Guide to Wine Varietals — Insta-Somm

Aglianico is a full-bodied red wine known for its firm tannins and vibrant acidity. It often exhibits a rich, dark fruit profile with earthy undertones, making it complex and age-worthy. This varietal typically showcases a robust structure, allowing it to pair well with hearty dishes.

Spanish white wine grape that makes crisp, refreshing, and light-bodied wines. With hints of lemon zest, grapefruit, and melon, with a bit of saline, it is a great food wine, pairing well with all types of seafood, especially shrimp paella.

White wine grape grown in Burgundy.

Pale yellow color, delicate bouquet of apple, pear, and white flowers, and a crisp, well-balanced palate.

Full-bodied, luscious and substantial, this is the glory of the Veneto.

Amontillado is a type of sherry known for its amber color and complex flavor profile.

A light-bodied dry wine from the Piedmont Region of Italy.

Assyrtiko is a crisp, dry, white Greek wine made from grapes indigenous to the island of Santorini.

Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine originating from the Asti region in Piedmont, Italy.

Black cherry, spice, pepper, tar and leather, with smooth tannins and a supple texture

Off-dry, aromatic with stone fruit and flint - an excellent food wine for a full variety of dishes.

A full-bodied, rich and aromatic wine made from very ripe grapes, yet still vinified off-dry.

Bandol Rosé is a renowned rosé wine produced in the Bandol region of Provence, France. Made primarily from the Mourvèdre grape.

Bandol Rosé is a vibrant and refreshing wine known for its bright acidity and crisp finish. It typically features a medium body with low tannins, making it approachable and versatile. The style often showcases a blend of red and white grape varieties, resulting in a complex flavor profile.

Banyuls is a sweet, fortified wine originating from the Banyuls-sur-Mer region in southern France.

Barbaresco is a prestigious red wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy, made from the Nebbiolo grape,

Barbera is a versatile red wine grape variety primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Bardolino is a red wine produced in the Veneto region of Italy.

Barolo is a prestigious red wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for its boldness and complexity.

Champagne or white wine made from white grapes, usually Chardonnay in Champagne.

White, blush wine, or Champagne made from dark grapes, generally Pinot Noir. These wines often exhibit notes of red fruit, citrus, and sometimes a subtle richness, making them a versatile and popular choice for celebrations and special occasions.

Rich black fruit is contrasted by peppery flavors and boisterous acidity in this food-friendly Austrian red.

Grape variety used to make medium-sweet Madeira.

Bonarda is a medium to full-bodied red wine known for its vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. It typically exhibits a juicy fruit profile with a smooth texture, making it approachable and versatile. The wine often showcases a blend of red and black fruit flavors, complemented by earthy and herbal notes.

Prestigious French wine-making region, producing structured, full-bodied, age-worthy wines that work particularly well with red meat.

Bordeaux Blend wines are typically full-bodied with a robust structure, featuring firm tannins and balanced acidity. These wines often showcase a complex profile, combining fruitiness with earthy and herbal notes. The blend usually includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and sometimes Cabernet Franc, among others, resulting in a rich and layered experience.

Fresh and elegant, this white wine shows notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers, often with a subtle minerality and light oak influence. It pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses. Chardonnay

Sweet red sparkling wine from Piedmont, Italy.

Sangiovese Grosso is the only grape permitted for Brunello di Montalcino, the rare, costly Tuscan red.

Champagne can only be made in the 34,400 hectares that constitute the Champagne AOC. Brut Nature is the very driest style, followed by Brut and Extra Brut.

A Brut Nature, or Brut Zero, is a champagne with a very low sugar content (between 0 and 3g/l). These "no-frills" champagnes allow the grape variety and its terroir to express themselves fully.

Brut Rosé is a sparkling wine known for its vibrant pink hue and lively effervescence. It typically exhibits high acidity and a refreshing, crisp profile, making it an excellent choice for various occasions. The wine often combines the fruitiness of red berries with the elegance of traditional sparkling wine styles.

