Wine grapes are grown all over the world, including France, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Chile, Spain, Greece, and the United States of America. Different countries, and different areas within a country, grow different grapes, depending on climate, or, more specifically, terroir. Terroir is a French word which includes the soil, slope, elevation, climate influences such as fog and wind, temperatures, and more. Each grape varietal is used to produce a different type of wine, as each has its own unique flavor. This article will explore the world of white wines.

White Wine: An Introduction
The making of white wine differs from the making of red wine in several important ways. First, when making white wine, the skin of the grape is removed before fermentation. Grape skins contain tannins, which contributes to the wine’s bitterness and color. Secondly, the majority of white whites are not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation is the process of converting harsh acids to softer acids. To prevent malolactic fermentation, white wines are often chilled.

There are two general types of white wines–dry whites and off-dry (from semi-sweet to sweet) whites. When making dry whites, the yeast is allowed to convert all of the grape sugar into alcohol. When making off-dry whites, the fermentation process is stopped before all of the sugar is converted, leaving behind a naturally sweeter flavor and a less alcoholic wine.

The flavors, aromas, and textures of white wine are numerous. Nothing is added to the wine to give it these flavors, however. The grapes themselves, along with the method of fermentation, are solely responsible for the wine’s taste. Common flavors and aromas found in white wine include:

Fruit: apple, pear, apricot, peach, grapefruit, lemon, lime, melon, orange, pineapple

Vegetables: asparagus, green pepper, olives

Spices: ginger, white pepper, cloves

Earth: grass, hay, straw, minerals, stone, stream

Other: butter, butterscotch, cream, almonds, bread, yeast, honeysuckle, rose, oak, vanilla

Textures include: syrupy, light, crisp, creamy

Classic White Wine Varietals:

There are five classic varietals of white wine: chardonnay, chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, riesling, and sémillon.

Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most popular and successful wines in the world. It’s characterized by its rich, creamy texture and flavors of vanilla, butter, oak, apple, pineapple, and lemon.

World leaders in Chardonnay production include the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France, California state, New York state, Australia, Chile, and the Tuscany region of Italy. Chardonnay is grown and produced all over the world, however.

Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blancs are made in both the dry and off-dry varieties. Chenin Blanc’s flavors include: pear, melon, apricot, and peaches, in varying degrees of sweetness.

Chenin Blanc is primarily produced in the Loire Valley of France, California state, and South Africa.

Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is an acidic wine with plenty of herbal undertones. Its flavors have been described as containing straw, grass, tea, herbs, and even gunflint.

World leaders in Sauvignon Blanc production include: the Loire Valley of France, Austria, California state, New Zealand, South Africa, and Washington state.

Riesling
Rieslings range from dry to sweet-sweet, and produce flavors such as apricot, melon, honey, stone, and stream.

Riesling is grown and produced in cool climates. The best Rieslings come from the Alsace region of France, Germany, Austria, New York state, and Washington state.

Sémillon
Sémillons flavors change with age. When young, they taste tart, lean, and cottony. As they age, they take on notes of honey and develop a thicker texture.

Sémillon is grown and produced in the Bordeaux region of France, and Australia.

Other Popular and Important White Wine Varietals:

Arneis: One of the top three grapes grown in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Gewurztraminer: An important grape to France, Germany, California, and New York state.

Muscat: Grown all over the world for production of dry to sparkling wines.

Pinot Gris: A popular grape in Italy, France, Germany, and Oregon state.

Presecco: Northern Italian grape used in sparkling wine of the same name.

Viognier: One of the finest, and rarest, French grapes.

Other Articles You Might Find of Interest:

“Your Guide to Red Wine”

“The Complete Guide to Stocking a Bar”

“What’s the Real Difference Between All Those Beers?”

Wine grapes are grown all over the world, including France, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Chile, Spain, Greece, and the United States of America. Different countries, and different areas within a country, grow different grapes, depending on climate, or, more specifically, terroir. Terroir is a French word which includes the soil, slope, elevation, climate influences such as fog and wind, temperatures, and more. Each grape varietal is used to produce a different type of wine, as each has its own unique flavor. This article will explore the world of red wines.

Red Wine: An Introduction
There are approximately 5,000 grape varieties in the world. Some grape varieties are used on their own to produce a wine, while others are blended.

