As a flight attendant constantly hopping between global destinations, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest wines—each with its own story, flavour, and cultural significance. Whether you’re new to wine or looking to expand your palate, this list of the 20 most popular wine varieties will guide you through the essentials, from bold reds to crisp whites and everything in between. So grab a glass and join me on this journey through the wonderful world of wine!
1. Cabernet Sauvignon (kab-er-NAY so-vee-NYON)
- Origin: Bordeaux, France
- Taste: Full-bodied, with dark fruit flavours like blackcurrant, plum, and notes of tobacco, cedar, and spices. High tannins.
2. Merlot (mur-LOH)
- Origin: Bordeaux, France
- Taste: Soft and smooth, with flavours of cherry, plum, chocolate, and a hint of herbs. Less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Pinot Noir (PEE-noh NWAHR)
- Origin: Burgundy, France
- Taste: Light to medium-bodied, with red fruit flavours such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. Earthy, with soft tannins.
4. Syrah/Shiraz (see-RAH / shi-RAHZ)
- Origin: Rhône Valley, France (Syrah), Australia (Shiraz)
- Taste: Bold, with flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and black pepper, with smoky, spicy undertones.
5. Zinfandel (ZIN-fan-dell)
- Origin: Croatia (popular in California, USA)
- Taste: Jammy and fruity, with raspberry, blackberry, and peppery notes. Medium to full-bodied with a spicy finish.
6. Malbec (MAHL-behk)
- Origin: France (popular in Argentina)
- Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavours of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate. Often described as velvety with moderate tannins.
7. Tempranillo (temp-rah-NEE-yoh)
- Origin: Spain
- Taste: Medium to full-bodied, with red and black fruit flavours like cherry and plum, along with tobacco, leather, and vanilla.
8. Sangiovese (san-joe-VAY-zay)
- Origin: Italy (Tuscany)
- Taste: Medium-bodied, with red fruit flavours like cherry and strawberry, with earthy and savory undertones such as tomato and spice.
9. Grenache (greh-NOSH).
- Origin: Spain (popular in France and Australia)
- Taste: Fruity and spicy, with flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and subtle white pepper. Medium-bodied and often used in blends.
10. Carménère (car-men-YEHR)
- Origin: France (popular in Chile)
- Taste: Medium-bodied, with red and black fruit flavours like plum and blackberry, along with herbal and earthy notes.
11. Chardonnay (shar-doh-NAY)
- Origin: Burgundy, France
- Taste: Versatile, with flavours ranging from citrus and green apple to tropical fruit like pineapple. Can be buttery and oaky or crisp and mineral-driven.
12. Sauvignon Blanc (SOH-vee-nyon BLAHNK)
- Origin: Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Crisp and refreshing, with flavours of green apple, lime, and tropical fruits, often with grassy or herbaceous notes.
13. Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris (PEE-noh GREE-zhee-oh / gree)
- Origin: Italy (Pinot Grigio), France (Pinot Gris)
- Taste: Light and crisp with flavours of citrus, pear, and apple (Pinot Grigio). Pinot Gris is fuller with richer, spicier fruit flavors.
14. Riesling (REEZ-ling)
- Origin: Germany
- Taste: Aromatic and often sweet, with flavours of peach, apricot, and floral notes. Can also be dry, with high acidity and minerality.
15. Gewürztraminer (guh-VURTZ-trah-mee-ner)
- Origin: Germany (popular in Alsace, France)
- Taste: Aromatic, with spicy floral notes and flavours of lychee, rose, and tropical fruits. Medium to full-bodied with a slight sweetness.
16. Viognier (vee-ohn-YAY)
- Origin: Rhône Valley, France
- Taste: Lush and aromatic, with flavours of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. Medium to full-bodied, often with a creamy texture.
17. Moscato (moh-SKAH-toh)
- Origin: Italy
- Taste: Sweet and light, with flavours of peach, orange blossom, and honey. Low alcohol and often slightly sparkling.
18. Grüner Veltliner (GROO-ner VELT-lee-ner)
- Origin: Austria
- Taste: Crisp and zesty, with flavours of green apple, lime, and white pepper. Light to medium-bodied with a refreshing finish.
19. Prosecco (proh-SEK-oh)
- Origin: Italy (Veneto)
- Taste: Sparkling and light, with flavours of pear, apple, and citrus. Often dry and refreshing, with a lively effervescence.
20. Champagne (sham-PAYN)
- Origin: Champagne, France
- Taste: Sparkling wine with a blend of citrus, apple, and brioche flavours. High acidity, toasty, and luxurious with fine bubbles.
