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A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Common Types of Wine
July 24th, 2025
Navigating the world of wine can feel a bit like decoding a secret language filled with fancy accents and centuries-old traditions. The good news? You don’t need a sommelier certification to sip like a pro. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an enthusiastic sipper looking to level up, understanding the most common types of wine is the first step to discovering what you love (and why you love it).
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best-known wine types with zero judgment and lots of helpful intel. From bold reds to bright whites, bubbly sparklers to sweet dessert pours—we’ll cover essential wine varieties, flavor profiles, and food pairings. So grab your corkscrew or twist that cap, and get ready to dive into the delicious diversity of wine.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Wines?
Wine comes in a rainbow of colors, tastes, and textures, but at its core, it's divided into several major categories. These include red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines. Each type offers its own unique charm, crafted to suit different occasions, moods, and meals. Below, we’ll explore these types in detail, breaking them down further into specific varieties to help guide you through the essentials. Think of this as your flavor map to help you explore the wide world of wine with confidence.Red Wines
Rich and complex, red wines are made from dark-skinned grapes and fermented with the skins, giving them their signature hue and tannins. From food-friendly Pinot Noir to powerhouses like Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s a red wine for every vibe. Explore La Crema Red Wines »Cabernet Sauvignon (pronounced ka-ber-nay-sow-veen-yawn)
Known as the "king of red grapes," Cabernet Sauvignon is a favorite among wine lovers for its structure, complexity, and aging potential. While Napa Valley often steals the spotlight, wines like La Crema's Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon prove that Sonoma County is equally capable of producing powerful yet elegant Cabernets.- Color: Deep ruby.
- Key Flavor Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, cassis, coffee, tobacco, cedar, and herbs.
- Style/Body: Full-bodied with high tannins.
- Sweetness Level: Dry.
- Growing Regions: California, Bordeaux, Chile, Australia.
- Food Pairings: Grilled steak, beef vindaloo, barbacoa tacos, tandoori lamb chops, Thai beef salad, aged cheddar, and hearty stews. Try it with these recipes:
Pinot Noir (pronounced pee-no-na-whar)
Elegant and versatile, Pinot Noir is loved for its light body and fruit-forward character. Explore the various single-vineyard and regional expressions of La Crema Pinot Noir.- Color: Light ruby.
- Key Flavor Notes: Ripe strawberry, raspberry, cherry, mushroom, rose petal, forest floor, and baking spices.
- Style/Body: Light to medium-bodied with silky tannins.
- Sweetness Level: Dry.
- Growing Regions: California, Oregon, Burgundy, New Zealand.
- Food Pairings: Salmon, lamb, moo shu pork, chicken tandoori, tacos al pastor, Thai red curry, mushroom dishes, roasted eggplant, brie, strawberries. Pair it with these recipes:
Merlot (pronounced mer-low)
Soft, plush, and effortlessly lovable, Merlot is the cashmere sweater of wines.- Color: Medium to deep ruby.
- Key Flavor Notes: Plum, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, and herbal undertones.
- Style/Body: Medium-bodied with smooth tannins.
- Sweetness Level: Dry.
- Growing Regions: California, Bordeaux, Chile, Washington, Italy.
- Food Pairings: Pasta Bolognese, mushroom risotto, grilled pork, beef kebabs, lamb tagine, or roasted chicken.
Syrah/Shiraz (pronounced seer-ah/shih-rahz)
Two names for the same powerful grape: Syrah in France, Shiraz in Australia. French Syrah tends to be more restrained, while Australian Shiraz leans bolder.- Color: Dark purple.
- Key Flavor Notes: Blackberry, pepper, smoked meat, and leather.
- Style/Body: Full-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Dry.
- Growing Regions: Rhône Valley, Australia, California, South Africa.
- Food Pairings: BBQ brisket, spiced lamb, grilled sausage, blue cheese.
Zinfandel (pronounced zin-fan-dell)
Perfect for lovers of bold, fruity wines with a hint of spice.- Color: Dark red or garnet.
- Key Flavor Notes: Jammy raspberry, black cherry, black pepper, and licorice.
- Style/Body: Medium to full-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Dry to off-dry.
- Growing Regions: California, Italy.
- Food Pairings: Spicy barbecue ribs, burgers, chili, or pizza with pepperoni and sausage.
