese?
- What is Pinot Noir?
- What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
- What is Chardonnay?
- What is Sauvignon Blanc?
- What is Shiraz / Syrah?
- What is Cabernet Franc?
Find wine by grape
Once a grape catches your eye, filter by variety from the full Swirl wine list.
FAQ
Q. How much does the grape change the taste?
A. A great deal. The grape sets the foundation of a wine's colour, aroma, tannin and acidity — it is the single most important factor.
Q. Which grapes are good for beginners?
A. For reds, fruit-rich, gently tannic Primitivo or food-friendly Sangiovese are easy to enjoy. For whites, try crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
