| There are two fundamental types of wine based on | | | | cherries. Zinfandel is a very popular red wine that |
| grape color -- red (from red or black grapes) and | | | | comes from Europe but is grown mostly in |
| white (from white grapes). Grapes of these different | | | | California. |
| colors can have hundreds of varieties, which is why | | | | The most-purchased white types of wine are |
| types of wine are so numerous on store shelves. | | | | chardonnays. Chardonnay contains fruity tastes |
| Consumers are the most familiar with names given to | | | | mixed in with hints of vanilla. The most cultivated |
| the different varieties of grapes. The grape variety is | | | | white types of wine in California are Chenin Blancs. |
| the most important factor in how the wine will taste. | | | | This grape is an inexpensive alternative to |
| The most popular red types of wine are cabernet | | | | chardonnay, and has hints of fruit in its taste. Pinot |
| sauvignon. Connoisseurs will tell you that the best | | | | Blanc is often compared to chardonnay, containing |
| cabernet sauvignon types of wine come from the | | | | tastes of apple and spice when you drink it. Pinot Gris |
| Bordeaux region of France. Merlot is another red wine | | | | hails from Oregon and is rich in spice flavors. Riesling |
| that holds flavors of chocolate and cherry. Grenache | | | | is grown predominantly in Germany, and has a fruity |
| is a red wine derived from grapes that hold a | | | | taste. Semillon contains a peachy flavor and is |
| raspberry and/or "smoky" flavor. Pinot Noir is a red | | | | inexpensive to produce. White Zinfandel is produced |
| wine that is very important to the Burgundy region | | | | in California and has a sweet taste. To produce this |
| of France. It is difficult to cultivate, but when done | | | | wine, red zinfandel grapes have their skins removed |
| right, it gives hints of mint, raspberries, and black | | | | during processing, giving a pink end result. |