Hello again! Welcome or welcome back to The Weekly Vine! I’m so happy you’re here.
Whether you’re just starting your wine journey or you’ve already sipped your way through a few tastings, understanding key wine grapes is like unlocking the secret language of wine – and for me, wanting to understand the differences in grapes was a large part of what started my WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) journey in 2024. The WSET is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. While I have been passionately drinking wine for almost two decades, I’ve only recently become a student of wine since the pandemic – but I hope my fascination helps you enjoy wine a bit more, as you take a swirl through the options outlined below, including the brands I recommend.
These grapes, from across the diaspora, are the foundation of many of the world’s most beloved wines, and knowing them will help you choose wines you’ll love, and if you remember a tidbit or two, you might even be able to impress your friends.
So without further adieu, let’s pour & explore.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Traits: Bold, rich, and structured.
Cabernet Sauvignon is like the Beyoncé of wine grapes: powerful, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Known for its dark fruit flavors like blackcurrant and blackberry, it’s also famous for its firm tannins (that drying sensation you feel as you sip). Often aged in oak, you’ll find hints of vanilla, spice, and even chocolate.
Try It With: A juicy steak, smoked brisket, aged cheddar or grilled portobello mushrooms
Recommended Wine: Charles Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon (California) – Founded by Paul Charles and family after an inspiring trip to Temecula Valley, this wine holds true to that inspiration and delivers bold flavors with a smooth finish, perfect for pairing with a hearty meal.
- Merlot
Key Traits: Smooth, soft, and approachable.
If Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, Merlot is its chill, easygoing younger sibling. Loved for its plummy flavors and velvety texture, Merlot satisfies both newcomers and seasoned wine lovers, making it perfect for a blended group of friends.
Try It With: A wide variety of options – roast chicken, lasagna, burgers, soft cheeses -(e.g Brie or Havarti)
Recommended Wine: Frichette Winery Merlot (Washington) – Co-owned by husband & wife team, Greg & Shae Frichette, this Merlot delivers lush flavors that pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, and is an excellent example of balance and depth and their passion for winemaking.
- Pinot Noir
Key Traits: Light, elegant, and complex.
Pinot Noir is the diva of the vineyard, and to be honest, it’s not my favorite. (I said what I said!) Still, I admit that when handled with care, this grape produces bright, red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry with earthy, mushroomy notes that can be delightful.
Try It With: Salmon, duck, turkey or vegetarian dishes.
Recommended Wine: Divinely Elegant Vines Pinot Noir (Georgia) – Sourced from their vineyard in Santa Maria Valley California, this family, veteran and woman-owned wine brand based in Georgia delivers a Pinot Noir that is elegant, fruit-forward, and perfect for any occasion.
- Syrah/Shiraz
Key Traits: Bold, spicy, and smoky.
True story, this is the red wine that started my wine journey – and it’s fitting as this is a grape with two names but one big personality. Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia, it delivers flavors of black pepper, blackberry, and sometimes smoked meat. It’s the ultimate winter wine, bold enough to warm you up on a chilly evening. And I don’t know about the rest of your locations, but it is chilly in GA this January winter morning (fact: it’s 21 degrees, with evidence of yesterday’s snowfall outside as I write this – 🥶)
Try It With: BBQ ribs, rich beef stew, or steak with peppercorn sauce
Recommended Wine: HER Shiraz (South Africa) – The power of eight dedicated women expressed in a bottle is the story behind HER! This Shiraz is bold & complex, showcasing the rich flavors that make this grape so beloved.
- Chardonnay
Key Traits: Versatility, in spades, from crisp to creamy.
Chardonnay is like that friend who can pull off both sneakers and stilettos, with as much poise or swagger as the occasion dictates. It’s equally at home as a zesty, citrusy wine or a buttery, oak-aged delight. You’ll find everything from green apple and lemon to tropical pineapple flavors. Trust me, there’s a Chardonnay for every palate (despite what “I hate Chardonnay” folks might say).
Try It With: Lobster, Crab, creamy pasta, Salad with a vinaigrette dressing or even popcorn (my personal favorite combo).
Recommended Wine: Aslina Chardonnay (South Africa) – Created by Ntsiki Biyela, the first Black female winemaker in South Africa, this Chardonnay, like Ntsiki’s story, is crisp, elegant, and inspiring.
- Sauvignon Blanc
Key Traits: Zesty, herbal, and refreshing.
