It was not so long ago that the wine world was foreign to me. For the longest time I just didn’t care for it. It was something my mother drank and I never got used to it – until I got older and wisdom actually started to seep in.

Wine was probably the first beverage that made me understand what “acquired taste” meant. Though, again, getting older and becoming wiser helps the ‘acquired taste’.

As I ventured into the world of wine with my mother by my side, I started appreciating the complexity that poured simply into our wine glasses. No wine was the same – it wasn’t just red or white – there was dry and extra dry, and sweet and not so sweet, and so on. There was, and still is, a mysteriousness to wine that intrigues me… possibly a mystery I never want to solve.

However, with that said, if you are entering into the wine world, there are some mysteries you should solve in order to move forward and live happily ever after within this world of grapes.

So, without further ado, I give you a small introduction into: The Basics of Wine 101.

Cabernet Sauvignon

(Pronounced “Cab–er–nay Saw–vin–yawn”)

Taste: Black Cherry, Currant, Cedar and Baking Spices

Style: Robust, Full-bodied Red Wine

Origin: France

Pairings: Beef, lamb, sharp and aged cheeses

Pinot Noir

(Pronounced “Pee-no Nwar”)

Taste: Cranberry, Cherry, Raspberry, Earth and Mushroom

Style: Light-bodied Red Wine, Dry

Origin: France

Pairings: Pork, veal, chicken, nutty cheeses, soft cheeses

Syrah

(Pronounced “Sear-aw”)

Taste: Chocolate, Pepper, Tobacco, Plum

Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Origin: France

Pairings: Smoked meats, salty cheeses, firm cheeses, Mediterranean foods

Malbec

(Pronounced “Mal-beck”)

Taste: Blackberry, Pomegranate, Coffee, Leather, Cocoa

Style: Medium-bodied Red Wine

Origin: France & Argentina

Pairings: Duck, lamb, beef, goat cheese

Chardonnay

(Pronounced “Shar-duh-nay”)

Taste: Yellow Apple, Butter, Vanilla, Toffee

Style: Full-bodied White Wine

Origin: France

Pairings: Chicken, pork, crab, soft cheeses (i.e. brie)

Pinot Gris

(Pronounced “Pee-no Gree”. Also known as, Pinot Grigio)

Taste: White Peach, Lemon, Nectarine, Honeydew

Style: Light-bodied White Wine

Origin: Northern Italy

Pairings: Salads, lobster, shrimp, light cheeses

I hope this short starter list is helpful as you embark on your journey into the mysterious yet fulfilling world of wine. If you have any questions or want to add to the list, please do so below, we would love to hear from you. 

Source: Common types of wine found on winefolly.com