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Wine Knowledge for the At Home Hostess

I LOVE wine! In college I took a course called Beer and Wine Tasting and learned about things like tannins, aroma, and viscosity - enough to sound like I know how to talk about wine without really knowing more than what tasted good (and I could afford). I have since done a number of wine tastings and visted lots of wineries around the country, so improved my knowlege enough to be dangerous.


To get you started at developing some general wine knowledge to enhance your hosting at home I have put together an overview of the 10 most popular types of wine. Note that they can vary depending on the specific brand, region, and vintage. However, I can provide you with some general tasting notes for each of these wine types to get you started. If all this goes over your head just remember the five S's technique to wine tasting - See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor!


Once you familiarize yourself with this basic information, check out Food & Wine for the 15 Rules for Great Food and Wine Pairing.


10 Most Popular Types of Wine

  1. Cabernet Sauvignon:

    • Aroma: Blackcurrant, plum, black cherry, and sometimes hints of green bell pepper.

    • Taste: Rich, full-bodied, with firm tannins and flavors of dark fruits, oak, and sometimes a touch of spice.

  2. Merlot:

    • Aroma: Red berries, plum, and sometimes a touch of herbal notes.

    • Taste: Soft and approachable, with flavors of red fruits, plums, and often a smooth, velvety texture.

  3. Chardonnay:

    • Aroma: Apple, pear, citrus, and vanilla with a hint of butter or oak.

    • Taste: Ranges from crisp and unoaked with green apple notes to creamy and full-bodied with buttery and toasty flavors.

  4. Sauvignon Blanc:

    • Aroma: Citrus, green apple, and sometimes grassy or herbal notes.

    • Taste: Crisp and refreshing, with high acidity, and flavors of citrus, green fruits, and sometimes a touch of minerality.

  5. Pinot Noir:

    • Aroma: Red cherry, raspberry, and sometimes earthy or floral notes.

    • Taste: Light to medium-bodied with silky tannins, showcasing red fruit flavors and often a subtle complexity.

  6. Syrah (Shiraz):

    • Aroma: Dark berries, black pepper, and sometimes smoky or spicy notes.

    • Taste: Full-bodied and bold, with rich dark fruit flavors, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of smoke.

  7. Zinfandel:

    • Aroma: Blackberry, brambly fruit, and sometimes hints of spice or black pepper.

    • Taste: A bold and fruity wine with flavors of blackberries, sometimes a touch of spice, and a lush, jammy quality.

  8. Riesling:

    • Aroma: Floral, peach, and citrus with varying degrees of sweetness.

    • Taste: A wide range of styles, from bone-dry to sweet, with flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a refreshing acidity.

  9. Malbec:

    • Aroma: Dark fruit, plum, and sometimes floral or herbal notes.

    • Taste: Medium to full-bodied with smooth tannins, showcasing dark fruit flavors and often a touch of spice.

  10. Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris):

    • Aroma: Green apple, pear, and sometimes a hint of citrus or mineral notes.

    • Taste: Light and crisp, with a clean, refreshing profile and flavors of green apple and pear.

Macy's Wine Shop

As you prepare for your next gathering start stocking up on your favorite wines. Macy's Wine Shop offers regular discounts and deals on your favorite brands and has a wine club subscription has an introductory offer that will deliver 6 bottles of expertly curated wines that include tasting notes sure to impress at your next gathering. Cheers!!

Wine Shop Access

Sample Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board & Wine Pairing Menu

Trader Joe's has become my grocery store of choice in recent years. One of the things I love most is that they not only have everything on my weekly grocery list and some amazing seasonal items, but also provide a decent selection of beer and wine (I'm from Massachusetts where that is not the norm) in some of their stores.


I've put together one of my favorite pairing recommendation for a charcuterie board and wine all purchased at Trader Joe's. Don't miss future pairing menus - sing up for the email list today!

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