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Burgundy wines

There are few wines that have a reputation equal to those of Burgundy France. The white wines are always 100% Chardonnay, the red wines are always 100% Pinot Noir and wherever else in the world wines are made from these two grape types, though they are often very different in taste profile, they are judged against the model of Burgundy. Such is the reputation."

Many people think that all Burgundy is very expensive and that is not necessarily the case but, more perhaps than any other regional wine, Burgundy does get better at higher price points. There are different levels of quality that are very clearly codified on the labels. The Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines at the top of the hierarchy, the village level wines in the middle and generic white and red Bourgogne wines on the lower rungs. The Bourgogne wines can be competent and stylistically typical, with prices ranging from $12 to $20. Village wines (those with the name of a particular village on the label) show more specificity in their aromas and flavors and range from $15 to $35 while the Premier and Grand Cru wines, identified by particular vineyard names that sometimes have the name of the village attached (just to confuse you) display the finest quality, individual personality and eminent age ability with prices starting in the $40's and going up.

I often answer the question "if you had to drink just one type of wine, what would it be" with the answer, "Burgundy

Bordeaux reds are blends

The red wines of Bordeaux have quite a reputation. The finest are among the best wines in the world by anyone's estimation. They are not simple wines, although they are not all expensive and it's a popular opinion that the average priced Bordeaux offers very good value. But, you have to be in the mood for a wine with some "terroir", that French notion of a taste of earthiness, a wine that may not be just for sipping on its own but only at its best with food. So, serve a California Merlot first and then, when food is on the table pull out the Bordeaux.

Malbec, Cot, Auxerrois by any other name

The grape is Malbec ... or Cot ... or Auxerrois.
No, no, the grape's name is Malbec. That is how it is most commonly identified, and about the only place where it's grown and gets to put it's name on the label, in Argentina, it chooses the name, Malbec.

Riesling - love it? hate it?

For years the wine media has been harping on Riesling as the most misunderstood of grapes. Today, in America it is enjoying a jump forward in popularity yet still, I think many people don't know what to expect. People who like dry wine are scared they may get a sweeter version and those that are OK with sweet fear the tartly acidic, sometimes weirdly mineral versions. And how do you tell?
Riesling is THE grape of white wine in Germany.

Pinot Noir - Queen of red wines

This grape is responsible for all the red wines of Burgundy in France - if it's Bourgogne Rouge, you know its pinot noir. Because of the reputation of Burgundy, any pinot noir wine made anywhere else is judged against the Burgundian model. That makes it tough on everyone who tries to make it in places like California and Oregon and yet, they do. The craze to make a quality pinot noir is rampant.

It is, however notoriously difficult to make a really good one.

Pinot Grigio or Gris

Pinot Grigio, as it is most often called, is the premier Italian white wine grape although it is made in huge amounts in Italy and a lot of it is pretty average. If you just blindly pick out a bottle chances are good that you'll get a refreshing, simple, inexpensive wine. Nothing wrong with that ... in fact that's better than buying one of the most expensive pinot grigio available, Santa Margarita. Spending more than $20 on one of these wines makes little sense..
It is hugely popular though, I sold a ton of it when I worked in restaurants because its so dependably clean and refreshing. It out sells chardonnay sometimes.

Petite Sirah is not petite

This grape suffers from confusion over its name but is more popular each vintage for its rich yet full-o-fruit character. Many people think it's related to the syrah grape and it is. Petite Sirah is called Durif in France, where it was created - a cross between syrah and another grape. It is sometimes spelled with the “y” and sometimes with the “i” in America.
In fact the phenolic elemets of the grape must be somewhat controlled to avoid an overtly extracted wine. It has very small berries so the skin to grape flesh ratio almost guarantees a powerhouse wine. It can benefit from decanting and has a great potential to age. With deep color and intense aromas and flavors and a denser, longer finish than typical Syrah, you can imagine why it's so popular today. Markham Vineyards produced one of the first notable Petite Sirah but Bogle, Ridge, Edmeads, Foppiano and Guenoc all make dependable versions.