Bual, also known as Boal, is a grape variety primarily used in the production of Madeira wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira. Bual is known for producing medium-sweet to sweet fortified wines that are rich, complex, and well-balanced. Madeira made from Bual grapes typically exhibits flavors of caramel, dried fruits, nuts, and spice, with a distinctive acidity that gives the wine a refreshing finish despite its sweetness. These wines are prized for their longevity and ability to age gracefully, developing greater depth and character over time.

Bugey Cerdon is a sparkling wine that showcases a unique blend of Gamay and Poulsard grapes. It is characterized by its light body, low tannins, and refreshing acidity, often exhibiting a slight sweetness. This wine is typically fruity and floral, making it a delightful choice for various occasions.

Sparkling, pink, and a touch sweet. Made from a blend of Beaujolais’ Gamay grape and Jura’s Poulsard grape,

Bugey Cerdon is a sparkling wine from the Bugey region of France, known for its semi-sweet profile and vibrant effervescence. It typically features a light to medium body with low tannins and refreshing acidity, making it an approachable and enjoyable choice. The wine often showcases a delightful balance of fruitiness and sweetness, appealing to a wide range of palates.

Some of the world's most prestigious wines - reds are Pinot Noir (with the exception of Beaujolais, which is made from Gamay) and whites are Chardonnay.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends from Australia are known for their bold flavors and full-bodied structure. These wines typically exhibit firm tannins and balanced acidity, making them rich and complex. They often showcase a mix of fruitiness and earthy undertones, resulting in a layered tasting experience.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends from Australia are known for their bold structure and rich flavors. They typically exhibit firm tannins and moderate acidity, making them robust and age-worthy. These wines often showcase a balance of fruitiness and savory notes, resulting in a complex tasting experience.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends from Provence typically exhibit a medium to full body with firm tannins and balanced acidity. These wines often showcase a rich and complex profile, combining the boldness of Cabernet with the spiciness of Syrah. The result is a structured and flavorful wine, perfect for pairing with hearty dishes.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends from Provence typically showcase a medium to full body with structured tannins and balanced acidity. These wines often exhibit a rich profile with depth and complexity, making them versatile for food pairings. The combination of these varietals results in a wine that is both bold and approachable.

Cabernet Blend wines are typically full-bodied with robust tannins and moderate acidity. They offer a rich and complex flavor profile, often showcasing a balance between fruitiness and earthy notes. These wines are known for their aging potential, allowing them to develop deeper flavors over time.

Earthy, savory and herbaceous, this is a great red wine for vegan and vegetarian dishes.

The King of red wines and one of the Noble grapes, producing wines of structure and power.

Red wine best known for its flagship grape, Garnacha, which thrives in the region’s dry, windy climate and rocky soils. Often sourced from old vines, the wines are full-bodied and expressive, with ripe red and black fruit flavors, hints of spice, and soft, rounded tannins. While Garnacha dominates, small amounts of Tempranillo, Syrah, and other international varieties are also cultivated, adding structure and complexity.

A light, fruity, red blending grape grown (predominantly) in southern France, especially Provence, and also Spain.

Also known as Grande Vidure, once widely planted in Bordeaux. Now primarily associated with Chile. Carmenere, was imported to Chile in the 1850’s. Carmenere was once frequently mislabeled as Merlot. The herbaceous, peppercorn-like flavors in Carmenere are a great embellishment to roast meats (from chicken to beef) and savory cumin-spiced dishes. Carmenere is a wonderful alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon when served with grilled steak, especially if served with a Chimichurri sauce.

Carricante - Etna Bianco, is the main white grape grown on Mt. Etna in volcanic soils. Full-bodied and flinty with apricot notes. Great with seafood, especially crab and lobster.

Dry and off-dry Spanish sparkling wine.

