GOOD WINE LOVERS ALWAYS LOVE TO TASTE DIFFERENT TYPE OF WINE GRAPES FROM MANY DIFFERENT WINE REGIONS.
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“The vine, which belongs to the botanical genus Vitis, is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Man learned to transform the fruit of the vine into wine very early in history and since the dawn of civilization wine has accompanied all great human events. Wine is used in religious ceremonies, on festive occasions, to calm or purify, and to heal.”
“Wine probably originated in Persia and as they conquered other lands, the Romans spread and extended the cultivation of the vine throughout Gaul.” “Although great lovers of cervoise (barley beer) and hydromel (mead, the Gaul’s soon acquired a taste for wine and became excellent vine growers” thus wine was born.
A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine. Drinking wine is life’s simplest pleasures and for those who appreciate wine, they are seen as the elite of society with their own haven of sensory pleasures.
“Wine, in the end, contains a large degree of analogy with human beings. A wine that we respect will have a strong character, a wine that we enjoy, on a given occasion, will appear incredibly welcoming and friendly to us.”
Texts excerpted from 1) Wines and Spirits of France produced by Sopexa Hong Kong Edition 1993, 2) Wine by David Cobbold, Wine Consultant. Images excerpted from 1) Bandol Association Les VIN DE BANDOL catalogue 2) Decanter June 1999
In developed countries, wine drinking is seen as a measure of success, the more you drink, the more many will regards you and the more successful you will be.
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Red Wine
There are a countless number of red grape varieties in the world, some able to make wine, others best suited for the Welch’s factory. Right now, the world wine market focuses on about 40 – 50 different red wine grape varieties, the most widely recognized and used listed below.
What differentiates red wine from white is first, the skin color of the grape, and second, the amount if time the grape juice has with its skins. After picking, red grapes are put into tanks or barrels where they marinate with their skins for a bit, absorbing the pigments and other aspects of the skin (think tannins). This is how red wine gets its red color. The exact color, which can range from light red to almost purple, depends on both the color of the particular grape skin and the amount of time it sits with the skins. Remember, the inside of almost all grapes is a light, golden color – it’s the skins that have the pigment. For example, much of Champagne is made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, both red grapes. Yet because it spends so little time on its skins, the color of the Champagne is often white.
The list below is roughly organized from lighter-bodied to fuller-bodied, lower tannins to higher tannins and light color to deeper color – but note that this is not an “always” list, just a general guideline. Remember, European and old-world countries tend to label their wine by region, while new world wine is most often labeled with grape variety.
| Grapes | Where they grow best |
| Gamay | Beaujolais, France |
| Pinot Noir | Burgundy, France; California; Oregon; Champagne, France |
| Tempranillo | Spain |
| Sangiovese | Tuscany, Italy |
| Grenache/Garnacha | Rhone, France; Spain; Australia |
| Merlot | Bordeaux, France; California; Washington State, Chile |
| Zinfandel | California |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Bordeaux, France; California; South America |
| Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Italy |
| Syrah/Shiraz | Rhone, France; Australia; South Africa; California; Washington State |
Other popular red grapes and where they grow best:
| Grapes | Where they grow best | |
| Carmenere | Chile | |
| Malbec | Argentina; France | |
| Mourvedre | France; Australia; California | |
| Petit Sirah | California |
White Wine
White wine differs from red wine in, first and most obviously, color. Under that skin, the pulpy part of a white grape is the same color as that of a red grape. The skin dictates the end color for red wine, which differs from the white’s color determinates.
This is mainly due to the pressing of the grapes. When white grapes are picked, they are immediately pressed and the juice is removed from the skins with little contact.
