Branching our to grapes other that Pino and Chardonnay can seem intimidating. So finding a new favorite wine is the best, here's a go to wine list of the top grapes wines to try before you die.
White
(listed from light to more full bodied)
Vinho Verde
This fizzy white made in Portugal has a lovely light green-yellow color. Its effervescence is similar to white grape and green melon. The verde, meaning green, in this case actually means young referring to the age of the wine.
Sauvignon Blanc
Best made in Pouilly Fume or Sancerre, France, Sauvignon Blanc is made from white grapes with little skin in the wine during the maturation period. With tastes of pear, white grape, and white berry, this is the perfect wine for a summer afternoon accompanied with fish.
Pinot Grigio
Another light wine, less acidic and more sweet than a Vinho Verde. Best grown in Venetia, Italy.
Albarino
Now moving toward to more full bodied whites, an Albarino from Galicia, Spain. Nice notes of white grape and a lovely earthiness that is warm enough to pair with a chicken or pasta dish.
Chenin Blanc
The best made in Vouvray or Loire, France. Nothing is much better than a French wine grown by a small family in a vineyard in France. Blanc, meaning white, mostly white grape with almost no skin, it is light a sweet choice.
Torrontes
Argentinian style is best; acidity and softness in perfect balance.
Riesling
The silent hero of wines. Made especially in Auslese or Moselle, Germany and well as Alsace, France. The Riesling grape is aromatic, delicate and expressive; the perfect medium between sweet and acidic for a wine.
Gewurztraminer
A delicious vine that creates wine with notes of Lychee, rose, and other floral effervescence. Typically high in alcohol content because of the sugar levels. The color is a real golden-yellow and the body is heavy enough to pair with chicken, pasta or vegetables.
Viognier
A vine found in Rhone, France. A nice body and fullness make this wine great fro pairing with foods or to drink lone.
Chardonnay
The world of the Chardonnay grape is wide and fruitful. The most amazing Chardonnays are found deep in the heart of France in Chablis or Pouilly Fuisse. Sweet and perfectly oaky, California Chardonnays are more full bodied and have stronger tannins than French Chardonnays.
Late Harvest
Referring to the time in which the grape is picked from the vine, Late Harvest from Monbazillac, Sauterne, or Barsac, France are splendid and sharp. The fullest in body of all the white wines on this list.
Reds
(also listed from light to more full bodied)
Gamay
Best grown and maturated in Beaujolais, France. Light in red color and tannins (aka bitterness) making it great with something like a fresh tomato pasta.
Pinot Noir
This red is difficult to grow. Delectably sharp and refreshing with cherry, raspberry, violet flavors. For fun, try a French Pinot Noir from Cote de Nuits, France or the western version from Santa Rita Hills, California.
Cabernet
Vine from Bordeaux, France and Napa, California. the french having more tannins and the California grape tasting more fruity. California Cabernets can be drank alone and French is meant to paired with food.
Sangiovese
Amazing grape artisanal made in Chanti, Italy. Tuscan wine is a must to try one or twice in you die. It's very full bodied meant to be paired with a meat dish.
Syrah
Sensations of lack pepper, dark chocolate, and notable tannins.
Merlot
Colored like an almost purple, red ruby dark wine. You can taste the plump and plummy icences.
Zindfandel
Soft, yet very full bodied. One of the deepest reds best grown in both California and Puglia, Italy.
Bordeaux
My personal favorite steak pairing from Medoc, France, it's sharp and smokey.
Malbec
Famous locally made Argentinian wine is a very deep and very berry taste.
All of these wines can be found at Trader Joes, you just have to know what to try. Cheers!
