opinionI would recommend wines from the Côtes du Rhône region of France or a Rioja from Spain, although there are many more to try as mentioned above!  /http://www.premiercru.netYou definitely need to try Barbera. It has big fruit flavors, almost no tannins, and a fantastic dry acidic finish. New World wines are generally labeled by varietal, where Old World wines are labeled by region (i.e. Bordeaux wine refers to a wine made in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two varietals grown in Bordeaux). Please see below for a list of common wine varietals as provided by The California Wine Club. Barbera - Barbera is a red wine grape found primarily in Italy's Piedmont region. It produces hearty red wines with deep ruby colors, full body and low tannin levels. Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine known for its depth of flavor, aroma and ability to age (present by the wine’s noticeable tannins). It is full-bodied and intense, with cherry- currant and sometimes herbal flavors.

Champagne/Sparkling Wine - These wines are made effervescent by a secondary fermentation in the wine-making process. Champagnes and sparkling wines range in style from very dry (Natural), dry (brut) and slightly sweet (extra Dry) to sweet (sec and Demi-Sec). Many sparkling wines are also identified as Blanc de Blancs (wines made from white grapes) or Blanc de Noirs (wines produced from red grapes). *Champagne is only called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France. Chardonnay - One of the world’s most popular wines, Chardonnay is a white wine originating from Burgundy.  Flavors range from clean and crisp with a hint of varietal flavor to rich and complex, vanilla, butter and oak-aged wines. Chardonnay typically balances fruit, acidity and texture. Chenin Blanc - Chenin Blanc is a white wine with fresh, delicate floral characteristics. It grows well in warmer climates and produces light, well- balanced wines ranging from dry to off-dry (slightly sweet) styles.

Dolcetto - This red wine grape is found almost exclusvely in Italy's Piedmont region. It produces light and fruity wine. Fume Blanc - Invented by Robert Mondavi in 1970, Fume Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc that has been fermented in oak. Gewürztraminer - Gewürztraminer is a white German wine that produced distinctive wines rich in spicy aromas and full flavors, ranging from dry to sweet. This varietal is a popular choice for Asian dishes. Merlot - Merlot is a red wine with medium to full body with black cherry and herbal flavors. Merlot is typically smooth, soft and mellow. Mourvedre - This warm-weather, red wine grape is common in Southern France's Rhone Valley. Rich in color with early aromas, often blended with Syrah. Petite Sirah - Petite Sirahs are inky red wines with firm, robust tannic tastes, often with peppery flavors. Petite Sirahs may complement meals with rich meats. Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) - The low acidity of this white grape helps produce rich, lightly perfumed wines that are often more colorful than other whites.

Pinot Noir - Pinot Noir is the world famous grape from Burgundy and more recently California and the Pacific Northwest.  gift of wine to australiaA light to medium-body wine, pegged as one of the most difficult to grow and make. how late can i buy wine in texasDelicate and smooth with rich complexity, Pinot Noir is a versatile dinner companion.best selling wine brands in usa Riesling - Riesling is the classic white wine grape from Germany and known for its floral perfume. best wine maps of franceDepending on where they're made, they can be crisp and bone-dry, full-bodied and spicy or luscious and sweet.best wine 150

Rosés (Blush Wines) - Rosés, also called blush wines, are light pink wines made from several red wine grapes. They get their color from a very short period of contact with the grape skins during the wine-making process. wine for cold weatherRosés are light, usually somewhat sweet and best served well-chilled.dry red wine varieties Sangiovese - Sangiovese is best known as the Italian red wine, Chianti. best food and wine festivals australiaHearty and dry, it often displays a distinctively smooth texture with spice, raspberry and licorice flavors.the best wines under 20 dollars Sauvignon Blanc - Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine best known for its grassy, herbal flavors and is a popular choice for shellfish or as a refreshing alternative to Chardonnay.

Syrah (Shiraz) - Syrah can produce giant red wines with strong tannins and complex combinations of flavors including berry, plum and smoke. It's known as Shiraz mainly in Australia and South Africa. Viognier - Viognier is a rare white grape growing in popularity for its uniqueness.  It is an aromatic variety typically displaying peach, apricot and sometimes spicy flavors. Zinfandel - Zinfandel is a medium to full-bodied red wine with berry or spicy, peppery flavors. Great with pizza and tangy barbecue sauce. This Alsatian variety, also known as Auxerrois Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois, stands alone as a crisp floral dry white with low acidity, but also lends substance as a blending grape. More aromatic, less tannins and lighter color than Cabernet sauvignon. Often blended, more varietal wines are being made with Cabernet franc with pleasing results. In addition to field selection from the Finger Lakes, we have planted clone #312 and clone #332. Both these clones are highly rated for powerful, well-balanced and aromatic wines.

As Chardonnay is to white varieties Cabernet Sauvignon is to the red varieties. It does not need explanation to wine lovers. Clone selection has become increasingly important with this variety. The clones we are growing are #337, #2, #21, #16. Clone #337 is the most widely planted in France and Calif. it is best known for early ripening, bright color intensity and tannins. Clone #2 selected in California is popular for its low yields and consistent wine quality. Clone #21 is similar in performance to clone #2 but slightly less consistent. Less is known about clone #16, but we have planted it to add diversity. We also have a planting of field selection from the Finger Lakes. A cross of Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, this high tannin red is used by many Pennsylvania vintners as a blender. Some winemakers are also having success making a varietal. Recently termed "Pennsylvania Zinfandel" for its multi-dimensions in wine making, this dark-berried French Hybrid continues to increase in popularity.

It produces deep colored wine and full aromatic flavors. This grape has been used in nouveau-style wines to ports. This most popular white variety does not need description for professionals or amateurs. Recently clonal selection has been the hot topic with wine grapes and Chardonnay is no exception. We have plantings of clone #96 and clone #76. We round out our chardonnay diversity with Colmar and field selection from the finger lakes. Clone #96 and #76 are both known for high quality and early ripening, as are our non-clonal plantings. One of the red Bordeaux varieties that is often blended. It is known for powerful wines with spicy flavors and deep color. Intense fruity characteristics ranging from citrus to tart apple typify this simple yet elegant variety. Crisp and dry tones make it versatile for food pairing. It is a mutation of Pinot Gris discovered in Burgundy in the 19th century. Widely planted in Germany, Italy, but until recently ignored in the US. The best known mutation of Pinot Noir makes delicious perfumed white wine.

Many wineries in the mid-Atlantic are finding increased appreciation for this wine. The berries range from grayish blue to brownish pink. Though typically made into a dry white wine, some winemakers are making a blush with Pinot Gris. The backbone of fine red wine in Tuscany, the grapes from these robust clusters are regarded for their forceful aromatic nature and penetrating acidity. The name is derived from Sangius Jovis or the Blood of Jove. Limited commercial planting in the mid-Atlantic. One of the world's most popular and distinctive wines, the Sauvignon Blanc grape can stand alone or be used to add zest to a blend of white wine. It is most well known for it's characteristic aroma of fresh melons and grassy fields. The vine itself is particularly vigorous and must be controlled to avoid an overly herbaceous wine. We planted this grape in spring 2002 and are looking forward to your first harvest. Best known as a constituent of Port, these small yet intense grapes also produce a fine dry red table wine which is developing interest with more Mid-Atlantic winemakers.