Wine Basics

A varietal is a species of grape. Different varietals have different flavors, and so they are used to make different types of wines. The following sections will discuss the most common varietals and the types of wines they are used in. The main difference between red wines and white wines is that the skins are left in red wines, which is what gives them their distinct coloring. At the least, you should know what color each varietal is generally used for.

Merlot - Merlot is one of the most popular varietals in the United States and Chile. Merlot-based wines usually have medium body with hints of berry, plum, and currant. Its popularity took a small dip after the release of the movie Sideways, whose main character famously remarked "I will not drink any fucking Merlot!"

You can get a reasonably good bottle of Merlot for under $15.

Pinot Noir - Pinot Noir grapes are widely considered to produce some of the world's finest wines, however they are also the most difficult to manipulate. Just as Merlot received a dip in popularity from Sideways, Pinot Noir received a boost, as it was the main character's favorite varietal.

Good Pinot Noir is a bit more expensive, and you should expect to pay around $25 for a decent bottle.

Cabernet Sauvignon - My personal favorite! It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country, and unsurprisingly, it is the most recognizeable red wine in the world.

You can find a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for under $15.

Chardonnay - Chardonnay is, hands down, the most famous and popular varietal of white wine. One of the reasons for this is that, like most white wine, you can obtain a fairly good bottle for a reasonable price. When tasting Californian Chardonnays there are usually strong flavors of oak and butter that you might be able to pick out.

You should be able to find a decent bottle under $10, easily.

Sauvignon Blanc - Not to be confused with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that is usually lighter than a Chardonnay. It originated in the Bordeaux region of France, but now has prospered all over the world.

Slightly more expensive than Chardonnay, expect to pay around $12 for a decent bottle.

Riesling - Rieslings are used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling wines. It is generally considered part of the top three white wines, along with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

A reasonably good Riesling can be had for under $12.

Pinot Blanc - This is a little rarer than the preceeding three, but I included it here to illustrate a point. Pinot Noir is a red wine made out of the Pinot grapes. Pinot Blanc is a white wine made out of the same grapes. Don't ever ask for a "white Pinot Noir." Especially in Napa.

Look for a Pinot Blanc in the $15-$20 price range.

Here are a few terms you need to know in order to taste wines intelligently.

Color - What you look for here is different with each varietal, so look up the specifics before your tasting! A Chardonnay, for example, will have a nice, deep color after it has spent some time aging. For a Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, you'll want to tilt the glass and observe how deep the color is in the thinnest section of wine you can create. A deeper color towards the edge of the glass is indicative of a quality Cabernet.

Aroma - Before you taste your wine, you'll want to examine the aroma. Don't be shy, stick your nose all the way into your glass and take a deep breath. You may not be able to distinguish flavors yet, but you'll still probably have a good idea whether you're going to like the wine. Now swirl the wine vigorously for 15 seconds or so, and then take another smell. Did it change?

Body - Roll the wine over your tongue, feel how it coats your mouth. Get a feeling for the consistency of the wine. Is it thick like milk? Or thin like water? That's the body of the wine.

Finish - After you've taken a sip of wine, notice how the flavor lingers in your mouth. Breath slowly and enjoy the after effects. This is the finish, and generally speaking, the higher the quality of the wine, the longer the finish will be.

Flavors - You know what these are already, of course. You've seen expert wine tasters rattle off a whole list of ingredients. If you want to develop your sense of taste, try using a wine wheel. It will list all of the common flavors in a wine for you to pick and choose from.