Red wine is the most popular. Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of black currant, anise, and black pepper and is grown in almost every wine-growing region. Other well-liked reds include Merlot, known for its lush and supple texture; Pinot Noir, which is adored for its aromas of red fruit, flowers, and spices; Zinfandel; Malbec; and Syrah. Red wine contains resveratrol, which has health benefits if consumed in moderation, such as reducing heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine. It is medium to full-bodied with a buttery mouthfeel and has flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. It originated in Burgundy, France, where wines were traditionally aged in oak barrels, giving it one of the boldest styles of white wine. Riesling, the flagship wine of Germany from the Rhine Valley, is sweet and acidic but well-balanced. Pinot Grigio is a quintessential Italian white wine. Airén is typically used as a base for brandy and as a popular table wine in Spain. This medium-light-bodied wine offers low acidity but doesn’t compromise on its bold style, with primary flavors of apple, banana, rose, and grapefruit.
The earliest evidence of wine comes from ancient China, Georgia, Persia, and Italy. Some wine regions known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir include Burgundy in France, Sonoma County in California, and Central Otago in New Zealand. Wine drinkers tend to like either red, white, or rosé, and Pinot Noir is the most popular light-bodied red wine in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most planted and highly-prized red variety, often associated with California and France.