Color in white wine does vary, often from the type of grape, occasionally from the use of wood. Listed below are a few of the most common white varieties in the world wine market and of wine.com. They are listed from lighter bodied, and lighter colored, to fuller bodied with deeper colors. The list is not set in stone – winemaker’s decisions and climate may affect the end result of a white wine’s body and color – we just give you the guidelines.
| Grapes/Region | Where primarily grown |
| Champagne | Champagne, France |
| Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris | Alsace, France; Italy; Oregon; California |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Loire, France; New Zealand; California; South Africa |
| Chenin Blanc | Loire, France; South Africa |
| Riesling | Germany; Alsace, France; Australia; New Zealand; Washington State; California |
| Chardonnay | Burgundy, France; Australia; California; South America; South Africa; Oregon |
| Viognier | Rhone, France; California |
Other white grapes to notice, listed alphabetically:
| Grapes | Where they grow best | |
| Albariño | Spain | |
| Gewurztraminer | Alsace, France; Germany | |
| Sémillon | Bordeaux, France; Australia |
A Rose by Any Other Name ( Rose Wine )
Technically, a rosé is an “unfinished red wine,” but the term seems so- secondary. Rosé is a different sort of wine, with all the refreshing qualities of a white wine mixed with some characteristics of a red. It can be made from many different grape varietals and in many different regions, the most popular and successful being Southern France, Spain, California & Italy.
Notable Facts
Rosé is a wine that goes through the red winemaking process, but is stopped before extracting too many red wine characteristics. Almost always made from red varietals, the grapes are pressed and the juice sits with the skins for fermentation – but just for a little while – enough time to get a bit of color and a bit of the skin characteristics. Then fermentation continues as a white wine, most often in stainless steel. Rosés are typically ready to drink early – not so much to age. Some popular regions of rosé are Tavel (an AOC for ONLY rosé wines in the Rhone area of France), other areas of Southern France, Spain, Italy and California. Almost all regions make rosé, and many from different grape varieties (Grenache – based in Spain, France, Australia and South Africa; Sangiovese or Nebbiolo in Italy). Just like red and white wines, rosés can be of different styles – sweet or dry, dark or light – the winemaker and grape variety (or varieties as rosés are often blended) are key. Pink wines have delicious character and are perfect for food. For dryer styles of rosé, try those from Southern France and Spain, for the sweeter styles, look for White Zinfandel and some other California rosé makers.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: Southern France, Spain, Italy, California
Common Descriptors: strawberry, raspberry
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Tags: Best Red Wine, Dry Red Wine, Dry White Wine, Gudie To Wine, Red White, Sweet Red Wine, Sweet White Wine, The Wine Guide, Types of Wine, White Wine
Red Wine
Pinot Noir
(PEE-noh nwahr)
Just as Merlot was pooh-poohed by Miles in Sideways, Pinot Noir was worshiped in its glorious difficulty. Pinot Noir is a finicky grape. It only grows in the right climate, with the right soils and the right care. Perhaps because it is so difficult is why it is so loved. Pinot Noir’s home and the classic wines from the grape hail from Burgundy. Pinot is the only grape allowed for AOC wines of the region. It is also essential in Champagne, where it is one of the three main grapes of creating Champagne and sparkling wines in other regions. Pinot Noir mutates easily and so there are many different clones floating around in each wine region.
Notable Facts
Other than Burgundy, Pinot has been successful in areas like Oregon, California and lately, New Zealand – the Central Otago region to be exact. Pinot Noir from France gives flavors and aromas of red fruit, summer pudding and baking spices. As the wine matures – and great Burgundies are able to do so for years – the flavors become more like the earth the wine comes from- mushrooms, truffles – and the wine gains tremendous complexity. Pinot Noir from the new world like Oregon and California typically exude stronger fruit intensity, some wine able to reach a high level of complexity, structure and age. Others are wonderful for drinking now with a myriad of foods. Many may wax poetic about this grape, the reason being that Pinot Noir produces an amazing contradiction in wine – something so delicate and subtle, yet powerful and mesmerizing.
Merlot
(mehr-LOW)
No second fiddle
Poor Merlot, Miles gave it quite a reputation in Sideways. Luckily, Merlot did not take it personally and continues to rule the right bank of Bordeaux and produce quality, well-made wines elsewhere in the world. The grape’s unfortunate fall into disgrace came from a few wineries who over-planted the variety and made inexpensive, watered-down Merlot. But the principle grape of top chateaux in St-Emilion and Pomerol (think Petrus) maintains its noble variety standing.
