Term · Grape varieties
Main grape, secondary grape
The specification distinguishes the grape varieties that make up most of the wine from those allowed as a complement, within a share it caps.
The specification of an appellation lists the authorised grape varieties. It often distinguishes the main grape varieties, which make up most of the planted vines, from the secondary grape varieties, allowed as a complement in a proportion it limits.
Depending on the appellation, these rules apply to the vines planted on the estate (the share of each grape variety in the vineyard), to the blend of the wine, or to both.