Popular Wine Varieties From Around The World
Wine has been enjoyed by many people around the world for centuries. In fact, it has become part of popular culture in much the same way that tapas and sushi have done. A varietal is a category of wines, usually of a single variety, which are produced by a particular vineyard or growing zone. In the United States and in Europe, most varietal wines are also called by the predominant grape grown in the wine-producing area.
A varietal may be based on the variety of grapes grown, or the name of the town where the vineyards are located. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon was the favourite varietal grape in Australia before Cabernet Franc was introduced there in the late 1800s. However, these days Cabernet Sauvignons are grown in France most commonly. Cabernet Franc grapes are still grown in California but have been widely commercialised around the world.
Merlot is a popular variety of wine grapes in the United States. It is a close runner up to Cabernet Sauvignon in sales. Merlot is primarily known for being versatile; therefore it has found a place in the market of high-end wines that include whites and rose wines. It is not uncommon to find Merlot paired with exquisite chocolates or pastries. Merlot does not usually go well with spicy food.
Pinot Noir, produced primarily in California, is the most popular variety of white wine. It is made from a grape called the pinot noir grape, which is found commonly in California. The word "noir" means “black” or “dark” in French. The majority of pinot noirs in the United States are grown in chardonnay and grape farms in the Napa Valley. Pinot Noir is considered to be a medium-aged wine that pairs well with Merlot. Pinot Noir is typically more expensive than Merlot.
Blending wine is one way you can increase your enjoyment of wine, especially a vintage. Wine blends can be different from single varietals because they are aged differently. The longer a wine is left to develop in a cask or glass, a fuller and more complex flavour develops. Most blended wines such as some German wines and Riesling are not aged very long, and thus the flavours are closer to the original fruit of the vine. Some of the more popular blends are wheat, blackberry, raspberry, cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular types of grapes grown in California, contributing to its success in winemaking. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, because they are not very prone to disease, are ideal for making versatile wines. This grape variety is so versatile that it is commonly used to make reds that go with white meats, cheeses, desserts and many more. California Cabernet Sauvignon is prized for producing a full-bodied wine that pairs well with many different foods. Some of the foods that blend well with Cabernet Sauvignon are pasta sauces, steak, veal, chicken dishes and lobster.
Chardonnay is considered a very famous white wine grape grown in France. It is typically very light in colour and is used to produce wines that pair well with fish, cheese, fruits, meats and other light foods. Chardonnays were originally grown in the Champagne region in France but now they are grown in different locations around the world including California. Some of the best Chardonnays are from the Napa Valley. These wines are known for their fresh and bright flavour.
Merlot is an exotic type of grape variety that is commonly grown in California. It is one of the most popular wine varieties for blending because of its mellow flavour. It pairs well with spicy food and poultry dishes. It is also good when blended with zesty grapefruit flavours or citrus rinds. If you want a wine that tastes like black cherries, merlot is an excellent choice.
The kind of wine you love is a very personal thing, and most people will have a slightly different palette. You can easily find a huge choice of wines online which makes it much easier to choose the perfect wine to accompany any meal or any occasion. You can also find plenty of deals from online retailers and taster packs so you can try out something new.
Resources:
- Chardonnay - Tech.blog
- Sauvignon Blanc - Diary.by
- Chablis - Finance.blog
- Malbec - Talium
- Champagne - Wikiful
- Red Wine - GoDaddy