Chablis is the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region in France. Wines are all made from Chardonnay and usually very dry.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is a Pinot Noir-dominant (50-55%), Non-Vintage (NV) Brut Champagne from Reims, France, featuring 28-33% Chardonnay and 15-20% Pinot Meunier. It is characterized by a golden-yellow color, high acidity, and notes of apple, pear, lemon, and brioche. It typically has a 12% ABV, utilizes 25-35% reserve wines, and undergoes 3 years of aging

Champagne Rosé is a sparkling wine known for its vibrant pink hue and lively effervescence. It typically has a medium body with refreshing acidity and subtle tannins, offering a balance of fruitiness and minerality. The style can range from dry to off-dry, often showcasing a delicate complexity.

One of the world’s most popular and versatile white wine grape varieties. It adapts well to a wide range of climates, producing wines that can range from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and full-bodied. In cooler regions, Chardonnay often shows flavors of green apple, citrus, and white flowers, while warmer climates bring notes of tropical fruit and ripe peach. Oak aging can add layers of vanilla, butter, and toast.

Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir

White wine made primarily from Chardonnay. Medium to full-bodied, it offers layered aromas of citrus, orchard fruit, white flowers, and hazelnut, with a distinctive mineral backbone and well-integrated oak.

Bold red from the southern Rhone, made from as many as 19 different varietals.

Highly versatile white wine known for its vibrant acidity and remarkable ability to express terroir. Originating in France’s Loire Valley, it can produce a wide range of styles—from crisp, dry wines with notes of green apple, pear, and chamomile, to rich, honeyed sweet wines with flavors of quince and apricot.

An off-dry style of Chenin Blanc with vibrant acidity balancing its natural sweetness. It typically shows flavors of ripe orchard fruit, honey, and floral notes, with a refreshing, slightly sweet finish.

Dry red made from the Sangiovese grape grown in Tuscany, Italy.

Dry red from the Chianti Classico region within Chianti, Tuscany.

Chiaretto Rosé is a vibrant and refreshing wine known for its bright acidity and light body. It typically features a delicate balance of fruitiness and herbal notes, making it an ideal choice for warm weather. The tannins are minimal, allowing the wine's crispness to shine through.

Red wine prized for its aromatic lift, soft tannins, and bright red fruit character. Traditionally grown in southern France, it is often used in blends and roses, to add freshness, perfume, and suppleness. It shows flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and subtle spice, with a light to medium body.

Cinsault Rosé is a light and refreshing wine known for its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. It typically features a pale pink hue and offers a delicate balance of fruitiness and floral notes. With low tannins, this wine is perfect for warm weather enjoyment.

Cinsault Rosé is a light and refreshing wine known for its vibrant acidity and delicate fruit flavors. It typically features a pale pink hue and offers a crisp, dry style that is perfect for warm weather. The tannins are low, making it an easy-drinking option that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

A rose made from the Cinsault grape, grown mostly in the Mediterranean, producing soft, fruity wines that pair well with Indian and Asian food.

British term for red Bordeaux wines.

Light, dry wine - usually a good value.

Colombard (also known as French Colombard in North America) is a white French wine grape variety that may be the offspring of Chenin blanc and Gouais blanc.

White wine (Viognier) from the northern part of the Rhône Valley. The wine is full-bodied, aromatic, and richly textured. It has expressive notes of peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and orange blossom with subtle minerality.

Sweet dessert wine from South Africa.

Robust red wine primarily from blends of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah. The wine is full-bodied and sun-ripened, offering flavors of dark berries, herbs, black olive, and spice. Firm tannins and a warm, earthy character.

Cortese (Gavi) - dry, aromatic white from Piedmont.

White wine made from Chardonnay. Full-bodied with concentrated notes of citrus, green apple, and stone fruit layered over notes of minerality and subtle oak. With age, it develops complex aromas of toasted nuts, honey, and flint.

A medium-bodied, fruity red from the Veneto, Italy. Used in Ripasso and Amarone, it is also a great alternative to Pinot Noir and goes very well as a red for Asian, Indian, and Mexican dishes.

