If you are an avid lover of wine, you might be looking to diversify your beverages. Here are some of the most popular wines, from chardonnay to sherry.

the 15 most popular wine types (varietals)

Wine has become a staple at dinner parties and special occasions. Many people also find having a glass of wine an enjoyable way to spend an evening. Whether you enjoy red or white, you’ll want to know the differences between them. While many people stick to white or red wines, there are plenty of other varieties out there for you to try.

The majority of wines come from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Portugal, Canada, and other countries.

There are several different categories of wine, each with its own characteristics. Here are the top 15 most popular types, which we recommend giving a try if you worship wine.

Red Wine

Red wine is made from grapes that are grown in warm climates where the grape skins turn deep red. Red wine is usually aged longer than white wine, giving it a richer taste. As mentioned, red wine is one of the most common varieties of wine, alongside white wine. 

This wine gets its name from the fact that it has a reddish hue and is made from red grapes. However, some versions of red wine are more purple. 

Most red wines pair perfectly with strongly flavored meats, such as beef or lamb. Many people also enjoy having red wine with tomato dishes. This wine can be served chilled or at room temperature.

White Wine

White wine is made from white grapes that grow in cool climates. White wine is often served chilled and is lighter tasting than red wine. White wines tend to be less expensive than reds, so they are often considered a more budget-friendly option. Despite this, white wines still add a touch of sophistication to any social gathering or dinner party. 

The color of white wine can vary. While some are paler in hue, others have yellowish tints. It is often used in cooking to make sauces. You can also have it alongside a meal since white wine goes brilliantly with chicken, lobster, turkey, and garlic-flavored dishes. 

Rosé Wine

Rosé wine is made from pinkish-red grapes that are harvested early in the growing season. The wine has earned this color dues to its pinkish color. 

This is because, unlike red wine, Rosé does not retain the color of the grapes. Rosé wine is typically served chilled and is slightly sweeter than red wine. It also has a lighter taste. 

This variety of wine can be found in a range of different flavors, allowing you to find one that suits your palette. For instance, it is commonly infused with citrus flavors. You can also choose whether to opt for a dry or sweet wine, as Rosé is available in both. 

You should serve Rosé with seafood and soft cheeses for a sensational experience.   

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is made from the fermented juice of red or white grapes. Sparkling wine is usually served chilled and is much lighter tasting than red or white wine. Though there is some controversy surrounding sparkling beverages, with opinions being divided whether these drinks are delicious or disgusting, sparkling wine remains popular. 

Champagne is the most common type of sparkling wine (more on that below). Despite this, you can get other types. There are lots more sparkling white wines on the market than red wines, though you can also get some sparkling Rosé. 

These beverages get their sparkling elements from the fermentation process. 

Champagne

Champagne is traditionally made from fermented juice from white grapes. This variety has become synonymous with class and sophistication. Many people splash out on champagne when they are celebrating something special. Furthermore, some people drink champagne on New Year’s Eve to commemorate the new year. 

Because of this association, champagne is often more expensive than other types of wine. But if you want to impress someone, then go ahead and splurge! Champagne pairs well with all kinds of foods, but it is particularly good with rich, fatty foods like cheese, chocolate, and desserts. It has a bubbly sensation that loads of people love. 

Pinot Grigio

Up next, pinot grigio is a light-colored wine that is perfect for pairing with salads and appetizers. Pinot grigio is also great for those who prefer a crisp, refreshing beverage. This wine is associated with Italy. 

Therefore, if you are cooking an Italian meal, you may wish to complement it with pinot grigio. However, this wine actually originates from France.

It is made from white grapes These grapes are picked at an earlier stage of ripening, which gives them a fresher flavor. Pinot grigio can be somewhat aromatic. Like most wines, it is best served chilled and refreshingly consumed on a warm day.

Chardonnay

This white wine is often paired with seafood dishes, such as lobster and shrimp. Chardonnay is also known for its buttery flavors. Usually, chardonnay has a dry taste that is at least medium-bodied. 

If you enjoy drinking wines that have a fruity flavor, then you will probably like chardonnay. It is often given fruity flavorings, such as pineapple, apple, citrus fruits, and mango. 

Chardonnay is made from green grapes, producing this luxurious white wine. This is one of the most well-liked wines in the world. It is intimately linked with pinot grigio. Therefore, if you like this wine, perhaps you should try a sip of chardonnay. 

Sauvignon Blanc

This is another white wine that goes well with seafood. It also pairs brilliantly with tart flavors. Sauvignon blanc is a lighter version of chardonnay. It is a white wine that comes from France. Sauvignon blanc tends to be a fairly sweet wine with a somewhat acidic taste.

