Chardonnay and Cabernet still in charge but lead is slipping

Wines & Vines, Dec, 2000

Wines & Vines exclusive 2000 Varietal Chart

Every two years, we compile, as best we can, the most-produced varietals in the United States. We include native Americans along with the direct-producing French-American hybrids and, of course, the vinifera. Compiling this list is not as straightforward as you might imagine. This is because there are those who think "chablis" is a varietal. And there are those who think "Meritage" is a varietal. Some folks even categorize a Cabernet-Merlot blend as a varietal. This is why we prepare the chart every two years: it's a major chore! And we do appreciate the efforts of those at the wineries who fill out the form. Ours is the only list of its kind, and we try to make it as accurate as we can.

This year, there were approximately 10% fewer respondents so keep that in mind when referring to this year's count.

Red Vinifera

It is no surprise Cabernet Sauvignon continues to reign supreme. This year, Cabernet Sauvignon was 517, down from 563. The numbers show a slight decrease from two years ago but given the 10% variable, it is continuing to hold steady. Merlot went from 453 to 461 and Pinot noir dropped slightly from 325 to 318. However; the big surprises were Cabernet franc, which reported 199 this year from 170 in 1998 and Zinfandel, which went to 301 this year from 263 in 1998. This represents an increase of over 20% for each and does not include Zinfandel used in the production of roses or white Zinfandels.

White Vinifera

Chardonnay continued to top the list for whites. This years count was 585, down from 661 in 1998. Sauvignon blanc increased from 249 to 253 this year and Riesling dropped from 245 to 214. Viognier had a big increase, reporting 123 this year, up from 100 in 1998.

While there are too many listed under "others" to mention here, some of the more prominent are Marsanne, Gamay Beaujolais, Gamay noir, Valdiguie and Scheurebe. We had a couple of responses for Toriga Nacional and Tinta Cao but had a sneaking suspicion those were more for port.

Roses And Whites From Red Vinifera

The number of whites produced from red vinifera apparently has gone down but roses have increased. Grenache, Pinot noir and Zinfandel show a marked increase, most likely from wineries switching from production of whites to roses. Other interesting roses are being made from Black Muscat, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet.

Hybrids And Natives

This year there were 120 respondents, down from 160 in 1998. For the hybrids, Seyval blanc continues to lead the pack at 62 followed by Vignoles at 52 and Chambourcin at 41. Concord leads the natives with 37, followed by Niagara with 34, Catawba with 30 and Delaware with 21. Muscadines were reportedly made by 8 with 11 varieties noted including Isabella, Scuppernong, Doreen, Carlos and Black Beauty.

Wines & Vines thanks all who responded to this survey. If you have any comments or suggestion, please feel free to contact us.

                       Rose Wines from Red Vinifera
                    1998   2000
Varietal           Survey Survey
Cabernet franc        4      6
Cabernet Sauvignon   22     15
Carignane             2      0
Cinusault             1      1
Gamay                 6      6
Grenache             14     15
Grignolino            1      0
Lemerger              2      3
Merlot                3      5
Nebbiolo              1      4
Pinot noir           25     29
Ruby Cabernet         1      1
Sangiovese            9      6
Syrah                 3      2
Zinfandel            42     43
                       White Wines from Red Vinifera
                    1998   2000
Varietal           Survey Survey
Cabernet Sauvignon   13     10
Merlot               10      8
Pinot noir           20      7
Zinfandel            55     34