Wine Families: Why Certain Grapes Share Similar Traits
If you’ve ever wondered why Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot often feel like siblings in a Bordeaux blend—or why Sauvignon Blanc seems to “get” Cabernet Sauvignon so well—there’s a good reason for that. Like people, grape varieties have lineages, and once you trace their “family trees,” the patterns in flavor, structure, and style start to make a lot more sense.
Let’s explore some of the most fascinating grape family connections and how they show up in your glass.