When making red wines, the skin of the grape is used. This gives the red wine its color, as well as its “backbone.” The red wine’s backbone is comprised of tannins, which are naturally present in the grape’s skin. Tannins act as a natural preservative, and give red wines their dry, sometimes bitter flavor.

The flavors, aromas, and textures of red wine are numerous. Nothing is added to the wine to give it these flavors, however. The grapes themselves, along with the barrels the wine is aged in, are solely responsible for the wine’s taste. Common flavors and aromas found in red wine include:

Fruit: blackberry, black currant, blueberry, cherry, plum, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry, prunes

Vegetables: mushrooms, truffles, bell pepper, olives, asparagus

Spices and Herbs: pepper, cinnamon, cloves, licorice

Earth: cedar, eucalyptus, pine, dried leaves

Other: chocolate, coffee, leather, tobacco, oak, vanilla, tea, rose, sweat, “hot” (directly related to alcohol content)

Textures include: meaty, chewy, thin, full, round, supple

Classic Red Wine Varietals:
There are four classic varieties of red wine: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, and syrah.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by its bold flavors and full structure. The flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon are often described as tasting of blackberry, black current, leather, cedar, and plum.

World leaders in Cabernet Sauvignon include the Medoc region of France, and California state. Other regions and countries that produce Cabernet Sauvignon include Argentina, Australia, Chile, Hungary, Italy, New York state, New Zealand, South Africa, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state.

Merlot
Merlot is similar in flavor to cabernet sauvignon, and is often confused for it. This is partly because Merlot is almost always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes.

World leaders in Merlot production include the Bordeaux region of France, California, and Washington state. Other places that produce Merlot include Chile, Italy, New York state, and Virginia.

Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is among the most difficult of wines to make, as the grapes are sensitive to climate and soil changes. Pinot Noir is lighter bodied and colored, and more delicate in flavor than other red wines.

World leaders in Pinot Noir production include the Burgundy region of France, Oregon state, and California sate.

Syrah
Syrah’s are big, bold wines whose flavors include blackberry, smoke, pepper, and spice.

World leaders in Syrah production include the Rhone valley in France, Australia (where it’s known as Shiraz), South Africa (where it’s also known as Shiraz) and California state (which also produces a Petite Sirah).

Other Popular and Important Red Wine Varietals:
Barberra: An important grape to the Piedmont region of Italy.
Cabernet Franc: One of the most important grapes in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Carmenere: Popular in Chile, where it’s often blended with Merlot.
Concord: More useful in grape juice in jelly than wine.
Dolcetto: Popular grape, and wine, from the Piedmont region of Italy.
Grenache: Grown in France, Australia, and the United States.
Malbec: Argentina’s famous grape.
Sangiovese: Italy’s most famous grape and the grape used in Chianti.
Tempranillo: Spain’s most famous grape is used in Rioja, as well as in Ports from Portugal.
Zinfandel: Has a long history in California.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

“The Complete Guide to Stocking a Bar”
“What’s the Real Difference Between All Those Beers?”

There is only one true rule to stocking your bar: it should reflect your personal taste. If you only like drinks made with rum or vodka, and you dig red wine, there’s no sense in spending money on exotic liqueurs and champagne. Your shopping list should also reflect your budget. A home bar can always grow, so if you start with a few basics, you can add to that as your taste, space, and wallet allows. Use the lists below as guidelines. Select the liquors, mixers, garnishes, stemware, and barware that best reflects your taste and style. If you’re not quite sure what you like, pick up a bartender book and try a few drinks. Most liquor stores carry miniature sample bottles, so you can try several types without initially breaking your budget. Have fun, and happy mixing!

Liquors
Most basic home bars will contain the following liquors. Again, select those you like and can afford.

1 bottle whiskey
1 bottle bourbon
1 bottle brandy
1 bottle vodka
1 bottle dry gin
1 bottle rum
1 bottle tequila

Notes:
If you like expensive whiskey, add a bottle of fine scotch to your list.

Many mixed drinks use light rum; if you have extra money, purchase one bottle each of light and dark rum, as many people prefer dark rum with rum and Coke. Otherwise, light rum is your better bet.

There are many flavors of brandy, vodka, and rum. If you have a particular need or taste for vanilla flavored vodka, or cherry brandy, or coconut rum, by all means, purchase what you will drink.