Notable Facts
Merlot is important as a single varietal and as a blending agent. It’s known for adding softness to the austere Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux blends in France, California and elsewhere. Chateau Petrus, perhaps one of the most expensive and sought-after wines of the world, is almost 100% Merlot. The grape exudes soft fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, but it’s versatile – the style can change depending on the climate and soil. Merlot from mountain areas are usually more Cabernet like, with stronger structure and tannins, while Merlot from flatter areas of clay based soil are opulent, velvelty wines ready to drink earlier on.
Summing it up
Successful Sites:
Bordeaux, California, Washington State, Chile
Common Descriptors:
plum, cherry, blackberry, spice, raspberry
Cabernet Sauvignon
(cab-uhr-NAY sow-veeh-yawn)
King of Red
Many refer to Cabernet Sauvignon as the king of red grapes. Perhaps that title is due to its ability to grow worldwide in a number of climates, or to the fact that it produces wine with such character yet such diversity. Either way, this grape is responsible, as a whole or a partner, for some of the greatest wines in the world. In Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon is the principle grape of the Medoc. It plays a supporting role in the blends of the right bank in regions such as St-Emilion and Pomerol. Most of the classic and cult wines of Napa Valley are made with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Notable Facts
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a small berry with a thick skin, giving it a high solid to juice ratio and creating a wine high in color, tannin and extract. Some typical Cabernet Sauvignon descriptors are cassis, cedar and currant. Because the grape adapts to so many different soils and climates and can flourish with different types of winemaking, its characteristics are different depending on its origin. In Bordeaux you’ll find more of the earthy, tannic side of Cabernet. It’s almost always blended in Bordeaux, using other grapes to soften the tannins and add complexity. In warmer regions like California and Australia, you’ll frequently get more ripe fruit flavors upfront. Grapes are picked when higher in fruit and lower in acid, often giving a more approachable wine. Cabernet Sauvignon grows almost everywhere, many regions using it to blend with indigenous varieties. As a blending grape it adds structure and tannins.
Summing it up
Successful Sites:
Just about everywhere, particularly Bordeaux and California
Common Descriptors:
black currant, cassis, herbs, cedar, tobacco, earth
Zinfandel
(ZIN-fahn-dell)
American Grape
Some call Zinfandel the American – or Californian – grape. Although it’s not from America (Croatia has been named its origin), it does seem quite at home in the vineyards of California. During Prohibition, Zinfandel was the favored grape for communion wine, which is why so many old vines are still around today. It grows well in the warm, sunny regions of California and is succeptible to excessive sugar levels, creating wines high in alcohol. Most winemakers are able to tame or balance the high alcohol with the big fruit flavors and smooth tannins also typical of Zinfandel. The sugar levels of the grape contributed to the production and popularity of White Zinfandel as well.
Notable Facts
While Zinfandel is grown many places in the country, its most popular and successful region is California. Appellations producing delicious Zinfandel wines include Sonoma, specifically Dry Creek Valley, Napa and the Sierra Foothills. Zinfandel stands out with its very berry intensity, packed with jammy flavors of blueberries and blackberries. It’s not short on tannins either, although the fruit and alcohol adds balance.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: California
Common Descriptors: jammy, blackberry
White Wine
Chardonnay
(shar-dawn-AY)
White Wine’s Queen Bee
Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay can grow just about anywhere. It adapts well to different soils and different climates. While frequently paired with California, its native home lies in the vineyards of Burgundy, France. The only major white grape of the region, Chardonnay is at its best on the rolling slopes in Bourgogne. Other popular Chardonnay sites include California (just about everywhere) Oregon, Washington, Other US, Australia, South Africa, South America and New Zealand.
