The “Noble Six” refers to six grape varietals that are the most widely planted and renowned grapes used in wine production globally. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Riesling. Their status as the noble and superior wine grape varieties can be attributed to their versatility in winemaking and ability to produce diverse, high-quality wines with distinctive flavor profiles. As evidenced in famous wine regions worldwide, from the limestone slopes of Burgundy to the alluvial fans of Napa Valley, skilled winemakers can craft exceptional wines from these six grapes that showcase the concept of terroir. This research provides an in-depth overview of the distinguishing characteristics, growing regions, food pairings, and wine styles of the six noble grapes. The noble six grapes—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Riesling—have earned their eminent status through an unparalleled capacity to make diverse, complex, food-friendly wines that express regional terroir in a range of prestigious wine regions globally. Their dominance in viticulture and wine production has stood the test of time.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Characteristics
Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the “King of Red Wine Grapes.” It produces dark, full-bodied red wines that are savory, bold, and firm with pronounced tannins. The flavor profile shows black currant, cedar, tobacco, bell pepper, olive, leather, earthy or graphite notes. The wines have medium to high levels of alcohol and aging potential. Oak barrel aging is prevalent.
Regions Grown: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (California), Margaret River (Australia)
Food Pairings: Grilled or roasted red meats, aged hard cheeses
Serving Temperature: 64-68°F (18-20°C). Can be served slightly cooler at 60-64°F (15-18°C)
Storage Temperature: 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Common Wine Styles: Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon varietal
Pinot Noir
Characteristics
Pinot Noir creates light to medium-bodied red wines with moderate tannins and crisp acidity. The flavor profile includes red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, spice, earth and leather. It often shows a transparent ruby color. The wines are complex, delicate, and lower in alcohol than most reds. French oak barrel aging adds complexity.
Regions Grown: Burgundy (France), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Central Otago (New Zealand)
Food Pairings: Grilled salmon, roasted chicken or turkey, mushrooms
Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (16-18°C)
Storage Temperature: 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Common Wine Styles: Pinot Noir varietal, Burgundian wines, sparkling wines
Chardonnay
Characteristics
Chardonnay is responsible for dry, crisp whites and rich, layered oaked styles. It offers green apple, lemon, lime, melon, and peach flavors, and buttery, spicy, or toasty oak notes. The acidity ranges from moderate to high, with medium to heavy body. Barrel fermentation and aging in oak are standard techniques.
Regions Grown: Burgundy (France), Sonoma (California), Margaret River (Australia)
Food Pairings: Seafood, chicken dishes, pasta, risotto
Serving Temperature: Unoaked – 50-55°F (10-13°C); Oaked – 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Storage Temperature: 48-55°F (9-13°C)
Common Wine Styles: Unoaked/stainless steel Chardonnay, barrel-fermented/oaked Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Characteristics
Sauvignon Blanc yields fresh, crisp, dry white wines with high acidity. It offers intense aromas and flavors of grapefruit, lemon, lime, gooseberry, grass, herbs and green pepper. The body is light to medium-light. Oak is rarely used, as stainless steel maintains fruity vibrancy.
Regions Grown: Loire Valley (France), Marlborough (New Zealand), Napa Valley (California)
Food Pairings: Salads, light seafood, chicken dishes, goat cheese
Serving Temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Storage Temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Common Wine Styles: Sauvignon Blanc varietal
Merlot
Characteristics
Merlot crafts medium to full-bodied red wines with moderate tannins, softer acidity, and lush fruit-forward flavors of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, and spice. It may include herbal hints on the finish. Oak barrel aging contributes vanilla notes.
Regions Grown: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (California), Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand)
Food Pairings: Pasta with red sauce, grilled meats, aged cheddar
Serving Temperature: 62-65°F (17-18°C)
Storage Temperature: 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Common Wine Styles: Bordeaux blends, Merlot varietal
Riesling
Characteristics
Riesling yields crisp, aromatic white wines in bone-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet styles. It offers intense fruit flavors like peach, apricot, apple, citrus, and honeycomb with lively acidity, sometimes a petrol/kerosene aroma, and low alcohol. The body ranges from light to medium-full. German labeling indicates sweetness levels.
Regions Grown: Germany (Mosel), Alsace (France), Clare Valley (Australia)
Food Pairings: Spicy Asian dishes, roasted pork, fruity desserts
Serving Temperature: Dry – 45-50°F (7-10°C); Sweet – 50-55°F (10-13°C)
Storage Temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Common Wine Styles: German Rieslings in varying sweetness levels, dry Alsatian Riesling.
The noble grapes comprise the six global varieties that dominate vineyards and wine production – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Riesling. When grown in favorable conditions and produced with skill, the noble grapes yield some of the highest quality and most critically revered wines across famous wine regions of the world. Both novice and expert wine lovers can appreciate these six noble varieties’ complex flavors and storied reputations.
Article by Morrice S. Baker
