CHOW's Virtual Study Guide to Wine

This guide is intended to provide some introductory information about winemaking, grape varietals, regions, and history to help bartenders and servers better understand what is on the menu. 

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Intro to Wine

Wine is fermented grape juice.

Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol and CO₂.

The grape skins.

The year that the grapes were harvested.

No. Most wines are meant to be consumed young while and are perfectly fine to drink within  the year they were made. Others, such as full-bodied red wines heavier in tannins do transform the longer they age.

The skins, pits, and stems of the grapes used to make the wine act as natural preservatives, which are known as tannins. These especially allow a red wine to age with grace. The best way to recognize the tannins is the mouth sensation it creates and can be enhanced when paired with certain foods.

Terroir is the “somewhereness” of where the grape is grown. This includes but is not limited to the soil and geography of the area that the grapes are grown; how much sunlight or rainfall the vineyard receives; the overall weather and climate; among others.

Red Wines

The most common red wines that you will likely come across on your menu will likely be from the following grapes:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Grows best in the Bordeaux region of France, Napa, California and Chile. Tends to have blackberry, black current and violet flavors. Generally full-bodied and a higher tannic structure.

Pinot Noir

Grows best in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France, California and Oregon. Tends to have raspberry, red cherry, and earthy flavors. Acidic for a red wine. Generally very light-bodied and little to no tannic structure.

Sangiovese

Grows best in Tuscany, Italy. Tends to have black cherry and blackberry flavor with cedar and vanilla aromas. A bit of spice. Generally a medium-bodied wine. The major grape used to make Chianti.

Merlot

Grows best in the Bordeaux region of France and Napa, California. Tends to have blackberry and plum flavors. Can smelly a little toasty at times. A medium bodied wine with a velvety texture, not many tannins.

Tempranillo

Grows best in the Rioja region of Spain. Tends to have a fruitier taste like cherries but the way it is produced can also exudes tobacco flavors and aromas. Generally a medium-bodied wine.

Syrah/Shiraz

Grows best in the Bordeaux region of France, Napa, California and Chile. Tends to have blackberry, black current and violet flavors. Generally full-bodied and a higher tannic structure.

Zinfandel

Grows best in the Bordeaux region of France, Napa, California and Chile. Tends to have blackberry, black current and violet flavors. Generally full-bodied and a higher tannic structure.

Nebbiolo

Grows best in the Bordeaux region of France, Napa, California and Chile. Tends to have blackberry, black current and violet flavors. Generally full-bodied and a higher tannic structure.

Gamay

Grows best in the Bordeaux region of France, Napa, California and Chile. Tends to have blackberry, black current and violet flavors. Generally full-bodied and a higher tannic structure.

Lighter-bodied wines tend to taste and feel leaner and more delicate than a fuller-bodied wine, which will come off as heavy, bold, and powerful. Generally a full-bodied wine has a higher alcohol content.

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White Wines

The most common white wines that you will likely come across on your menu will likely be from the following grapes:

Riesling

Grows best in the Alsace region of France, Germany, and Washington state. Tends to have citrusy and tropical fruit flavors. Known for its sweetness.

Chardonnay

Grows best in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France, California and Australia. Tends to softer fruit flavors like apple, melon, and pear. Some are known for their buttery, oaky qualities.

Sauvignon Blanc

Grows best in the Bordeaux and Loire regions of France, California and New Zealand. Tends to be citrusy and grassy green flavors.

Chenin Blanc

Grows best in the Loire region of France and California. Tends to have citrusy and tropical fruit flavors. Versatile but typically dry.

Gewürztraminer

Grows best in the Alsace region of France and in Germany. Can be sweet but with a bit of spice. Exhibits fruits like apricot. Texturally rich.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Grows best in Italy, California, and Oregon. Tends to have citrusy and tropical fruit flavors. Typically a dryer, lighter wine.

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Rosé

Rosé is a type of wine that can come in a variety of forms and from a variety of grapes. Typically rosé wines are made by using the grape skins to color the wine but not as much as if it were a red wine. Rosé can be both sparkling and still wines. Dry or sweet. Even the color of the wine can range from a light almost clear liquid to a bright red, even orange!

Sparkling Wine

The most common sparkling wines that you will likely come across on your menu will likely be the following types:

Champagne

Grows best in the Loire region of France and California. Tends to have citrusy and tropical fruit flavors. Versatile but typically dry.

Prosecco

Grows best in the Loire region of France and California. Tends to have citrusy and tropical fruit flavors. Versatile but typically dry.

Cava

Grows best in the Loire region of France and California. Tends to have citrusy and tropical fruit flavors. Versatile but typically dry.

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Wines by Region

Knowing where a certain wine comes from can give your a better idea about how it will taste. Below is an interactive map that provides information about what regions are best known for the wines they produce.