Some of the best sauvignon blanc flavors include peach, gooseberry, and passion fruit. It matches chicken and tofu exquisitely. The next time you cook these dishes, you may want to consider having a glass of sauvignon blanc with it. 

Pinot Noir

Though this is probably not the most common type of wine found in grocery stores, pinot noir is well-liked. Pinot noir is a red wine made primarily from grapes grown in Burgundy, France. It is considered the counterpart of pinot grigio. Pinot noir gets its name from the dark color scheme as well as the pine-like composition of the grapes. 

It has a fruity taste and aroma and pairs well with food, such as pasta dishes or salmon.  You can pair this wine with almost anything, as it is a well-rounded bottle of wine. It is normally considered a dry wine with hints of cherries and other mouth-watering undertones. 

Sherry

Pairing deliciously with blue cheese, sherry is a wonderful drink to serve when entertaining. Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced by aging wine in oak barrels. It is usually aged for several years before being bottled. The white grapes used to produce this wine originate from Spain. 

There are many different types of sherry available. Aside from blue cheese, it can also be matched with seafood. For instance, it pairs perfectly with prawns. 

Riesling

Riesling is a wine that is typically dry and crisp. It pairs well with foods like fish, chicken, and pork. Rieslings tend to have a slightly sour flavor. 

However, they also tend to be subtly sweet. They are also very versatile. Perhaps why some people consider Riesling to be their favorite wine is because of its irresistible aroma, which normally contains hints of honey. 

Alongside the aforementioned foods, Riesling also pairs well with cheese. You can even try having it with some roasted vegetables, as we adore this amazing combination. This wine is extremely popular in Germany, hence why we decided to include it in this list. 

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a dark red wine that is made from Cabernet grapes. These grapes are grown across the world. This wine is very rich and full-bodied, so it pairs well with heavier meats like steak and lamb. This is because it naturally goes well with potent tastes.

Cabernet sauvignon tends to be full-bodied, resulting in it having a high alcohol content. If this is what you look for in a wine, you may have come to the right place. This wine is particularly popular in France. This is because it is commonly grown in the Bordeaux region of France. 

Muscat Blanc

If you enjoy a glass of white wine, you’ll love muscat blanc. Originating from Greece, these white grapes make a delicious muscat blanc wine. Muscats are often associated with dessert wines, but they’re actually perfect for drinking on their own. You can also combine it with spicy foods, such as curry. 

They go really well with cheeses, especially creamy ones. Though this wine may not be as well-known as some others on this list, it remains quite popular in Europe. 

Merlot

Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that is similar to cabernet sauvignon. Merlot is often used in cooking. This grape is widely utilized for Bordeaux wines. You should serve Merlot alongside blue cheese, berries, and meat for a sophisticated evening. 

In terms of its taste, Merlot tends to have fruity flavors, such as blackberry. You may also detect notes of cider in this wine. If this sounds appealing, we strongly recommend that you give this alluring wine a taste. 

Chenin Blanc

Last but far from least, Chenin blanc is a more obscure wine that nonetheless has plenty of fans. Chenins are known for producing light, refreshing wines. They pair well with fruits, including strawberries and raspberries. 

They also pair well with salads, especially those containing tomatoes or cucumbers. In addition, they go great with poultry dishes. If you typically indulge yourself with a light wine, consider using Chenin blanc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Wine More Popular Than White Wine?

Yes, typically red wine has outsold white wine. The reason behind this is simple: most people prefer red to white. Despite this, white wine is only slightly behind red in sales. However, this should not influence your shopping habits.

Is It Acceptable To Drink Wine Daily?

It depends on how much you drink. If you enjoy having a cheeky glass of wine in the evening, that is perfectly fine. So long as you are not having too much. 

Having too much alcohol will be detrimental to your health. As a result, we recommend being careful with your portions to ensure that you are drinking in moderation.

How Should I Choose A Wine?

With such a wide variety, selecting a wine can be stressful. Fortunately, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when choosing which bottle to buy. 

First off, you want to choose a wine that appeals to you. It’s important to find something that you enjoy drinking. If you don’t like a particular flavor, then you should avoid it. Second, you want to select a wine that goes well with your food. A good wine will complement your meal. Thirdly, you must think about your budget. 

Final Thoughts

The above list is by no means exhaustive. There are literally hundreds of different types of wine available. 

We hope that we were able to provide you with enough information to help you choose your next bottle. Regardless of your preferences, we believe that there is a wine for everyone here.