The Basics |
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The Big Six |
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Although there are a large number of grapes that are used around the world to create wines (well
over 100 are planted in meaningful numbers), many of which you will definitely have never
heard of or tasted, the wine landscape is dominated
by what we lovingly refer to as the big six. So, let's just dive right in and discuss each
grape, starting from the lightest white, Riesling, and culminating in the most full-bodied
of the six, Cabernet Sauvignon. We'll keep the descriptions of the grapes here relatively brief. For more specifics on these wines, please check out our Wine Tips section, where we'll have many more articles on wine and suggestions on what to drink. Riesling Airy, crisp and flowery, Riesling is low in alcohol and very friendly with food, especially with spicy fare such as Chinese or Thai. Many wine drinkers mistakingly believe that all Rieslings are sweet, but that's definitely not the case. Look to Rieslings from Alsace, France for dry versions of this varietal, while the German varieties will usually be sweeter. You'll also find good Rieslings being produced in Austria, the United States and even Australia. Flavors and aromas can include apples, apricots, peaches and honey, and the body ranges from ultra-light to medium. Purchase the fantastic Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica, Sauvignon Blanc Probably the easiest of the big six to recognize by smell and taste due to its unmistakable grassy characteristics. Great Sauvignon Blanc offers up a wonderfully herbaceous aroma, combined with a taut fruity flavor with vibrant acidity. Currently, New Zealand is renowned for making fantastic Sauvignon Blancs, drinkable and true to their nature. In France, wines from the Loire Valley such as Sancerre offer up intense versions of this varietal, with a nose affectionately called "Cat's Pee." The body of Sauvignon Blanc is medium, and is best paired with seafood. Purchase Sauvignon Blanc online at wine.com. Chardonnay The world's most popular grape at the moment, Chardonnay's expression can range from rich and buttery to clean and racy depending on the techniques used by the winemaker. No matter what, the signature of Chardonnay is a full-bodied, creamy textured white that can stand up to almost any food. California Chardonnays are some of the best in the world, ripe and many times aged in oak until their butter and vanilla flavors are almost overwhelming. On the flip side, Chardonnays from France and Australia rely less on oak aging and more on cleaner fruit flavors and even a little earthiness. Purchase Chardonnay online at wine.com. Pinot Noir We at SS&S will not apologize for being completed biased and telling you that Pinor Noir is our favorite wine, and it's not really even close. Usually glowing red like a liquid jewel, Pinot offers a sensous nose of strawberries, raspberries or cinnamon while delighting the palate with a combination of luscious fruit, acidity and silky-smooth feel. The French region of Burgundy makes Pinots that rank among the finest wines in the world, while the United States, specifically California and Oregon, create Pinots that are absolute crowd-pleasers. Light to medium bodied, versatile Pinot Noir is almost the perfect wine for any food, matching up to steak but also soft enough to go with seafood. Purchase Pinot Noir online at wine.com. Merlot Flavors and aromas of cherries, plums and jam along with an easy drinkability have made Merlot quite popular with American drinkers who prefer it to the more stout and tannic Cabernet. Merlot is usually medium bodied with an uncomplicated fruitiness and velvety texture. An immense number of Merlots are produced in the United States, while the Bordeaux region of France uses the grape as part of a blend, though it is many times the dominant grape. Australia and Chilé also produce good Merlot. Like Cab, it pairs well with red meat, pasta and lamb. Purchase Merlot online at wine.com. Cabernet Sauvignon Big, bold and always packing a punch, Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary grape of many of the world's best and most expensive wines, from French Bordeaux to the Super Tuscans of Italy. California Cabernets are also loved and respected across the globe. Cab is powerful and many times stacked with enough tannin to allow it to age gracefully for decades. The nose and flavor are purely dark fruit with essences of chocolate, coffee, tobacco or dirt. Cabs are as full-bodied as wines get, pairing up beautifully with heavy duty meals such as steak, veal and sausage. Purchase Cabernet Sauvignon online at wine.com. |
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