The world of wine is diverse and expansive, home to thousands of grape varieties, but a select few have risen to international prominence. Among white wine grapes, Chardonnay reigns supreme, grown in nearly every wine region in the world, from its birthplace in Burgundy, France to the cool climates of New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty, herbaceous flavors, is another widely grown variety, with significant plantings in France, New Zealand, and California. Riesling, adored for its aromatic qualities and its ability to express terroir, is the star grape of Germany and Alsace but is also grown successfully in Australia and New York's Finger Lakes region. In the realm of red wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is perhaps the most recognized, synonymous with many of the world's top wine regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley. Merlot, also originating from Bordeaux, is a key player in both blends and standalone varietal wines globally. Pinot Noir, despite being notoriously finicky to grow, has found worldwide popularity due to its elegant, expressive wines, particularly from Burgundy, California, and Oregon. Syrah, known as Shiraz in Australia, is also a major player, exhibiting a wide range of styles from the elegant and peppery wines of the Northern Rhône to the rich, fruit-forward versions from Australia's Barossa Valley. Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache) hold strong positions in Spain and beyond, while Sangiovese and Nebbiolo are the crowning grapes of Italy's Tuscany and Piedmont regions, respectively. These are just a few of the most popular grape varieties, read our guide to learn more about other unique and delicious variations.