As a wine novice, sometimes it’s daunting looking at the bottles on the wall before you. These quick descriptions will give you an idea of where to start.
Popular Whites
- Chardonnay – Fruity, buttery, with a velvety feel that’s atypical to dry white wines.
- Pinot Grigio (aka Pinot Gris) – Simple, light-bodied, dry and crisp.
- Riesling – Can range from sweet to dry, with intense fruit flavors. Much lighter than chardonnay.
- Moscato – Fruity, light bodied, and often sweet.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Dry, tart, and acidic, with herbal flavors as well as tropical fruit.
Popular Reds
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied with herbal notes and strong tannins. Younger cab often has rich flavors of currant and berry.
- Merlot – Fruity, spicy, and soft. Often less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Pinot Noir – Delicate but fruit forward and fresh, very soft tannins with fruity aromas.
- Zinfandel – Typically zesty, ranges from medium- to full-bodied and dry to off-dry.