There can be no doubt that picking the right wine for yourself or for a dinner party can be a challenge. Just look at all those bottles on the shelves! It’s red, white, sparkling… While it can be easy to choose the same bottle over and over again, variety is needed when entertaining. The following list helps you narrow down your choices so you can find something that everyone will enjoy.
There are two broad types of wine – white and red. However, there are more than 10,000 varieties of grapes in the world. So we will narrow it down to the top 10 based on our research…
Popular White Wines
A white wine’s color varies from straw yellow to yellow gold, with some varieties having a rich yellow-green hue. Usually, white wine is produced from green or yellow grapes, but some are also produced from darker grapes. It involves pressing grape juice while keeping the juice and skin separate.
- Chardonnay
The grape called Chardonnay, which originates in Burgundy, is utilized to make this wine. Today, it is one of the most popular types of wine – it can be found everywhere. There are many different flavors that can be derived from it, depending on the region where it is grown and the way it is aged.
Chardonnay can be either dry or sweet, and its acidity varies from medium-low to medium-high.
A good Chardonnay will be oaked-aged and have a buttery mouthfeel. Chardonnay pairs well with creamy sauces or chicken dishes.
- Riesling
This wine is fruity and aromatic. It pairs well with spicy foods, pork, duck, or shrimp. The winemaker avoids crushing or bruising grape skins in order to preserve the aroma, which could cause tannins to leak into the juice.
Riesling is closely linked to the Rhine region. Although it was once thought of as only being produced in Germany, today it’s grown across the globe, including New England and South Africa.
- Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc has a grassy flavor that sets it apart from other white wines. This wine is famously made by French winemakers in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Sauvignon Blanc tends to be sweeter than other white wines, but it can also be crisp or dry.
The best way to enjoy Sauvignon Blanc is chilled since it has a high acidity level and little tannin content. The primary flavors are gooseberry, grapefruit, passion fruit, and white peach. There is no doubt that it is one of the world’s best-known and loved wines.
It can also have tastes of spice and vanilla when it is aged in oak barrels. Although it tastes great with grilled chicken or vegetables, Sauvignon Blanc is also excellent paired with scallops and other shellfish.
- Pinot Grigio
The Pinot Grigio wine is often dry, but can also be fruity. Its name is derived from the pine cone shape of the grapes from which it’s made, which have a coppery color.
It is grown all over the world, but especially in the Alsace (France), Victoria (Australia), Baden, Palatinate, and Rheinhessen (Germany), and Oregon and California in the US.
Pinot Grigio pairs well with seafood, specifically shellfish.
- Muscat Blanc
Wine lovers around the world enjoy Muscat Blanc for its sweet floral aromas. It pairs well with salads and fresh fruit and ages relatively quickly. It tends to have a low body and can be still or sparkling.
Muscat grapes come in over 200 varieties. These are not only used to make white wine, but also for making rosé or black wine. Muscat is thought to have originated in Greece and was produced even in antiquity. There is also a fortified version available.
Popular Red Wines
The color of red wine can range from dark violet to brown, and some wines develop a beautiful brick red color. Dark grapes are used to make red wines, and the tastes they display are varied. It is hard to find a drink that can make dinner more exciting than red wine.
- Pinot Noir
The versatility of Pinot Noir makes it a perfect choice for countless dinners around the world every evening. Light-bodied red wines don’t get much more popular than Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir usually has fewer tannins than other red wines, which makes it less astringent.
Pinot Noir grapes are also used to make Champagne, which may surprise some. Around the world, Pinot Noir grapes are grown, but turning them into wine is not an easy process because tightly-clustered grapes can rot. A good glass of Pinot Noir is a celebration of the winemaker’s goal of capturing the essence of this wonderful grape.
A great Pinot Noir usually has a long, lingering finish. This pairs best with wild game or veal.
- Syrah
This wine has a full-bodied flavor and an aroma of blueberries or black plums. Syrah accentuates the flavor of spiced food and goes especially well with exotic spices. Climate greatly influences Syrah grapes, with hotter climates giving it a fruitier taste.
Originally from Europe, Syrah later found a second home in Australia when introduced there in the 19th century. Today, Syrah is the most popular red grape in Australia. It’s also called Shiraz.
It is ideal for serving hearty and rich meat dishes, specifically venison.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
All major winemaking regions grow Cabernet Sauvignon, from Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley to California’s Napa Valley.
A true Cabernet Sauvignon flows best at room temperature with a full body and a dry taste that capture a few of the best characteristics of red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon improves as it ages, so if you lose a bottle in your cellar for a few years, you might be surprised at the results.
French oak is usually used in the aging process, which gives wines dark fruit flavors that are accompanied by earthy aromas. A juicy steak or other red meat goes perfectly with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Malbec
More than 65% of Malbec vineyards are located in Argentina, but you don’t have to travel that far to enjoy this dark, fruity wine. Malbec is one of the most popular wines today, and you’ll find it in many restaurants.
Due to its acidity and fruity notes, it is a very easy to drink wine. With blue cheese, malbec’s fruity flavor comes to life.
- Sangiovese
Sangiovese, or “the blood of Jupiter,” is a bone-dry wine type that grows mainly in Italy, and it is one of the best Tuscan varietals. Winemakers have plenty of space to experiment with Sangiovese because of its centuries-old tradition. During its youth, this wine is noted for its fresh strawberry flavor. If well-aged, its oaky taste delights.
More recently, Sangiovese vineyards have been established in Argentina, Romania, and California.
With any of the wines on this list, you can’t go wrong. Start (or continue) your journey through the elegant and exciting world of red and white wines.
Which one you will choose next thanksgiving?
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