All liquors have grades of quality. If you love good tequila, for example, purchase a higher quality brand.

Liqueurs
Many mixed drinks call for splashes of various liqueurs. If you have a favorite drink, make sure and check its ingredients. The following are common liqueurs that basic bars will have on hand. Purchase the size of bottle you think you will use.

Triple sec, or other orange liqueur such as Grand Mariner or Cointreau
amaretto
Kahlúa, or other coffee liqueur
Irish cream liqueur
Drambuie
Kirsch
crème de menthe
peppermint schnapps
Frangelico
vermouth, though technically a aperitif wine; comes dry or sweet

Notes:
A few other popular liqueurs to consider purchasing include: framboise, sambuca, Pernod or other licorice flavored liqueur, and other flavored schnapps, such as peach.

Mixers
Mixed drinks need mixers. Juices, sodas, and syrups are common mixers. The following mixers are common and can be used in many mixed drinks.

club soda
coffee
cola
cranberry juice
cream
ginger ale
grenadine
lemon juice
orange juice
pineapple juice
Rose’s lime juice
seltzer
sour mix (recipe below)
simple syrup (recipe below)
tonic water
tomato juice
7-Up

How-to Make Sour Mix and Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup:

2 parts sugar (2 cups, for example)
1 part water (1 cup, for example)

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water.
2. Simmer over low heat for about ten minutes, stirring often to make sure sugar dissolves.
3. Let cool. Put in a jar and refrigerate until needed.

Sour Mix:

1 part sugar (1 cup, for example)
2 parts water (2 cups, for example)
2 parts lemon juice (2 cups, for example)

1. Dissolve sugar in water.
2. Add lemon juice.
3. Place in a jar and refrigerate until needed.

Garnishes
Many mixed drinks call for fruit slices, wedges, or other garnishes. Below, you will find many common garnishes that a basic bar will have on hand.

bitters (Angostura and/or orange)
egg whites
lemons
limes
maraschino cherries
mint
olives
onions (pearl, often pickled)
oranges
salt
sugar
swizzle sticks
Tabasco
whipped cream

Notes:
As many of these garnishes are fresh, it will be necessary to plan ahead and purchase them if you will be serving drinks that call for these garnishes. Bitters, salt, sugar, and Tabasco will keep stored.

Also, make sure to have plenty of crushed and cubed ice on hand.

Glassware and Barware
Glassware can quickly become expensive. Many mixed drinks can be served out of standard glasses, if you’re looking to save money. Some drinks, however, are best served in specific glassware, as the shape and size of the glass enhances the drink’s flavor. Looks also plays a role in pairing cocktails with glassware.

For a general bar, purchase:

red wine glasses
white wine glasses
beer mugs
rocks glasses
high ball glasses
shot glasses

For a well-stocked bar, consider purchasing the following in addition to those above:

dessert wine glasses
champagne flutes
martini glasses
snifters
Collins glasses

The weather has finally cooled, with the rain returning to the Pacific Northwest, snow hitting the Rockies and northeastern states, and severe weather warnings in many portions of the country. It’s the perfect time of year to throw on an extra layer of clothing, light a fire, and make yourself a warming fall drink. Here are ten for you to try, split equally between alcoholic and non. The punches would be a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Cocktails

Irish Coffee
Made with black coffee and Irish Whiskey, this stout drink will definitely warm your soul.

Irish Coffee from Cooks
Irish Coffee from the Barkeeper

Hot Spiked Cider
Nothing says fall like hot apples and the scent of cinnamon. Of course, brandy is always a welcome addition.

Hot Spiked Cider from Fine Living

Hot Toddy
This homey drink is a favorite during cool weather. Made with honey and either rum or brandy, it’s known as a natural cough and cold remedy.

Hot Toddy from Chow

Cranberry Punch
The perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table, cranberry punch will give your holiday dinner a little kick.

Cranberry Punch by Rachael Ray

Pumpkin Divine
If you’re looking for something sophisticated for a romantic night or a dinner party, try this Pumpkin Divine. Served martini style, this drink is sure to impress.

