The types of grapes used to make a wine are the single most important factor in the taste of the wine.
The flavors of a wine are also affected by how the grapes are handled and fermented, etc.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc grapes usually make a crisp white wine. White Bordeaux wines are often made with these grapes.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay grapes are used to produce an elegant white wine. White Burgundies and some California wines are most often made from Chardonnay.
Syrah
Syrah grapes make a very full, rich red wine.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel grapes can make a full, strong wine with a spicy taste. White Zinfandel is popular as well.
Merlot
Merlot grapes make soft beautiful wines that are medium to dark red. California and Chilean Merlots are among the best.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir grapes make full, rich lovely red wines that are usually softer than Cabernets. Burgundies are predominantly Pinot Noir.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are rich & complex in flavour and ages well. Bordeaux wines are very often Cabernets.