Notable facts
Chardonnay varies greatly with climate, soil and winemaking – but it adapts just about anywhere, which is what makes it so popular. Cooler climates like New Zealand and Chablis lead to crisp, acid-prone wines, while warmer climates like Southern California and Australia foster riper grapes that create heavier wine leaning towards tropical fruit flavors. So specific are the soils of Burgundy, the wines of the region show subtle notes of mineral and chalk that belie their origin. Chardonnay adapts itself to oak very well, as one may taste in many of the wines.
Riesling
(REEZ-leeng)
The Riesling grape is happiest in a cooler climate, one that fosters its slow and steady ripening. Often assumed to be the producer of only sweet wines, Riesling is a fascinating grape of many faces. From bone dry to lusciously sweet, this variety is delicious at any sugar level with its intense aromas and steely acidity. Most popular in Germany and Alsace, the Riesling grape is grown on steep, sun-facing slopes of these cooler climates. It can be made in dry or sweet styles – Germany’s qualification system for Rieslings is actually based on ripeness level and the grape is almost always bottled as a sole varietal in the country. In Alsace, Riesling can be blended, although typically not, and is most often made in a dry style.
Notable Facts
Riesling has an extremely high level of acidity. That acidity is matched by the intensity of the grape’s floral and fruit aromas. A number of descriptors are associated with Riesling due to its tendency to adopt the characteristics of where it is grown. Rieslings of the Mosel are distinctive because its flavors reflect the region’s slate soils, while its partner in Alsace displays less soil character and more peach and apricot nuances due to the warmer climate. For dry styles of Riesling, look to Germany’s Kabinett levels, Alsace, Washington State, Australia and New Zealand. For a slightly sweeter style, look to Germany’s wines of the Spatlese and Auslese levels. If you can afford it, and want a true, decadent and sweet experience, look for the Beerenauslese and Trokenbeerenauslese styles. Hedonistic.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: Germany, Alsace, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Washington State, California, New York State
Common Descriptors:
steely, peach, mineral, floral, petrol, orange blossom, citrus
Sauvignon Blanc
(so-veen-YAWN blahnk)
One of the most distinctive grapes, Sauvignon Blanc is a highly aromatic variety that does well in both the old and new world. From the Loire Valley of France to Marlborough in New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc has found many regions that bring out its unique and delicious flavors.
Notable Facts
Sauvignon Blanc’s home is the Loire Valley of France, where it produces the crisp, grassy mineral-tinged wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume (not to be mistaken with Pouilly Fuisse in Burgundy- that would be Chardonnay). Wine of this region is crisp and grassy, with delicious minerality and an occasional gun flint/smokey character. In the 1970′s, New Zealand planted its first cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc, which in turn brought the country to the forefront of the wine world. In New Zealand, the variety exudes its typical crisp acidity, as well as pungent passion fruit and grapefruit aromas and flavors. In California, Sauvignon Blanc is produced both in stainless steel (like New Zealand and France) and with a touch of oak. The wooded versions maintain the acidity of the grape but tone down the intense citrus flavors with subtle oak characteristics. Winemakers differ in their addition or choice of oak. The grape also produces delicious wines from Chile and Italy.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: Loire Valley, New Zealand, California, Chile, Italy
Common Descriptors: grass, lemon, grapefruit, passion fruit.
Pinot Gris/Grigio
(PEE-noh gree/GREE-jee-oh)
While Pinot Grigio is in fact the same grape as Pinot Gris (just the Italian take on it), the differences of wine they create can be immense. Pinot Gris’ most popular and successful region is Alsace, France, an area of the country that actually puts the name of the grape on the label. Pinot Grigio is the Italian version of the grape, known for its light, crisp acidity. But wines from other regions usually term their wine Pinot Gris or Grigio based on the wine’s flavor profile.
