Vitis vinifera
/VY-tis vin-IF-er-uh/The European grape species used for fine wine.
Full Definition
Vitis vinifera is the European grape species encompassing essentially all fine wine grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc. Native to Europe and Western Asia, it was nearly destroyed by phylloxera in the 1800s and now grows grafted onto American rootstocks worldwide. Other Vitis species are used for rootstocks and hybrids.