|
|
Home > Entertaining > Wine Varieties
|
| |
|
|
|
Chardonnay (SHAR-doe-nay): The world's most popular dry white; it's medium-to full-bodied, with rich apple and citrus flavors and sometimes a buttery tone from fermentation and aging in oak barrels; a good choice for simply prepared seafood and poultry dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc (SO-vin-yawn BLONK): Generally lighter than Chardonnay, with bright melon and citrus aromas and a herbal character suggesting bell pepper or freshly mown grass; a versatile food wine for shellfish, lighter fish and chicken dishes, pasta with pesto and Caesar salad.
Riesling (REES-ling): A light-bodied wine of German origin with flowery aromas of honeysuckle, apples, and peaches; Rieslings range from slightly to very sweet and can be either table or dessert wines. Drier versions go well with chicken and pork dishes, as well as spicy foods.
Gewürztraminer (Guh-VERTZ-tra-meener): Another aromatic variety of German origin with aromas of rose petals, peaches, grapefruit, lychees, and allspice, and full, fruity, spicy flavors ideal with Asian food, ham, pork and grilled sausages.
Chenin Blanc (SHEN-in Blonk): A relatively light, fruity variety with melon, apple, and peach/apricot aromas and flavors; used to be more popular than it is today; a nice wine by itself or with casual meals (salads, sandwiches, etc.)
Muscat (MUSS-cat): A very flowery dessert-style wine, with floral and peach/apricot aromas and flavors; great with desserts of fresh fruit or fruit/nut tarts.
Other white varieties of note include Semillon (SEM-e-on), Viognier (V- OWN-yay), and Pinot Grigio (PEE-no GREEG-e-o).
Cabernet Sauvignon (CA-burr-nay SO-vin-yawn): The king of red wines; makes the great red Bordeaux wines of France, and among the finest reds in California, Chile and Australia; full-bodied with rich currant flavors, but can be somewhat rough (tannic) when young; best with simply prepared beef and lamb dishes.
Merlot (Mare-LOW): Similar to Cabernet, but softer and fruitier, with cherrylike flavors and hints of tobacco and mint; the current fab-rave among novice wine consumers, because it's easy both to drink and pronounce.
Pinot Noir (PEE-know Na-WAHR): Makes the great reds of Burgundy in France, and good wines from California and Oregon; more delicate than Cabernet or Merlot, with strawberry and tea-leaf aromas and flavors; excellent with grilled salmon, roast chicken, and grilled lamb.
Zinfandel (ZIN-fan-dell): California's native red (nobody's figured out where it came from) and perhaps the world's most versatile wine grape, making everything from blush wine (White Zinfandel), to light, beaujolais-style reds, rich, heavy reds, and even ports; has a zesty, berryish flavor that is perfect for tomato-sauce pastas, pizza, and grilled and barbecued meats.
Syrah (Sah-RAH): A hearty, spicy red that excels in France's Rhone Valley, California and Australia (where it's known as Shiraz); wonderfully wild black-fruit aromas and flavors, with overtones of black pepper spice and roasting meat; great with steak, beef, wild game, stews, etc.
Sangiovese (San-gee-oh-VAY-zee): The grape that produces the fine reds of Italy's Chanti region and, of late, good wines from California; the primary style is medium-bodied with fresh berry and plum flavors and a hint of dried flowers; a good choice for Italian and other Mediterranean- style cuisines.
Barbera (Bar-BEAR-a): Another classic red of Italian origin with juicy black cherry and plum fruit, a silky texture and excellent acidity to pair with foods featuring tomato sauces; not as well known as Merlot but with many of the same attributes.
Other reds of note include Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo (NEB-e-o-low), Mourvedre (More-VED-dra), Grenache (Gra-NOSH), and Petite Sirah.
| WINE TEMPERATURE SERVING GUIDE |
| Wine |
C |
F |
Wine |
C |
F |
| Beaujolais |
12 |
54 |
Merlot |
16-17 |
61-63 |
| Cabernet |
17-19 |
63-66 |
Pinot Noir |
16-19 |
61-66 |
| Champagne |
8-11 |
48-52 |
Red Bordeaux |
16-19 |
61-66 |
| Chardonnay |
9-11 |
48-52 |
Red Burgundy |
16-19 |
61-66 |
| Chablis |
13-15 |
55-59 |
Sauvignon Blanc |
12 |
54 |
| Chianti |
16-17 |
61-63 |
White Zinfandel |
13-15 |
55-59 |
|
|
|
