Vine varieties: Most widely planted varieties

Of all vine varieties, remarkably few have achieved an international reputation, and most of these are French. Obvious examples of these international varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. As an increasing proportion of all wine is labelled varietally, there has been an increasing correlation between these most famous varieties and those which cover the greatest total area of vineyard land (see table grapes). Nevertheless most estimates agree that more of the Earth’s surface is devoted to Sultana/Thompson Seedless than it is to any well-known wine grape.