Vitis vinifera [VEE-tihs vihn-IHF-uh-ruh]
The vine species that produces over 99 percent of the world’s wines today. It is native to Europe as well as East and Central Asia, but it has been planted all over the world. There are estimated to be thousands of varieties of this species, some of the best known being Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.