where it all starts. The EU definition of wine is "the fermented juice of freshly gathered grapes". There is a huge range of different varieties, most of them local to a relatively small area and a small number which are grown throughout the world. The main ones of these are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz) and Pinot Noir for red wine and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Semillon for white.