Top 5 Wine Varietals in the US
A quick internet search and you’ll come up with all sorts of “TOP 5” answers to the question. But I agree most with this breakdown. We are going to start things off by diving in to the basics of the five varietals I believe to be the “TOP 5”. Here are some fun facts and info for anyone who is totally new to wine, or like many people, has no idea what they have been drinking!
ANYONE: “Would you like a glass of wine?”
YOU: “Is there alcohol in it? Then yes!”
After we get you familiar enough with each varietal, I am going to recommend a few of my current favorites. And most likely, ones you’ve never tried. Sound good? Pour yourself a glass of whatever you have nearby and let’s get started!
Cabernet Sauvignon
Right away, I’m going to let you in on a fun fact - this is one of the most popular varietals - WORLDWIDE, and it is in fact a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc! Say what? And guess where this world traveler hails from? Bordeaux, France! Known and loved for being rich, robust and often with an oak influence, this dark-fruit favorite tends to be a crowd-pleaser; mostly due to its balance of spice and earth on the palate.
My girlfriends and I have so cleverly nicknamed it Cab Sauv (Sarcasm detected? Hopefully. If so, we will get along just fine) and we have been drinking it since the thin eyebrow, sparkly eyeshadow and LEI jeans era. IYKYK.
But in all seriousness, Cab Sauv often makes for a great food wine and is just as enjoyable sipping on with your best friend while unwinding from a long day at the office…or mom’ing. Or maybe even after swiping right on too many Brad’s.
Cabernet Sauvignon I am currently drinking: AMAVI from Walla Walla, WA
Chardonnay
My first love! Well, first varietal I fell in love with. Yes, I was 21 and wildin’ out on some Gnarly Head Chardonnay. It was my idea of a good time and I thought I was fancy. The oak, the butter...came on as strong as the guy at the end of the bar in True Religions and an Affliction tee. Since this was, like most first loves - overwhelming and (palate) blinding, it ran it’s course and left me bitter. I came to think I hated Chardonnay. I thought all Chardonnay’s were the same and I would never find one I would love again. More on that later…
Chardonnay happens to be one of the most popular grapes in the world! This incredible grape is mighty and versatile. Said to be the most popular varietal in America, you can find chardonnay in many styles. It can be like my ex-lover, a butter oak bomb that makes some pour glass after glass, wanting more for decades. Which is the perfect fit for some...it was for Sarah.
Or you can find it done in stainless steel giving you crisp fruit flavors. This style is more refreshing, easy drinking. That patio pounder you’ve been looking for that is the liquid version of apple, pear, spice, vanilla and alcohol in a classy little glass you can call “Mommy’s juice”.
And one of my favorite versions, the black tie guy...Blanc de Blanc - sparkling! With a little bit of everything you like. It’s like taking a little bit of what you enjoyed and loved from each of your exes, and combining it into the perfect man. Whether it’s Sunday morning or Saturday night, pinkies up ladies. This one goes down real nice!
Chardonnay I am currently drinking: Planeta. Sicily, Italy.
Pinot Gris
AKA Pinot Grigio. Many of you are familiar with this light white wine. How many of you didn’t know that these two names are in fact the same wine? And if you DID, did you also know that it is a mutation of Pinot Noir?
Oftentimes Pinot Gris will be identifiable by more citrus than sweetness, notes of honey and hints of minerality with medium to high acidity. This is your go-to liquid-diet palate-pleaser on a sunny day! But for those of you who still have a metabolism, think seafood and light white meats like chicken. Too boring? Go for the duck and this will taste just as divine for your fancy self!
Pinot Gri(s/gio) I am currently drinking: Coeur de Terre. Willamette Valley, OR. McMinnville AVA
Pinot Noir
In case this one was a new one to you when I mentioned it above, Pinot Noir is (as I like to call it) the “gateway red”. It is light bodied and it’s harmonious balance of red fruit, floral, mild spice and hint of earth make for a lingering, smooth finish. Making it enjoyable year round and with or without food. Truly, I have only come to appreciate this varietal more over the last few years. It reminds me a lot of my fiance and funnily enough, is the only red we really enjoy drinking together. His palate is still developing. ;-)
Pinot Noir I am currently drinking: Coeur De Terre Pinot Noir. Willamette Valley, OR. McMinnville AVA
Sauvignon Blanc
Where do I begin? I feel like SB, that’s what I am going to refer to it as, is like spin-class for me. I have tried it, repeatedly. It’s hip. Most people truly enjoy it. But I have only enjoyed a few. Maybe it’s like finding the right instructor for a workout class, you’ve got to find the right winemaker and style? Anyways, enough about me and my feelings on that. This is one of the top 5 and a great varietal! Another light white, but boasting more of a dry style. It still gives you those fruit notes most white drinkers enjoy, with aromas of peach and lychee but it lends a grassy, unmistakable aroma as well. Think light and decadent. This is what you want to pour when you’re serving up scallops, followed by creme brulee.
Sauvignon Blanc I am currently drinking: Stratum. Marlborough, New Zealand.
Merlot: “The Comeback Kid”
Personally, I HAD to add this one. I know it got a bad rep and things went “sideways” after the movie “Sideways”, but this gem is just begging to be loved again. And like a woman who can do it all, should not have to beg for anything!
Merlot is the second most planted grape in the World. It also “stems” from Cabernet Franc; making it siblings with Cabernet Sauvignon in the “brother from another mother” sort of way. Same father. Get it? It is medium bodied, which if that translated into Goldilocks terms - basically means it’s perfect. Washington state just happens to grow some excellent Merlot. In the last 2 years this varietal has continuously surprised me. I absolutely love trying new merlots and find that it goes really well with everything from my fancy steak dinners to my DoorDash guilty pleasure of pizza and pasta.
Merlot I am currently drinking: Basel Cellars. Walla Walla, WA