So, hear me out now – if you love crisp, citrusy wines, with a vegetal flair, Sauvignon Blanc is your BFF. Expect flavors like lime, grapefruit, and pineapple, with a hint of fresh-cut grass, or asparagus! And if that sounds weird, I promise you, don’t knock it til you try it. It’s a GREAT choice for a warm day or whenever you need a wine that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze.
Try It With: Goat cheese, green salads, or light seafood dishes.
Recommended Wine: Bodkin Wines Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (California) – Founded by Chris Christensen, Bodkin Wines is known for making America’s first sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, offering a unique and refreshing take on this classic grape. Also – how cool is that label?!
- Riesling
Key Traits: Floral aromatics, Often (not ONLY) sweet
Riesling is like the Renaissance grape – and no, that’s not another Beyoncé reference. I simply mean, Riesling can do it all. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, it’s hanging out with our good sis Chardonnay in the versatility suite. Known for its high acidity and vibrant flavors like lime, peach, and honeysuckle. It even ages beautifully.
Try It With: Spicy Asian cuisine or citrus-glazed dishes.
Recommended Wine: Bottoms Up by Maison Noir Wines (Oregon) – Okay, so listen – this is not ONLY Riesling, but (1) it’s predominantly Riesling, and (2) André Mack is DA MAN, so just go with it. This blend adds equal parts Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer to the Riesling, and your tastebuds will thank you for the “chin-dripping” aromatic fruit salad on our your tongue.
Bonus Recommendation – because: see, point 2 above; Maison Noir’s Cabernet Sauvignon, In Sheep’s Clothing is another can’t miss offering from his collection.
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Key Traits: Light, crisp, and easy-drinking.
Whether you call it Pinot Grigio (Italian style) or Pinot Gris (French style), this grape is all about fresh, fruity simplicity. Expect flavors of pear, apple, and lemon, and also expect to be able to sip copious amounts of this. It’s perfect for when you just want something easy to sip on, and let’s be honest, that simply means it’s always perfect. Capito? Bien!
Try It With: Light appetizers, seafood, or a sunny afternoon.
Recommended Wine: Mary J. Blige has had some winning collaborations, and Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Yamato (Italy), her venture with the Fantinel family, is her next greatest hit.
- Zinfandel
Key Traits: Fruity, bold, and jammy.
Zinfandel is the life of the party — full of juicy red and black fruit flavors like raspberry, blackberry, and plum, often with a touch of spice. In its rosé form (White Zinfandel), it’s a sweeter, lighter option that’s fun and approachable. Zinfandel, in all its hues, is a must have in your summertime gathering wine list, so consider yourself informed and ready.
Try It With: BBQ, pizza, or burgers, Jamaican jerk chicken (White Zin – you’re welcome!)
Recommended Wine: Brown Estate Zinfandel (California) – As Napa Valley’s first Black-owned estate winery, Brown Estate produces exceptional Zinfandels that highlight the grape’s bold, fruity charm. And much like the gift that all of their wines are – here’s another gift from me to you…DO NOT, and I mean DO NOT skip out on their red blend, particularly if you happen to enjoy a good Cab. Named Chaos Theory, it’s called “The Cab lover’s Zin” and I wouldn’t dare disagree.
- Malbec
Key Traits: Dark, rich, and velvety.
Malbec is THE go-to grape for bold red wine lovers. Originating in France but made famous by Argentina, it delivers flavors of blackberry, plum, and cocoa. Its lush texture and deep color make it simply irresistible.
Try It With: Grilled meats or hard cheeses.
Recommended Wine: Chapelton Vineyards Malbec (Texas) – This recommendation makes me excited because not only is this an award winning wine (they have several!) but co-founder Kurt Lyn, like me, hails from Jamaica, and you feel like it just adds a little hint of extra spice to their delicious Malbec, and their overall visit experience.
Wine Knowledge = Wine Confidence
Getting to know these grapes is like building your wine vocabulary. It helps you understand what you’re drinking and guides you to wines you’ll enjoy.
Next time you’re at a tasting or in the wine aisle at your favorite store, you’ll be able to identify key characteristics and sound like a pro.
And if you try any of the wines I’ve recommended, you’ll sip knowing you’re enjoying a great wine while celebrating and supporting some of the great diversity in wine: win-win!!
Or should I say, Wine-Wine! 😀
Okay, I couldn’t resist.
Anyway, that’s all for now but if you want to learn more, keep an eye on the Sistah Sips Society IG page for updates on when a new blog hits. And follow the blog for more wine tips, fun facts, and ways to explore the world of wine together.
Here’s to sipping smarter! Cheers! 🥂