Notable Facts
Pinot Gris from Alsace creates rich, stone fruit-laden wines. They are perfumed and aromatic, and typically dry. It has round body and medium acidity. Take the grape a bit south to Italy, and it creates a very crisp, high-acid, citrus noted wine. Both are flavorful, but wine named Pinot Gris typically provides more body and rounder fruits while Pinot Grigio gives lighter-bodied, citrus fruits. Oregon and California are also growing the grape, Oregon having success with a more Alsacian style and California producing both. Winemakers often call the wine by the style they wish to replicate – for Italian style, look for Pinot Grigio, for the Alsacian style, look for Pinot Gris. In Alsace, Pinot Gris can also makes wine with some residual sugar. It’s capable of creating delicious dessert wines in the region.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: Alsace, Italy, Oregon, California
Common Descriptors: peach, pear, floral, citrus
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Tags: Types of Wine, Wine Grapes
The essence of bubbles
Many countries around the world make sparkling wine, each of them unique. The best-known sparkling wine is, of course, Champagne. Though so much sparkling wine is referred to as Champagne, true Champagne must come from the namesake area and is one of a kind in taste, texture and reputation. The region is responsible for perfecting the bubble-making process, often referred to as methode champanoise or traditional method. The basic tenets of the traditional method are:
- Only three grapes are used – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
- Secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle
Beyond those rules, there are many details involved that make Champagne and its method of winemaking so distinctive, which is why it is emulated in so many winemaking areas. The categories of Champagne, and wine in the Champagne style, include vintage and include non-vintage as well as include rose.
In the US, California leads the way in sparkling wine made in the traditional method. Many wineries in California are owned and operated by Champagne house companies, and you may find the California bottles similar in style to their French counterparts. Other US producers include New Mexico and Oregon. Around the globe, sparkling wine hails from Australia, South Africa, Canada and South America, to name a few.
In Spain and Italy, Cava & Prosecco are the regional bubbles, both often made in traditional style. These are light and fruity sparklers that are often in the less-than-$15 category, which make them perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Reading the Label
Some Champagne & Sparkling wines have all 3 grapes, some have one or two.
- Blanc de Blanc – means “white of white” and is made only of Chardonnay; lighter in style, perfect with shellfish and seafood.
- Blanc de Noir – means “white of black” and is a white champagne made from either Pinot Noir or both Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier both red grapes); usually fuller-bodied than blanc de blanc, this style can match with a variety of foods.
- Rosé – could be only one grape or all three, but must contain some percentage of a red grape. Can be robust in style and hold its own with a dinner.
Champagne & Sparkling Styles
Some Champagnes & Sparkling wines are bone dry, while others are off-dry and still others are sweet. The level of sweetness depends on the last step before the cork, dosage.
- Extra Brut or Brut Naturale – Bone dry – the driest of the dry
- Brut – Dry. This is the typical style of Champagne, with no sweetness
- Sec – Still very dry but with a hint of sweetness.
- Demi-sec- While the definition is half dry, think of it as half sweet. This wine will be fairly sweet.
- Doux – also known as rich, this wine is the sweetest you can get in Champagne –over 5% sugar. It’s a dessert in itself and very rare.
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Tags: Cava, Champagne Sparkling Wine, Cheap Champagne, Prosecco Wine, Sparkling Champagne, Sparkling Wine
Dessert, Sherry & Port
Dessert wines are a delicious and decadent way to end a meal or pair with cheese. And there are so many to choose from – Port, Sherry, Sauternes, Tokay… so many styles at many different price ranges. Dessert wines are made in a variety of manners. Port and Sherry are both fortified wines, while Sauternes, Tokay and ice wines are all made with grapes affected by botrytis, a noble rot that intensifies the flavors of the grape. Dessert wines vary in level of sweetness, intensity, alcohol and color. Enough to satiate any level sweet tooth.
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Tags: Dessert Wine, Port, Sherry Wine, Sweet Red Wine, Sweet White Wine, Sweet Wines, Types of Wine
While we fine-tune the resources for a fun & enjoyable Online Wine Guide, we recommend you A Good Year, set in London and Provence starring Russell Crowe and the beautiful French actress Marion Cotillard to put you in the mood for romance during this current economic crisis , sit back, relax and enjoy this romantic wine movie.
Cheers … to your love.
Tags: Good Wine Guide, Good Wine Movie, Online Wine Guide, Online Wine Information
