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All over the world, Wine has been captivating the palates of many for centuries and today continues to offer pleasure and enjoyment with its unique taste and union of creativity with nature.  Over time though, certain wine varieties seem to have become more prominently loved and have now become staples in homes, dining rooms, and cellars around the world.  Join us on a journey looking at the most popular wines today, where each sip tells its own story.

Red Wine

Red wine is a common go-to for many with its deep flavors, textures, and aroma.  Among the many different red varieties available, the below wines do stand out as being a consistent favorite.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied. This complex wine is loved for its deep flavors which consist of blackcurrant and plum with also a very subtle hint of cedar and herbs.  It was first made in Bordeaux, France. The strong flavor of this wine makes it the perfect accompaniment to hearty dishes like a grilled steak or aged cheese.

Merlot – A medium-bodied red wine. Another favorite with red lovers!  Tasting of ripe plum, cherry, blackberries and red fruits with a hint of mocha, vanilla, and cloves.  Merlot is classified as a dry wine due to its tannin levels, even though it does taste fruitier than the Cab Sav.

Bordeaux Merlot

Syrah / shiraz – A medium to full-bodied wine tasting of blueberries and plums with savory notes of bacon, leather, and black peppercorns. Common too, in this wine is the hint of the violet flower.  Shiraz with its powerful tannins and high alcohol content is known as a dry wine.

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Pinot Noir – Light bodied. Preferred by many for its more delicate flavor.  A lighter wine that portrays elegance.  With its smooth texture, spicy aroma, and flavors of red fruits including  raspberry, cherry, and mushroom with a small taste of French oak, baking spice, and vanilla.

White Wine

A refreshing alternative to red wine is white wine! The following white wine varieties are among the most popular.

Chardonnay – Has been the queen of white wine for a long time. First made in Burgandy, France. Chardonnay grapes do produce a diverse range of wines.  The flavors often resemble ripe apple and citrus with the end resulting in a creamy texture. This wine is perfectly paired with creamy pasta dishes as well as seafood and poultry.

Sauvignon Blanc – Another popular white wine with tropical fruit flavors.  The aroma is similar to the taste with flavors of grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, peach and bell pepper. Normally made as a dry white wine.

Chardonnay wine

Riesling – This wine can be either dry or sweet with natural flavors of pear, apple, peach and apricot. Riesling pairs well with a variety of seafood including fish tacos.

Moscato – Considered a sweet wine with flavors of orange blossom, peach, pears, honeysuckle, lemon, mandarins and oranges. Best served cold straight from the fridge.  This sweeter wine pairs great with spicy food and curries.

Rose Wine

The popularity of this wine has increased in the past years as it offers the freshness of white wine with still the fruitiness of red wine. It is created the same way as red wine but the macerating process where the skin is left to soak is shortened which gives rose wine its lighter or signature pink color.

White Zinfandel Rose – A semi – dry to sweet wine boasting flavors of melon, lemon and red berries with the hint of cloves and nutmeg. This is a great wine to pair with indian food, bbq pork, egg dishes and desserts.

Provence Rose – With the taste of exotic fruit resembling the same concept of red wine but with a lighter crisper taste. This is quite notably a dry wine.

Provence rose wine in glass

Pink Moscato – This is a sweeter wine that pairs beautifully with desserts and fruit. It bursts with fruity flavor like raspberries, strawberries and cherries. Some may have a hint of caramel or vanilla in the aroma.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is well known for its celebratory attraction but its versatility gives it a place in the world of beverages. Not only is it a staple for toasts and special occasions but it is also a great accompaniment to a wide range of dishes due to the ability of the bubbles to cleanse the palate. Sparkling wine can be enjoyed alone or with friends in celebration and can enhance moments creating lasting memories

Champagne – A bright refreshing drink with an effervescent feel which warms the mouth.  Originating from Champagne in France where strict rules are followed and specific vineyard practices are upheld.

Prosecco – Often thought to be a little sweeter than champagne yet still noted as a dry wine. This wine is particular great to drink with oysters or a grazing platter, pre-dinner.

Cava – A sparkling wine originating from Spain. It can be either white or rose. It is a much drier wine than prosecco yet in taste it is a lot closer to that of champagne

Fortified Wine

Fortified wines – These wines are often enjoyed as an after dinner wine and have also been known to pair with a variety of savory and sweet dishes, this inclusion adds depth and complexity to any dining experience.

Sherry – Can be enjoyed neat or mixed in to a cocktail. Be careful when purchasing as they do come in a sweet and dry variety and if it is your first time then you do need to know that sherry is an acquired taste. It does Pair wonderfully though with olives, oysters, cured meats and marcona almonds.

Port Wine – Older port wines usually taste like dried fruits while younger port wines taste like the lighter bodied red fruits. Port is a sweeter wine with delicious flavors of raspberry, blackberry, caramel, cinnamon, and chocolate sauce. A great way to end a meal, especially with company.

Best Tawny Port

Marsala – Another sweet wine showing flavors of honey, nuts, tobacco, brown sugar and dried apricot. This wine is commonly used in cooking but can be sipped neat after a meal as a digestive.  Great also with ice and a slice of lemon.

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