Riesling. Pinot Noir. Cabernet Sauvignon. What are these unfamiliar words that are printed on our wine bottles? Let’s go down the list of the most popular types of wine to get the facts straight before your next dinner party.
Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Flavors: Blackcurrant, dark cherry, blackberry, bell pepper, spice, tobacco, vanilla
Aged: Oak barrels, 12 to 24 months
Origin: France
Notable Regions: Napa Valley, Australia, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Sonoma County
Merlot
Meaning: Black wine grape
Flavors: Herbs, blackberry, plum, cocoa, cedar, clove
Aged: Oak barrels, 8 to 12 months
Origin: France
Notable Regions: Bordeaux, Tuscany, California, Washington, Chile, Australia
Pinot Noir
Meaning: Pine and black
Flavors: Cherry, raspberry, forest, mushroom, ripe tomato, vanilla, spice, cinnamon
Aged: Oak barrels
Origin: France
Notable Regions: Champagne, Burgundy, Willamette Valley, Sonoma Coast, Central Coast, South Africa
White Wines
Chardonnay
Flavors: Apple, lemon, grape, papaya, pineapple, vanilla
Aged: Barrels, 3 to 36 months
Origin: France
Notable Regions: Italy, California, New Zealand, Champagne, Canada, Australia
Sauvignon Blanc
Flavors: White peach, grapefruit, pear, passionfruit, lime, lemongrass, tarragon, nutmeg, clove
Aged: Stainless steel or oak barrels, 3 to 6 months
Origin: France
Notable Regions: Loire Valley, New Zealand, California, South Africa
Riesling
Flavors: Orchard fruits, apricot, apple, pear, lemon
Aged: Stainless steel or wood containers
Origin: Germany
Notable Regions: Germany, Hungary, France, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, United States