Pumpkin Divine from Cocktail Times

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Cranberry Punch
Serve this virgin punch alongside the spiked version for the younger generation, or for those who don’t drink.
Cranberry Punch by Betty Crocker

Perfectly Chocolate Hershey’s Hot Cocoa
Who doesn’t love a great cup of cocoa? Try Hershey’s homemade version, and you’ll never go back to the packaged stuff.

Hershey’s Hot Cocoa via RecipeZaar

Homemade Chai
This sweet and spicy drink is delicious served hot or cold. Great for adults and kids alike. If you’re inclined, purchase Earthbound Farm’s Food to Live By cookbook and make their version. Otherwise, try this one from Epicurious.

Homemade Chai from Epicurious

Spiced Apple Cider
Making spiced apple cider is easy. Just purchase regular apple cider from your market, and jazz it up with spices. Here are two recipes to get you started.

Spiced Apple Cider from Recipe Tips
Hot Spiced Apple Cider from Cooks

Specialty coffee drinks
All year long, coffee shops offer seasonal drink specials. Favorites for fall include the Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread lattes. If you have the right equipment, try making your own.

Pumpkin Spice Latte from All Recipes
Gingerbread Latte from All Recipes

Do you like light-weight, clean-tasting beer? Or dark, rich, and complex brews? Is bitter and hoppy your flavor? Or fresh and fruit-flavored? Depending on your answer, do you know if you should order an ale, a lager, a porter, a stout, a pilsner, or something else? This guide to beer styles will help you determine what beer is right for you.

There are two main types of beer—ales and lagers. What’s the difference? It depends entirely on the brewing process. Ales use top-fermenting yeasts, while lagers use bottom-fermenting yeasts. (Source.) What does that amount to? The yeast used to brew ale ferments at warmer temperatures and produces chemicals called esters that can affect the beer’s flavor. Lager yeasts, on the other hand, ferment at colder temperatures, therefore taking more time to come to fruition. This results in a crisp, clean beer, that is often very mild.

Examples of ales and lagers: Ales include pale ales, amber ales, brown ales, porters, stouts, wheat beers, and other specialty beers. Lagers include, most notably, pilsners and bocks. Budweiser, Coors, and Heinekin are well-known lagers.

Let’s look at these subcategories more carefully.

Beer contains five main ingredients: malt, hops, yeast, water, and sugar. The malt is in the form of malted barley, a grain which affects the color, body, and taste of the beer. Depending on the type of malt used, the beer can take on a nutty, chocolate, or caramel flavor. Hops are the flowering cones of the hop plant, and give the beer it’s bitterness. They are used to off-set the sweetness of the malt. The yeast is what converts the sugar in the malt into alcohol. Sometimes, additional sugar is added to the brew before bottling to achieve carbonation or a higher alcohol content. Fruit or fruit flavors can also be added to ales.

Now that you know more about the ingredients, let’s see how they affect certain types of beer.

Pale Ales, Amber Ales, Brown Ales, Etc.: Ales, as you’ve learned, use ale yeast. Pale ales use pale malt, while the malt for amber ale ranges from a light copper to a brownish-red. Brown ales use brown malts. The darker the malt, the richer the beer will taste. Adding hops to the brew will result in a more bitter ale. Newcastle Brown Ale is a moderately hopped beer, while India Pale Ales are notably hoppy beers.

Porters and Stouts: Both ale style beers, porters and stouts are made from dark malts that give the beer a dark, roasty, rich flavor. Stouts are porters on over-drive, though some of them can be quite smooth. Guinness Stout, for example, is a smooth extra stout porter. The extra sugars in porters and stouts can give them a higher alcohol content, so these beers are best sipped. They are also often served at warmer temperatures.

Wheat Beers: Instead of using all malted barley in the brewing process, wheat beers use just that—wheat. Though the taste can vary, most wheat beers are lighter in body and flavor than malted barley beers. Think Hefeweizen, for example.

Pilsners and Bocks: Pilsners are a pale lager known for their light color and body and hoppy flavor. These beers are best served very cold. If you like Bud, Coors, or Miller, you’re a pilsner fan. Bock is a stronger lager brewed with darker colored malts, and unlike the pilsner, it is low in hops.

The next time you go to purchase or order beer, take these notes into consideration. You don’t want to get stuck with a pilsner if you’re a stout fan, or vice versa.

For a more extensive overview of beer styles, visit the Beer Hunter’s index.