Wine types
Chardonnaydescription - Chardonnay is a white wine which can range from a clean, crisp, buttery, vanilla flavour, to a rich and complex oak-aged flavour. Chardonnay typically balances fruit, acidity and texture. This variety goes well with everything from fish and poultry to cheeses, spicy foods and nut sauces. origin - Chardonnay comes from Burgundy in France and there are many world-class Chardonnays being produced in California, and a popular variety in Australia. |
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Sauvignon Blancdescription - Lighter than Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc is best known for its grassy, herbal flavours, as well as apple, pear and lime flavours. Sauvignon Blanc is also called Fume Blanc, and is a popular choice for fish, shellfish dishes, salads, cheese and poultry. California Sauvignon Blanc's sometimes have a melon flavour and American Sauvignon Blanc tends to be grassier than those produced in New Zealand. origin - Sauvignon Blanc comes from France and is currently being produced in New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Washington. |
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Gewurztraminerdescription - Gewurztraminer is a white wine that produces distinctive wines rich in spicy aromas and full flavours, ranging from dry to sweet. Smells and flavours of litchi nuts, gingerbread, vanilla, grapefruit and honeysuckle come out of this variety. It is often a popular choice for Asian cuisines and pork-based sausages. origin - Gewurztraminer comes from France, however, fantastic Gewurztraminers are produced today in Germany, New York, Washington, and California. |
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Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio)description - The low acidity of this white variety helps produce rich, lightly perfumed wines that are often more colourful than other whites. It produces crispy, almond, lemon and vanilla flavours and often goes well with seafood and salmon. origin - Pinot Grigio came from Burgundy long ago, but is often considered an Italian wine. |
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Muscatdescription - The white Muscat grape produces spicy, floral wines that often do something most other wines don't, they actually taste like grapes! Muscat's can range from very dry and fresh to sweet and syrupy. This variety is often served with puddings and chocolate desserts. origin - Muscat grapes are grown around the world in places such as Italy, Germany, Portugal and California but is often considered a French wine. |
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Rieslingdescription - Rieslings are white wines known for their floral aroma. Depending on where they're made, they can be crisp and bone-dry, full-bodied and spicy or luscious and sweet. The flavour is often of peaches, apricots, honey, and apples and pairs well with duck, pork, and roast vegetables. origin - Rieslings originates from Germany, however, great Rieslings are also produced in New York, Washington, California, and Australia. |
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Pinot Noirdescription - Pinot Noir is a red wine of light to medium body and delicate, smooth, rich complexity with earthy aromas. They are less tannic than a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot. Pinot Noirs exude the flavour of baked cherries, plums, mushrooms, cedar, cigars, and chocolate and are best served with grilled salmon, roast beef, lamb, duck, and mushrooms. origin - Pinot Noir originated from Burgundy, France but are also being produced in California, Oregon, British Columbia, and New Zealand. |
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Sangiovesedescription - Sangiovese is a medium bodied dry red wine with earthy aromas and a smooth texture. Its flavours consist of floral, spice, berry and plum. Sangiovese is the main grape used to produce Italian Chiantis and goes especially well with pasta and other Italian foods. origin - Sangiovese originated from the Tuscany region of Italy however, California is currently making some delicious Sangiovese. |
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Zinfandeldescription - Primarily thought of as a Californian variety (though recently proven to have originated from vineyards in Croatia), Zinfandel is a red wine with light to full body and berry-like or spicy flavours. The Zinfandel grape is also widely used in the popular off-dry blush wine known as White Zinfandel. The Red Zinfandel pairs well with moderately spicy meat dishes and casseroles. origin - Zinfandel has been grown in California since the 1850s, and California Zinfandels is generally considered to be the best. |
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Merlotdescription - Merlot is a red wine with medium to full body and herbaceous flavours. Merlot is typically softer in taste than Cabernet Sauvignon due to having less tannin. Its flavours and aromas include blackberry, baked cherries, plums, chocolate, and mocha. Merlot is best with poultry and grilled meats, however, these types of wines actually go well with most foods. origin - Merlot originates from Bordeaux in France where it is the most commonly planted grape. You can find many great Merlots from California, Oregon, and Washington. |
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Syrahdescription - Syrah often called Shiraz can produce monumental red wines with strong tannins and complex combinations of flavours including berry, plum and smoke. It is a dark red wine, sometimes almost black in colour and is known as Shiraz mainly in Australia and South Africa. This type of wine goes wonderfully with duck, wild game, steak, and beef. origin - Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in the New World wine producing countries like Australia, South Africa and the US. |
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Cabernet Sauvignondescription - Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine known for its depth of flavour, aroma and ability to age. It is full-bodied and intense, with cherry, currant and sometimes herbal flavours. Cabernet Sauvignon may have noticeable tannins and are often blended with other grapes to soften the tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic wine to serve with red meats. origin - Cabernet Sauvignon is a well known grape of Bordeaux, France. Superb Cabernets are being produced in California (especially the Napa Valley), Washington, Italy, Australia, and Chile. |
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Barberadescription - Barbera is a red wine and is often used as a blending grape. It produces the aromas of berries, plums, or cherries with hints of vanilla, smoky, or toasty flavours. A perfect dish to go with this wine type would be tomato based pasta dishes. origin - Barbera is an Italian red wine however, California is currently producing some wonderful Barbera. |
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 Tasting fine wine |
 Food & wine pairings |
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