Elegant red wine consisting primarily of Syrah, often blended with a small proportion of Viognier to enhance aroma and texture. Flavors of blackberry, plum, smoked meat, and violet, supported by firm tannins and strong minerality. Complex flavor, excellent when aged.

A blend of 2 or 3 grapes: generally, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, from the Rhone Valley in France. Great, versatile food wine which works with anything from roast chicken to lamb stew.

Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a vibrant white wine, typically medium-bodied with a refreshing acidity. It often features a blend of varietals, showcasing a balance of fruitiness and minerality. The wines can be both aromatic and creamy, depending on the winemaking techniques used.

Crémant is a sparkling wine made in the traditional method, often from regions outside of Champagne. It typically features high acidity, fine bubbles, and a refreshing, crisp profile. The body can range from light to medium, with a focus on freshness and fruitiness.

Crémant d'Alsace is a sparkling wine made primarily from Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and other varietals. It typically exhibits a crisp, refreshing profile with high acidity and fine bubbles. The body is light to medium, making it versatile for various occasions.

Fruity, light-bodied red from Oltrepò Pavese and Piemonte.

Syrah-based red wine. Medium to full-bodied, this wine offers flavors of dark berries, black pepper, smoked herbs, and subtle earthy notes, with firm but silky tannins. Terroir consists of a cooler climate and granite, which imparts minerality to the wine.

Debina is a thoroughbred Greek grape variety with exceptional quality, delicate and crisp. It is considered to be unique in nature due to the fruity, classy and elegant aromas.

From northwest Piedmont it produces soft, round, fruity wines, fragrant with licorice and almonds. It achieves its more complex, fuller-bodied style in the Dogliani DOCG.

Rich, full-bodied red wine known for its dark fruit flavors such as plum and blackberry, layered with spice, chocolate, and minerality. Exceptional aging potential and complexity.

Dry Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine known for its high acidity and refreshing character. It typically exhibits a medium body with crisp, clean flavors, making it a delightful choice for various occasions. The wine can showcase a range of styles, from mineral-driven to fruit-forward, often with a slight herbaceous quality.

Dry Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine known for its bright acidity and medium body. It often features a range of flavors from floral to stone fruit, with a crisp finish. This varietal can be both refreshing and complex, making it suitable for various occasions.

Dry Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine known for its bright acidity and medium body. It often exhibits a range of flavors from citrus to stone fruits, with a crisp finish. The wine can be both refreshing and complex, making it suitable for various occasions.

A dry, structured expression of Riesling with bright acidity and a mineral-driven backbone. Typically more concentrated than lighter styles, it showcases citrus, stone fruit, and slate-like minerality with a crisp, precise finish.

Rich, luscious dessert wine made from grapes after a frost, making a very concentrated, heady wine. Best examples are from Germany and Austria.

A volcanic white wine from the slopes of Mount Etna, primarily made from Carricante. Known for its tension and minerality, it offers citrus, stone fruit, and smoky volcanic notes with a structured, age-worthy profile.

Etna Rosso, grown on Mt. Etna in Sicilly is an elegant wine similar to Pinot Noir, but Made from mostly Nerello Mascalese, don't let the pale color fool you - these wines are elegant and powerful.

Extra Dry wines are characterized by their crispness and high acidity, often showcasing a refreshing profile. They typically have a light to medium body with minimal sweetness, making them vibrant and food-friendly. The flavor profile can range from citrus to herbal notes, appealing to those who enjoy a zesty experience.

Bold, full-bodied white grown mainly in Campania, Italy - great with more full-flavored fish including halibut, salmon, and lobster.

Fino and Manzanilla Sherry are the dry versions of this wonderful fortified wine and are known for their versatility in food pairing.

Franciacorta is a sparkling wine from Italy, known for its elegance and complexity. It typically exhibits high acidity and a creamy texture, with fine bubbles and a refreshing finish. The style is often compared to Champagne, featuring a range of flavors from floral to citrus.

Franciacorta is an elegant Italian sparkling wine made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It exhibits a fine mousse, bright acidity, and a creamy texture, often with complex flavors from extended aging on the lees. The wine is typically dry and refreshing, making it versatile for various pairings.

