Do you want to expand your wine palate?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a list of the 7 most popular wine varieties to try. From bold and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, these varieties are a must-try.
1- Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with bold, rich flavors and aromas of black fruit, such as blackberry and black currant, as well as notes of cassis, vanilla, and spices. It has firm tannins and high levels of alcohol (13.5%!) A good Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed for years and improve with age.
Are you looking for a great value Cabernet Sauvignon?
Try the To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. It retails for less than $100 and has a reputation for its rich, smooth, and well-balanced flavor profile.
2- Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine known for its versatility. It’s produced styles from crisp and bright to rich and creamy. On the palate, it often has flavors of green apple, pear, lemon, and oak, with a buttery or toasty finish. Chardonnay is a popular choice for wine lovers and is often paired with seafood, chicken, and creamy sauces. A dish made with pasta and mushrooms might use Chardonnay as an ingredient, in fact.
Are you looking for a Chardonnay that won’t break the bank?
Try the Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. It retails for less than $100 and is known for its balance of fruit and oak flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser and great value.
3- Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red wine known for its delicate flavors and aromas of cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, along with notes of earth and spices. Pinot Noir is a challenging grape to grow and produce. But it’s respected for its complexity and elegance. It’s often paired with lighter fare such as poultry and salmon. The movie Sideways brought national attention to Pinot Noir and made it one of the most sought after wine varieties. Read more about that here.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Meiomi Pinot Noir. It retails for less than $100 and offers a well-balanced and approachable taste profile, making it a great starting point for those new to Pinot Noir.
4- Merlot
Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine known for its soft, rounded flavors and aromas of dark fruit, such as black cherry and blackberry, as well as notes of vanilla and chocolate. Merlot is a popular wine because of its approachable and easy-drinking style, making it a great choice if you’re new to wine. The movie Sideways had a negative impact on Merlot sales because of the portrayal of the wine in the film. But it has since recovered and remains a staple variety in many wine portfolios.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Decoy Merlot. It retails for less than $100 and offers a rich, fruit-forward taste profile with a smooth finish, making it a great value for those who enjoy Merlot.
5- Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine known for its bright, citrusy flavors and aromas of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, as well as notes of green grass and herbs. Sauvignon Blanc is versatile and often paired with salads, seafood, and fresh cheeses. It’s also popular for its crisp acidity, making it a great choice for warm weather.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. It retails for less than $100 and offers a zesty and fruit-forward taste profile, making it a great value if you want to try Sauvignon Blanc.
6- Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz is a full-bodied red wineknown for its rich, bold flavors and aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and spice, as well as notes of leather, smoke, and pepper. Syrah/Shiraz is a popular wine variety often paired with hearty fare such as red meat, barbecue, and strong cheeses.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Ravenswood Winery Zinfandel. It retails for less than $100 and offers a bold, fruit-forward taste profile with a hint of spice, making it a great value if you want to try Syrah/Shiraz.
7- Riesling
Riesling is a crisp and aromatic white wine known for its bright, floral flavors and aromas of green apple, pear, and apricot, as well as notes of honey and minerality. Riesling is a versatile wine that can range from bone-dry to off-dry, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a range of sweetness levels. Riesling is also respected for its aging potential. It develops complex flavors over time.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Dr. Loosen Riesling. It retails for less than $100 and offers a bright and balanced taste profile with a hint of sweetness.
Honorable Mention – Brut Wine
Brut Wine is a dry bubbly wine. It’s not champagne, but it’s similar. The palate and flavor profiles for Brut Wines vary based on the base wine that’s made bubbly. For example, a Brut Wine made from Pinot Noir will taste different from a Brut Wine made from Chardonnay. One interesting Brut Wine to try is Comte de Bredimus, which is a French wine that’s relatively hard to find but still in production.
Conclusion
These 7 wine varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Shiraz, and Riesling – represent some of the most popular and beloved wines in the world. Each variety has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics, making them perfect for a wide range of palates and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a bold and robust red or a crisp and refreshing white, there’s a wine on this list that’s sure to suit your taste. Next time you’re in the market for a new bottle of wine, why not try one of these 7 popular varieties and discover your new favorite?