White Wines
White wines offer everything from zesty and aromatic to creamy and full-bodied. They’re fermented without grape skins, which keeps things lighter in color and texture. Explore La Crema White Wines »Chardonnay (pronounced shar-dun-nay)
Chardonnay is often referred to as the winemaker's grape due to its adaptability to various styles. Depending on how it’s made, Chardonnay can be crisp, mineral-driven, fruity, or rich. Discover the many single-vineyard and regional expressions of La Crema Chardonnay.- Color: Pale straw to golden yellow.
- Key Flavor Notes: Apple, pear, citrus, vanilla, butter, and oak (if aged).
- Style/Body: Medium- to full-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Dry.
- Growing Regions: California, Burgundy, Australia, Chile, South Africa.
- Food Pairings: Roast or butter chicken, scallops, pork loin, Havarti cheese, almonds, risotto, and dishes with creamy, buttery, or pesto sauces. Create your perfect pairing with these ideas:
Sauvignon Blanc (pronounced soh-vin-yohn-blahnk)
Bright, zippy, and herbaceous, Sauvignon Blanc is like summer in a glass. La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and vibrant with beautiful texture from barrel fermentation and a juicy, lingering finish.- Color: Pale yellow with a greenish hue.
- Key Flavor Notes: Lime, green apple, tropical fruit, fresh-cut grass, and minerality.
- Style/Body: Light-bodied with crisp acidity.
- Sweetness Level: Dry.
- Growing Regions: New Zealand, California, Loire Valley, Chile.
- Food Pairings: Goat cheese, paneer tikka, spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, salads, sushi, ceviche, shellfish, Thai food.
Pinot Gris/Grigio (pronounced pee-noh gree / gree-zhee-oh)
Same grape, two styles. “Gris” is richer, “Grigio” is crisper, and both are ultra-refreshing. La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris brims with flavors of Meyer lemon and nectarine, followed by fresh, multilayered acidity.- Color: Pale straw.
- Key Flavor Notes: Pear, melon, lemon, almond.
- Style/Body: Light to medium-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Dry to off-dry.
- Growing Regions: Italy, Oregon, California, Alsace.
- Food Pairings: Shrimp, chicken salad, light pasta, sushi.
Riesling (pronounced reez-ling)
An aromatic white that ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.- Color: Pale yellow.
- Key Flavor Notes: Peach, apricot, honey, jasmine, lime.
- Style/Body: Light-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Dry to sweet.
- Growing Regions: Germany, Washington, New York, Alsace.
- Food Pairings: Spicy food, pork, soft cheeses, pad Thai, samosas, miso soup.
Chenin Blanc (pronounced shen-in blahnk)
A chameleon grape that can go dry, sweet, still, or sparkling.- Color: Pale straw.
- Key Flavor Notes: Apple, honey, quince, chamomile.
- Style/Body: Light to medium-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Dry to sweet.
- Growing Regions: Loire Valley, South Africa, California.
- Food Pairings: Roast or teriyaki chicken, vegetable biryani, mild curries, creamy cheeses, seafood.
Rosé Wines
Pretty in pink, rosé gets its signature blush color from briefly fermenting red grape juice with the skins. Rosés range from dry and mineral to fruity and floral, and they’re as chic as they are drinkable. Explore La Crema Rosé Wines »- Color: Pale pink to deep salmon.
- Key Flavor Notes: Strawberry, watermelon, citrus, rose petal.
- Style/Body: Light to medium-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Usually dry.
- Growing Regions: Provence, California, Spain, Italy.
- Food Pairings: Tapas, grilled veggies, prosciutto, summer salads.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines bring the fizz, the festivity, and yes, the fabulousness. From Champagne to Cava to California bubbles, there’s a sparkler for every occasion. Explore La Crema Sparkling Wines »- Color: Pale gold to pink.
- Key Flavor Notes: Green apple, citrus, brioche, almond.
- Style/Body: Light-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Brut (dry) to Doux (sweet).
- Growing Regions: Champagne, California, Italy, Spain.
- Food Pairings: Oysters, fried chicken, popcorn, celebration cake.
Dessert Wines
Sweeter than your average pour, dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, and Moscato are the grand finale of your wine journey. They’re rich, luscious, and crafted for sipping slowly.- Color: Deep amber to golden yellow.
- Key Flavor Notes: Honey, fig, raisin, apricot, caramel.
- Style/Body: Full-bodied.
- Sweetness Level: Sweet.
- Growing Regions: France, Germany, California, Portugal.
- Food Pairings: Blue cheese, fruit tarts, crème brûlée, dark chocolate.