A light-bodied, crisp Italian wine made from grapes grown in the Lazio region around Rome.

Generally drier and more focused than California Chardonnay due to the lack of oak aging. The most prestigious white wines in the world, from Burgundy, are made from Chardonnay.

Dry, grassy, citrusy, and focused, these are great wines for light seafood dishes and summertime!

Fruity Rosé is typically light-bodied with refreshing acidity and low tannins. It showcases vibrant fruit flavors and can range from dry to slightly sweet. This style is perfect for warm weather and casual sipping.

Summer fruits and berries dominate to make this a notably refreshing choice - especially in spring and summer.

Fumé Blanc is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc, often characterized by its vibrant acidity and herbaceous notes. It typically features a medium body with a crisp finish, showcasing flavors that range from citrus to grassy. This style emphasizes the wine's freshness and aromatic complexity.

Fumé Blanc is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, often characterized by its crisp acidity and vibrant flavors. It typically exhibits a medium body with herbaceous notes and a smoky finish, resulting from oak aging. This varietal is known for its refreshing qualities and complexity.

Aromatic Hungarian white, similar to Riesling, used for a dry still wine and a sweet dessert wine.

Gamay description coming soon

Soft, low in tannin, and easy-drinking, Garnacha (in Spain) and Grenache (in France) is often used in blending with other varietals or as a simple table wine that works well with spicy Asian, Indian, or Mexican cuisine.

Clos Erasmus is an iconic, highly acclaimed, and rare red wine from a 10-hectare (originally smaller) boutique estate in the Priorat DOCa region of Catalonia, Spain. Started by Daphne Glorian in the late 1980s, this Garnatxa-dominant blend is known for its intense, powerful, and elegant profile, frequently garnering near-perfect scores from critics.

Bold, full-bodied and age-worthy, Gattinara is one of Piedmont's great wines made from the Nebbiolo grape.

German Riesling Kabinett is a light-bodied white wine known for its refreshing acidity and low alcohol content, typically under 10%. It often features a balance of sweetness with vibrant fruit flavors, making it versatile for various pairings. The style is usually off-dry, showcasing both floral and fruity notes.

German Riesling Kabinett is a light-bodied white wine known for its refreshing acidity and low alcohol content, typically under 10%. It often features a balance of sweetness and vibrant fruit flavors, making it an approachable choice for many palates.

German Riesling Kabinett is a light-bodied white wine known for its vibrant acidity and low alcohol content, typically under 10%. It often showcases a balance of sweetness and crispness, making it refreshing and versatile. The style is characterized by its floral aromas and fruit-forward flavors.

A distinctive floral bouquet with spicy, fruity flavors, particularly Lychee nut, are hallmarks of this medium-sweet wine. Grown mainly in the Alsace region of France, as well as Germany, and also in California, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This wine shines with Asian food and cheese, especially those made from sheep’s milk.

Red wine made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Bold flavors of red and black berries, herbs, pepper, and smoky, earthy notes, supported by firm tannins and a savory finish. Excellent aging potential.

Glera and Pinot Noir Prosecco

Godello is a white grape variety native to the northwestern regions of Spain, particularly Galicia and Bierzo. Renowned for its ability to produce elegant and complex wines, Godello is celebrated for its vibrant acidity and rich texture. The wines typically exhibit enticing aromas and flavors of citrus, green apple, pear, and stone fruits, often complemented by subtle floral and mineral notes. Godello wines can range from crisp and fresh to more full-bodied and expressive, depending on the winemaking techniques and terroir.

Grechetto is a white grape variety indigenous to central Italy, particularly in the regions of Umbria and Lazio. Known for producing aromatic and flavorful wines, Grechetto often features notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, along with hints of almond, herbs, and floral undertones. The wines typically have a crisp acidity and a medium body, with a pleasing minerality that reflects the terroir of the region.

