The Most Commonly Used Grapes in Mexico

One of the most important missions at Dos Cuerpos is to understand the background of all our products - who crafts them, why, and how, as well as the historical, social, and artistic aspects our products embody. On this occasion, we'd like to share the most commonly used grapes in Mexico. If you're interested in any particular aspect of these different grapes, simply click on the name of any grape, and you'll find its characteristics and history.

Let's start with the red grapes:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: This grape, grown in Ensenada, covers 724 hectares. It's the most demanded grape in Mexico, yielding an approximate annual production of 3,500 tons.

2. Merlot: Originally from Bordeaux, France, this grape has adapted well in Mexico, with around 400 hectares dedicated to it.

3. Syrah: With French heritage, this grape already has approximately 400 hectares planted in Mexico.

4. Tempranillo: In Ensenada, this grape is so beloved that some even call it "La tinta de baja" (The Lowlands red). It has around 250 hectares planted.

5. Grenache: Despite its late ripening, Garnacha already covers about 150 hectares.

6. Nebbiolo: With its intense color, in Ensenada, this grape occupies around 200 cultivated hectares. It's said to be one of the best expressions of the Mexican terroir.

Certainly, other readers might ask why I didn't include Carignan, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Franc (grapes that come after the ones mentioned), but we didn't consider them the favorites of the Mexican audience. Other popular varieties in Mexico include Barbera, Claret, Misión, Mourvèdre, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Ruby Cabernet, and Cinsault.

The most used white wine grapes in Mexico are:

1. Chardonnay: This French grape already covers almost 1000 hectares across Mexico.

2. Chenin Blanc: Sometimes called Pineau de la Loire in honor of the French valley where it originated, it now occupies almost 285 cultivated hectares in Mexico.

3. Sauvignon Blanc: This grape has greatly contributed to oenological experimentation, especially in colder and higher altitude areas. It has nearly 120 hectares in the country.

Other grapes used for white wine include Muscat, Fumé Blanc, French Colombard, Palomino, and Sémillon.

The quantity and variety of grapes in Mexico (and non-European countries in general) depend on each grape variety's adaptability. Currently, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular variety worldwide for red wines, while Chardonnay holds the same position for white wines. This means they have great adaptability, though it's not directly linked to wine quality. For instance, the Viognier grape only thrives in France and Spain, but that doesn't make it inherently better or worse. However, it's more exclusive due to its limited adaptability.

Certain terroirs favor specific grapes. For example, Carmenere adapted excellently in Chile, Malbec in Argentina, and Tannat in Uruguay. The same goes for Pinotage, which is highly esteemed in South Africa. Mexico hosts exceptional Nebbiolo even though it originated in Piedmont; similarly, Pinot Noir, while iconic in Burgundy, produces excellent wines in North America. Lastly, it's interesting to note that the longer grape varieties are present in a country, the better they adapt. So, while Mexican Cinsault might not yet compare to the French variety, with time and maturity, it will better embody our terroir and improve its quality.

At Dos Cuerpos, we specialize in tastings and distributing agave spirits and Mexican wines. Tasting reflects the alcohol to be sampled, and these texts aim to inspire continuous reflection. Let us know if you liked this text, if it helped you in any way, and if there are any discrepancies, please don't hesitate to inform us.

Also, consider reading:

• El secreto del vino está en la uva (The Secret of Wine Lies in the Grape)

• En busca de la uva emblemática de México (In Search of Mexico's Emblematic Grape)

• Tipos de uvas más consumidas en México (Most Consumed Grape Varieties in Mexico)

• Uvas más plantadas en México (Most Planted Grapes in Mexico)

• Los Varietales de Vid en la Vitivinicultura Mundial y su Importancia en el Desarrollo de la Industria del Vino Mexicano (The Grape Varieties in Global Viticulture and Their Importance in the Development of the Mexican Wine Industry)