Full flavored and intense? Cabernet Sauvignon
Mellow and silky? Pinot Noir
Spicy and rich? Syrah/Shiraz
Rose Wines. From black grapes, the juice is separated from the skins as soon as it is sufficiently pink. Good Roses are fragrant and refreshing.
Blush Wines. Originating in California, blush wines are also made from black grapes which are allowed to soak briefly in the juice, resulting in a pinkish wine.
White Wines. White wines can be made from white or black grapes because all grape juice is colorless initially. White wines are sometimes sweeter than red wines, and work well paired with lighter, more delicately flavored foods, highly spiced foods.
Dry and crisp? Muscadet or Verdicchio
Tangy? Sauvignon Blanc
Rich, nutty? Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend
Tropical fruit? Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer
Sparkling Wines. Dry table wine is enhanced with a yeast and sugar solution and sealed for a second fermentation period. Champagne must come from the Champagne region in France. Other sparkling wines don’t qualify for the Champagne moniker.
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon (red). Intense black currant flavor.
Gamay (red). Light cherry and raspberry flavor.
Grenache (rose). Ripe, fruity wines.
Merlot (red). Soft black cherry and black currant flavors. Can be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pinot Noir (red). From light and fruity when young to truffles when mature.
Sangiovese (red). Herbed, fruity flavor.
Syrah/Shiraz (red). Rich and full-bodied with fruity and spicy flavors.
Tempranillo (red). Strawberry flavor.
Zinfandel. Ripe berry flavor.
Chardonnay (white). From light and fresh to oaked and buttery.
Chenin Blanc (white). From extra sweet to dry
Gewurztraminer (white). From dry to sweet, with an aroma of spice
Muscat (white). From dry to sweet.
Riesling (white). From dry apple to sweet honey.
Sauvignon Blanc (white). Fresh and tangy.
Semillion (white). From light lemon to peach sweet.
Viognier (white). Dry apricot.