Grechetto is a white grape variety known for its medium body and refreshing acidity. It often features a crisp profile with subtle herbal and mineral qualities, making it an intriguing choice for various dishes. The wine can range from dry to slightly off-dry, showcasing a vibrant character.

Greco di Tufo is a vibrant white wine known for its bright acidity and medium body. It often features a mineral quality, with a crisp and refreshing profile. The tannins are typically low, making it an approachable choice for many palates.

Greco di Tufo is a vibrant white wine known for its bright acidity and medium body. It often features a mineral backbone with a touch of floral notes, making it refreshing and complex. The tannins are typically low, allowing the fruit and acidity to shine through.

Greco di Tufo is a distinguished white wine originating from the Campania region in southern Italy. Made from the Greco grape, this wine is celebrated for its aromatic complexity and vibrant character. Greco di Tufo typically showcases flavors of ripe stone fruits such as peach and apricot, complemented by notes of citrus, almonds, and a distinct minerality. The wine's bright acidity and medium to full body make it both refreshing and substantial, offering a balanced and elegant profile.

Used mainly for blending and the making of Rosé wines in California, while in France it is blended to make Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and other wines in the Rhone valley and Languedoc. Most prevalent in the wines of Spain, it is one of the most widely grown grape in the world. It produces a fruity, spicy, medium-bodied wine with soft tannins. It is a wonderful, generally less-expensive alternative to Pinot Noir.

Used mainly for blending and the making of Rosé wines in California, while in France it is blended to make Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Most prevalent in the wines of Spain, it is one of the most widely grown grape in the world. It produces a fruity, spicy, medium-bodied wine with soft tannins. It is a wonderful, generally less-expensive alternative to Pinot Noir.

Grillo is a vibrant white wine known for its bright acidity and refreshing character. It typically features a medium body with a crisp finish, making it an excellent choice for warm weather. The wine often showcases herbaceous and citrus notes, contributing to its lively profile.

White varietals from the southwest of France (Jurancon, Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh), used to make dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines with high acidity and notes of curry and allspice. Sweet wines made from these varietals tend to be balanced owing to their high acidity, and can accompany several services of a meal, including well-seasoned poultry, blue cheese, foie gras and tropical fruit-based desserts. Dry iterations are often paired with blanquette de veau. With age, and depending on vinifying methods, tertiary notes of spice and truffle can often appear. Usually affordable compared to similar quality of wines of the same category.

Grüner Veltliner is Austria's signature white grape variety, known for producing fresh, vibrant wines that are highly regarded for their versatility and distinctive character. This wine typically exhibits bright acidity and crisp minerality, with flavors of green apple, lime, and pear, often accompanied by subtle notes of white pepper, herbs, and sometimes a hint of floral or tropical fruit. Grüner Veltliner is celebrated for its ability to pair well with a wide range of foods, including seafood, poultry, and spicy Asian cuisine, making it a favorite among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike.

GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, typically offers a medium to full body with moderate tannins and balanced acidity. This wine showcases a rich, complex profile, often with a smooth mouthfeel and layers of flavor. It is known for its versatility and can range from fruity and spicy to earthy and savory styles.

GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, typically showcases a medium to full body with moderate tannins and balanced acidity. This style often presents ripe fruit flavors alongside earthy and spicy notes, making it versatile for food pairing. South African GSMs can exhibit a unique character influenced by the region's terroir.

GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, typically exhibits a medium to full body with smooth tannins and balanced acidity. This style often showcases ripe fruit flavors alongside earthy and spicy notes, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.

GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, typically exhibits a medium to full body with smooth tannins and balanced acidity. This wine often showcases rich fruit flavors alongside earthy and spicy notes, making it versatile for food pairings. Its complexity can vary, but it generally offers a harmonious profile that is both approachable and intriguing.

GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, typically showcases a medium to full body with moderate tannins and balanced acidity. This varietal often presents a rich and complex profile, with fruit-forward characteristics complemented by earthy and spicy notes. It is known for its versatility and depth, making it a favorite among red wine enthusiasts.