A Beginner’s Guide to 8 Popular Wine Grapes

Image Credits: Sula Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Top Producers

Bordeaux, Chile, Argentina, California, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

Goes Well With

Grilled or roasted fatty meats, salmon, or pasta with sauces including mushrooms or olives

Image Credits: Sula Wines

Merlot

Top Producers

Chile, California, Bordeaux, and Australia

Goes Well With

Chicken, light meats, and heavy meats loaded with cheese

Image Credits: The Happy High

Chardonnay

Top Producers

New Zealand, South Africa, California, Burgundy, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile

Goes Well With

Seafood, chicken, pork, lemon zest, and cheeses

Image Credits: Sula Wines

Grenache

Top Producers

Spain, Languedoc, Australia, Southern Rhône, Southern France, and Roussillon

Goes Well With

Pick any spicy dish and pair it up with a glass of Grenache to cut off the heat

Image Credits: The Gourmet Shop

Pinot Noir

Top Producers

Burgundy, Australia, USA, Chile, and New Zealand

Goes Well With

A light companion to rich meats, chicken, and seafood

Image Credits: Martha Stewart

Malbec

Top Producers

Argentina and Cahors

Goes Well With

Mexican, Thai, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines. Especially roasted meats, barbequed pork, and dishes with rich Italian tomato sauces

Image Credits: Club Oenologique

Syrah/Shiraz

Top Producers

Northern & Southern Rhone, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia

Goes Well With

Roasted or grilled meats, steak, cheese, and Middle Eastern foods

Image Credits: Fratelli Wines

Sangiovese

Top Producers

Italy, Australia, Chile, USA, Romania, and Argentina

Goes Well With

Pasta or pizza with tomatoes and herbs, buttered vegetables, and aged cheeses