Although the classic grape varieties such as chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon dominate the wine trade, many lesser-known grape varieties, often local to particular regions, are used to make wine. Here are a few to look out for:

Albariño

A white grape with aromatic hints of peach, apricot and citrus fruit is used to make fresh-tasting white wines in Spain and Portugal.

Aligoté

This white grape, grown in Burgundy, Bulgaria and Romania, produces straightforward, somewhat acidic wines.

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko is probably the best Greek old-style white grape variety. The vines cope well with windy conditions, so are successful when grown in exposed locations. The best assyrtiko wines come from the volcanic island of Santorini.

Cabernet Franc

A red grape, originally from Bordeaux, cabernet franc produces soft, blackcurrant flavored wines. It is also grown in Argentina, Chile and New Zealand.

Carmenère

Another red grape from Bordeaux; whilst a minor grape in that area, it has become increasingly popular in Chile, where it produces spicy, fruity wines with a hint of chocolate.

Corvina

Although the name of this Italian red grape may not be familiar, its cherry notes are what gives Valpolicella its distinctive taste.

Garganega

An Italian white grape with a hint of cooking apples, which is used to make Soave wines.

Malbec

The intense colored red malbec grape (also known as auxerrois) is used for blending with other varieties in Bordeaux. It is used to make good quality varietal wines in Cahors (Western France) and in Argentina, where it is now the most widely grown grape.

Mourvèdre

This red grape, also known as mataro, is a native of the Rhône Valley and also grown in Australia and California. It produces smoky tasting red wines.

Torrontés

Torrontés is the best-known Argentinian white grape, and is used to make classy, aromatic white wines.

Verdicchio

A classic Italian white grape; the more expensive verdicchio wines come in distinctive shaped bottles.

Viura

The main grape used in white Rioja wines, Viura produces light, fresh tasting wines with a hint of apple