Winemaking is a tradition with a history stretching over millennia, with the oldest operating winery, Staffelter Hof, being established in 862 in Germany. The drink has gained itself a dedicated cult following that compares winemaking to a form of art. No wonder that a bottle of excellent wine may cost somebody thousands of dollars!
If you are a complete wine novice, it is recommended that you do not buy the most expensive option on the market. It would be unfortunate if a wrong choice of wine made you reluctant to try an expensive wine again. In this situation, it might be worth checking out what varietals are popular and going for the crowd’s favorites. In fact, one of the cheaper wines might happen to win your heart!
The most popular wines on the market include Sauvignon Blanc, red blends, rosé, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Moscato. For the majority of people, the names listed here may not ring any bells. If you are one of such people and want to learn more, you came to the right place. Here, you will find a list of the characteristics of the most popular varietals of wine!
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety known for its rich and fruity taste. It originated in France and was first planted in the late nineteenth century in California. The grape got its name from the French words sauvage, which means wild, and blanc, which means white.
It is an extremely versatile wine varietal that differs in taste depending on the region it is from. For example, the Sauvignon Blanc from France is usually drier than the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Sauvignon Blanc is a popular varietal around the world, particularly in the United States. In Washington, it is called Fumé Blanc, which means white smoke in French. If you are interested in buying a bottle of Fumé Blanc, check here! Fine and rare spirits are easy to find if you know where to look!
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir has been around for more than a thousand years. The name comes from the French words for pine and black, as Pinot Noir grapes have a dark color. Pinot Noir is the perfect option for people who want to drink a glass of red wine but do not want to deal with overpowering tannins.
It is a variety that is loved by a number of wine connoisseurs around the world due to its distinct earthy flavors. It is said that Pinot Noir’s taste can have incredibly complicated flavors, ranging from raspberries and cherries to mushrooms and the forest floor. When aged in French oak, its flavor will be reminiscent of baking spice and vanilla!
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is considered to be an elegant red wine. It has a pleasant taste with hints of cedar, tobacco, and pepper. The grape was a really popular Bordeaux planting in the eighteenth century Médoc region. However, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon made in California that is popular for its characteristic style and reputation.
Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed both with red meat dishes and on its own. It should be noted that Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are often blended with other varieties of grapes to make the most popular red wines on the market. For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with the popular Merlot, as the sweet and fruity flavor of the Merlot counterbalances the obvious tannins and structure of the cabernet.
Syrah
Syrah, which is also known as Shiraz, is a wine varietal that is known for its dark purple color and peppery notes. It originated in France, but in general, it is cultivated in Australia, where it is called Shiraz.
Due to its bold taste, Syrah is often used to make incredible blends. For instance, brave winemakers from Australia might blend Syrah with Petit Verdot. If you want to enjoy Syrah with food, it is recommended that you pair it with beef stew or lamb chops.
Moscato
Moscato is a variety of grape best known for its sweet taste. It is often used to make sweet sparkling wines, such as Moscato d’Asti, which is a popular sparkling wine that is famous for its fruity and flowery flavors. Because of that, it is best enjoyed on holidays and special occasions.
In addition to that, the grape is used to produce Muscat de Beaumes de Venise from France, the flavor of which resembles fruits and honey. If you want to pair Moscato with food, it is advised that you pair it with crunchy vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, and radishes.
In Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a popular wine that goes great with any dish, it is recommended that you try Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to drink a unique kind of wine, it may be a good idea to try a variety of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you are looking for a sweet and light wine to have with crunchy vegetables, Moscato is definitely the way to go!
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
