Cabernet Sauvignon is the name of both the grape and the wine it produces. Cabernet is known as one of the world's finest red wines, with its depth of complexity and richness of flavor. Cabernet is grown all over the world - South America; Australia; Lebanon; Long Island, NY; Northern California; and of course Bordeaux, France. Cabernets can be mellow and mild, hearty and rich, and go well with grilled meats and hearty pasta dishes as well as cheeses like brie and cheddar.

The Shiraz/Syrah grape is called Syrah in the US, France and other countries. In Australia it is called Shiraz, where it is considered the finest red wine grown there. It is certainly the most widely planted red grape in Australia. A medium bodied but hearty wine, Shiraz goes very well with Indian, Mexican, and other spicy foods.

The Merlot grape was not named as a distinct variety until the 1800s. It is not well suited for long aging, so until recently the wine made from merlot grapes was used solely as a blending wine. Recently, merlot has been discovered as a delicious wine in its own right. It is being grown for that purpose primarily in California and Chile, and in a few other wine regions, including Washington State. Not quite as harsh as other reds, merlot has less tannin than a Cabernet and can therefore be drunk earlier. Try some with a rich, red pasta dish, or even a heavy chicken dish.

Pinot Noir is a "light red" wine, first planted by the Gauls before the Roman invasion. By 150BC there were vineyards in France of this fine grape. The Pinot Noir grape is the main grape used in much of Burgundy. It was only recently, in the early 1990s, that it began to be grown in quantity in California, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand. . It is known as an extremely difficult grape to grow and to make into wine. Pinot Noirs go well with pasta, or lighter chicken dishes.

Red Zinfandel is an "American Classic" wine - it was even originally thought to be made of native Californian grapes. Research has now shown that the Zinfandel grape originated in Italy, but this wine is still mostly grown in California. The color of a Zin is deep red, bordering on black. Zinfandel goes well with "typical American" food - pizza, sandwiches, etc. It's hearty enough to match up with thick red sauces.

The Chardonnay grape is thought to have originated in Lebanon, and in France Chardonnay became the only grape allowed to be grown in Chablis, Burgundy. The grape is also used in sparkling wines and Champagne. Chardonnay really hit its prime when it was grown in California. Its popularity has grown immensely in the past forty years, to where it is now the most popular white wine available. In addition to California and Burgundy, Chardonnays are also grown in quantity in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Chardonnay is usually dry, and goes best with poultry or seafood.

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are actually the same white grape, with two different names. In Italy and California it's known as Grigio, while in Oregon and France it's known as Gris. Other countries use the terms interchangeably. Most Pinot Grigio wines are created in Italy. The Italian version is typically dry and light, with a mineral taste to it. Californian variants of the wine tend to be richer in flavor, but still have the mineral taste. Often, they finish with a lemony or citrusy flavor. It is a good choice to accompany a vegetarian meal.

Riesling is the precursor to White Zinfandel - the wine that "sweet tooth" drinkers sought out before White Zinfandel became available. The Riesling grape is believed to be indigenous to Germany, and has been planted there since the fourteenth century. Riesling grows best in Germany and California, but it is also grown in the Alsace region of France, Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and now in Washington State. Riesling goes very well with Asian dishes. It also goes well with seafood of all types, and is one of the few wines that go well with chocolate.