In this article, you will learn what the term cépage means.
Quick answer: Cépage is a French word that means grape variety.
What does Cépage mean?
Cépage means grape variety.
It is a French word that is used by French winemakers when talking about the type of grapes used to make wine.
In the image above, for example, the cépage or grape varieties for this Côtes du Rhône Villages wine are listed as: grenache, syrah and mourvédre.
Where cépage is used
Cépage is a term used in France when talking about winemaking.
The term cépage is used in relation to all types of wine, including Champagne.
It is sometimes used on French wine labels to provide information about what grape variety or varieties are used in the wine.
It is not a word widely used outside of France. Instead, winemakers will simply say “grape variety”.
| Cépage Language | Cépage Translation | Cépage Pronunciation |
| French | Grape variety | SAY-PAH-JE |
Grape variety around the world
Grape variety can be indicated with different names on wine labels, depending on the country and language.
See below for a list of the words used to describe grape variety in some of the biggest wine producting regions around the world:
- France: Cépage
- Italy: Vitigno
- Spain: Variedad de uva
- Germany: Rebsorte
- Portugal: Casta
- United States: Grape variety
- Argentina: Variedad de uva
- Australia: Grape variety
- South Africa: Druiwevariëteit
- Chile: Variedad de uva
