Grape Varieties

Red Varietals 

Grape Variety:
Cabernet Sauvignon  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Tastes of raspberries and black currants.  Succulent, rich, and full bodied
Points of Interest:
This is the most well-known black grape variety in the world. It is the most important Bordeaux variety along with Merlot. The grapes are high in tannins, which allow for long aging.
Country of Origin:
France
Pairs well with:
Cheddar and Gorgonzola cheeses, walnuts, venison, ribeye, beef stew, grilled meats, tuna, black cherries, tomatoes, broccoli, lavender, rosemary, brown and tomato sauces, and chocolate.

Grape Variety:
Gamay  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Distinctive pear aroma and a raspberry flavor.
Points of Interest:
This grape makes Beaujolais wines. In Burgundy, it accounts for more than half of the wine produced.  It is a very uncomplicated light, and fruity red wine producer.
Country of Origin:
France

Grape Variety:
Grenache  
Taste & Flavor Description:
On its own, this black grape makes warm, fruity flavored wines that are full in body and high in alcohol. They have aromas of freshly ground black pepper.
Points of Interest:
The grapes are low in tannins so they are often blended with grapes higher in tannins.
Country of Origin:
Spain
 

Grape Variety:
Merlot  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Aromas and flavors of plums and black cherries. 
Points of Interest:
One of the most widely planted grapes of Bordeaux.  Lower in tannins and acidity than a Cabernet Sauvignon, which brings a richness and smoothness to the wines.
Country of Origin:
France
Pairs well with:
Parmesan and Romano cheese, grilled meats, steak, swordfish and tuna, onions, tomatoes, plums, mint, rosemary, bearnaise sauces, and dark chocolate.

Grape Variety:
Mourvedre  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Slightly gamay notes, rich flavor, high in alcohol and tannins.
Points of Interest:
Often blended with Shiraz and Granach. 
Country of Origin:
Spain
 

Grape Variety:
Pinot Noir  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Light to Medium-bodied reds, with a strawberry or raspberry aroma. Smooth and aromatic with low tannins.
Points of Interest:
This grape is extremely sensitive to climatic conditions, and yields are not very high, making it both difficult and expensive to produce. It is rarely blended.
Country of Origin:
France
Pairs well with:
Goat and Brie cheeses, walnuts, lamb, sausage, filet mignon, roasted chicken, orange roughy, tuna, mushrooms, dried fruit, figs, strawberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, an clove spices, light red sauces, and white chocolate.

Grape Variety:
Shiraz/Syrah  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Makes dark, full-bodied, strong red wines. Having aromas of black currants, cedar and mixed spices.
Points of Interest:
This variety is easy to grow with high yields. Known as Shiraz in Australia and South America. It is widely planted in the Rhone region of France.
Country of Origin:
France
Pairs well with:
Sharp cheddar and Roquefort cheese, hazelnuts, roast game, pepperoni, spicy sausage, salmon, currants, tomatoes, beets, oregano, sage, heavy and red sauces, and rhubarb pie.

Grape Variety:
Red Zinfandel
Taste & Flavor Description:
Styles range from light and elegant, as in the white or rose wines, to massive and tannic reds.  It has a very berry-like character.
Points of Interest:
It is known as California's own grape variety.  They are at their best peak at about 5 years of aging, preferably with a brief time in oak.
Country of Origin:
USA
Pairs well with:
Ripe Brie and aged cheeses, pork, sausage, beef, duck, cloppino, blackened fish, pepper, nutmeg, cranberries, eggplant, spicy sauces, and carrot cake


White Varietals 

Grape Variety:
Chardonnay  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Wines from this grape are dry, and light (crisp apple flavors) to medium and full bodied (buttery), depending on how they are made.
Points of Interest:
This is unquestionably the most popular white grape variety, partly due to being very temperamental and versatile. It is often blended with Chenin blanc and is the main variety used to make Champagne. This grape also responds very well to being aged in oak, which gives it a depth of flavor not achieved by other processes. 
Country of Origin:
France
Pairs well with:
Asiago and havarti cheeses, almonds, veal, chicken, pork loin, halibut, crab, shrimp, potatoes, apples, squash, mango, tarragon and sesame spices, cream and pesto sauces, and vanilla desserts .

Grape Variety:
Chenin Blanc  
Taste & Flavor Description:
A very balanced and neutral taste.  Successful dry wines are fresh and fruity, sweet wines are well-balanced and honeyed.
Points of Interest:
High acidity characterizes these grapes, which need plenty of sun to ripen properly. They are very balanced, with a neutral taste, making it a very successful blending grape. With such a high acidity, this variety also makes great sparkling wines.
Country of Origin:
France

Grape Variety:
Colombard  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Very light flavor. Tropical overtones.
Points of Interest:
This variety was primarily used as a filler in the production of commercial wines.  It is the second most planted grape in California.  Used for Cognac.
Country of Origin:
France

Grape Variety:
Gewúrztraminer  
Taste & Flavor Description:
A very aromatic grape with a touch of spice, sweetness, exotic fruits, and a fuller body.
Points of Interest:
It is often blended with Riesling.  The grapes are pink and produce a deep golden wine color.  These wines usually have a high alcohol level at about 12%.
Country of Origin:
France and Italy
Pairs well with:
Spicy and salty dishes.

Grape Variety:
Muscat  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Distinctly grapey, rich in flavor, Orange, spicy, and musky overtones.
Points of Interest:
This grape is excellent for fortified wines, especially ports.  It is extensively used for blending.
Country of Origin:
France
 

Grape Variety:
Riesling
Taste & Flavor Description:
Floral, citrus, pear, and even lime aromas. This grape variety makes delicate, lighter bodied wines that range from bone dry to very sweet.
Points of Interest:
They are light in body and low in alcohol, yet strongly flavored and very long-lived. It is also subject to noble rot.
Country of Origin:
Germany
Pairs well with:
Havarti and gouda cheeses, walnuts, smoked sausage, duck, sea bass, trout, apricots, chili peppers, pears, rosemary and ginger spices, sweet, BBQ, and spicy sauces, and apples.

Grape Variety:
Sauvignon Blanc  
Taste & Flavor Description:
An aroma suggestive of green grass and gooseberries. It is very aromatic with a crisp, "asparagus-like" flavor, often very earthy.
Points of Interest:
Wines made from this grape are mostly dry, fresh, and designed to be drunk young. It is often blended with Semillon and Chenin Blanc. 
Country of Origin:
France
Pairs well with:
Feta and chevre cheeses, chicken, turkey, sole, oysters, scallops, citrus fruits, asparagus, green apples, chives, cilantro, and tarragon spices, citrus and light sauces, and sorbet.

Grape Variety:
Semillon  
Taste & Flavor Description:
Light to full body with a crisp aroma.  Tastes of subtle grassy overtones.
Points of Interest:
This versatle grape makes a range of white wines. It is often blended. With age, this variety develops toasty richness.  It is also perhaps greatest when subject to noble rot, making some of the best dessert wines like Sauternes and Barsac.
Country of Origin:
France