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A great place for beginners to get their heads around the world’s most popular red, whites and rosé
Let’s be honest. Wine is one of life’s simplest pleasures, but it can feel a little overwhelming at times. Learning a few basics can go a long way. Below, we’ll take you through some of the most familiar wine types, with an introduction to the grapes used to make popular red, white and rosé wines.
What Are the Main Types of Wine?
In broad strokes, wine falls into three primary categories: sparkling, still and fortified. Sparkling wines—like Champagne or Prosecco—contain bubbles, while fortified wines—like Sherry or Port—have had a neutral spirit added to raise their alcohol content. Still wines, which are by far the most common, are wines without bubbles or a neutral spirit added.
Still wines are most often defined by the color of the grapes used. White wines typically come from grapes with light-colored skins, while red wines are made from darker-skinned grapes. Rosé wines, meanwhile, are also made from red grapes, but with a shorter winemaking process that gives them their distinctive pink color.
Popular White Wines and the Grapes Behind Them
White wine is usually made with light-skinned grapes and can vary in shade from nearly clear to deep gold. On the palate, they might be light and refreshing, softly rounded or rich and full-bodied. Flavor-wise, they can span from dry and crisp to rich and sweet.
The grape used doesn’t dictate everything—style and flavor are shaped by climate, soil, production methods and the winemaker’s choices. Let’s explore some of the most beloved white wine types.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay, made from green-skinned grapes, is one of the world’s most widely enjoyed white wines. Though typically dry, Chardonnay can range from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and creamy with notes of oak. Depending on where and how it’s made, you might taste apple, pear, pineapple, lemon, vanilla or even toasted spice.
For a classic French example, try Chablis, which is typically medium bodied with balanced acidity, minerality, and soft notes of orchard fruit and citrus. Prefer a bolder style? California Chardonnay offers a richer, oak-aged profile. For something in between, try Chardonnay from South Africa or Australia.
Pinot Grigio
Light, clean and highly approachable, Pinot Grigio is an ideal choice for those new to wine or looking for something easy to enjoy. Known by other names depending on the region—Pinot Gris being the most familiar—this wine tends to offer citrus, white peach and floral notes.
Italian Pinot Grigios are always a good bet, especially those from the northern Friuli. They often showcase bright orchard fruits, citrus, floral complexity and a subtle almond note.
Riesling
Riesling is a versatile white known for its high acidity, food-friendliness and its ability to age. Whether bone-dry or sweet and honeyed, Riesling always brings freshness to the table. Expect notes ranging from citrus and stone fruit to tropical, with hints of minerality, honey or even petrol.
Look to Germany and New York’s Finger Lakes for classic expressions. Or try a bottle from Australia for a drier, fruit-forward style.
Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp, vibrant white, Sauvignon Blanc is grown across the globe—from France’s Loire Valley to New Zealand’s Marlborough region. It’s always zesty and refreshing, with flavors that may include grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit or grassy herbs, depending on origin.
Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc offer elegant citrus and a touch of herbs, while New Zealand examples are typically fruit-forward and lively. California’s Sauvignon Blanc tends to split the difference, offering another delicious alternative.
Familiar Red Wines and Their Grape Varieties
Red wine comes from dark-skinned grapes and ranges in color from light ruby to deep garnet. The style can vary just as much—from soft and fruity to bold and structured. While many red wines offer berry and plum notes, others showcase earth, spice or savory tones.
Again, the grape tells only part of the story. Region, climate, winemaking methods and aging all help shape the final result.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the “king” of red wines. Bold and full bodied, it’s known for rich black fruit flavors, a sturdy structure and age-worthiness. You might also detect notes of mint, cedar, tobacco or vanilla, especially if it has been aged in aged in oak.
Napa Valley produces the classic American expression of Cabernet, with most versions offering rich dark fruit flavors and baking spice notes. For a more traditional French style, try red Bordeaux from the region’s Left Bank, which are blends made predominantly Cabernet, and have elegant and refined layers of cassis and floral nuance.
Malbec
Originally from France but now a hallmark of Argentine winemaking, Malbec is full-bodied, plush and often deeply fruity. Argentinian Malbec typically gives silky layers of blackberry, plum, cocoa and spice, sometimes with a floral hint, while French Malbec is generally more tannic, with a savory, earthy flavor profile.
Merlot
Known for its smooth texture and approachability, Merlot is a red with moderate tannins and lots of charm. Common notes include black cherry, raspberry and cocoa, plus hints of oak spice.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most cherished grapes, valued for its complexity and elegance. Light- to medium-bodied and ruby-hued, it can taste of cherry, strawberry, forest floor, violet and spice, depending on where it’s grown.
The most sought-after Pinot Noirs are red Burgundy, which typically balance fruit notes with earthy tones. Oregon also offers wines in this Burgundian style, while Californian version are often a riper take on the grape.
What to Know About Rosé Wines
Rosé wines are made much like red wines, but the skins are removed earlier in the winemaking process to achieve a lighter color. The longer the skins remain in contact with the juice, the deeper the hue. Rosé can range from pale to vibrant pink, and styles run the gamut from bone-dry to gently sweet.
Rosé can be made from virtually any red grape and in any wine-producing region around the world.
Dry, delicate, and mineral-driven, Provençal Rosé has set the standard for modern rosé. Typically made from Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, these wines are light, crisp and perfect for warmer weather.
Rosato, Italy’s version of rosé, can be either bright and zippy or rich, with noticeable tannins. Rosado, the Spanish counterpart, is often more fruit-forward and spicy, made from grapes like Tempranillo and Garnacha.
Are These the Only Wines Worth Knowing?
Not at all! These are just some of the most recognized and widely enjoyed styles. The world of wine is vast and ever evolving, with countless grapes, regions and traditions to explore. But starting here is a wonderful first step.
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