"Synonym" can be translated as "similar word," "alternative name," or "alternate name." It is a word that is widely used not only in wine but also in biology, IT, and other fields.
When used as a wine term, "synonym" primarily means "another name for a grape variety."
Wine grapes, even if they are the same variety, are often called different names depending on the country or region. For example, Chardonnay, one of the world's most famous grape varieties, has many synonyms, such as "Moulon d'Arbois," "Pinot Chardonnay," "Auvine," and "Beaunois."
The most commonly grown grape varieties in New Zealand are:
Representative synonyms for "Sauvignon Blanc"
- "Sauvignon Jaune" (France)
- "Blanc Fumé" (France)
- "Fumé Blanc" (California), etc.
Representative synonyms for "Pinot Noir"
- "Spätburgunder" (Germany)
- "Blauer Burgunder" (Austria)
- "Pino Nero" (Italy), etc.
Representative synonyms for "Pinot Gris"
- "Pinot Grigio" (Italy)
- "Glauburgunder" (Germany)
- "Rulander" (Germany), etc.
Many grape varieties have different names depending on where they are grown.
