Searching for a shortlist of the most popular wines? Well, you’ve already heard of the phrase “wine tasting,” which is quite common and is even someone’s profession. But why should wines be tasted? Well, as you might have guessed, the main job of sommeliers or wine tasters is to ensure that the product is free of any faults. Apart from having a great sense of taste, these people are well-trained to distinguish between various types of wines.
Normally, a wine taster is advised to start by tasting white wines as they move towards the red varieties so as to efficiently develop their palate. Of course, there are many types of wines in both the white and red categories. However, there are some of these products that can be found in any sommelier’s list. Check the list below to find out our top five…
The Top 5 Most Popular Wines You Should Try:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is among the most widely known red grape varietals. It can either be medium or full-bodied wine that ages well and has a superb flavor that compares well with full-bodied reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This particular wine was named after Bernard Cabernet who is considered one of the most famous winemakers in the world.
Bernard Cabernet discovered this wine in the 17th century, after which it was produced for over three centuries. His understanding of the power of blending enhanced the creation of this popular wine at the time. Today, this wine is not only one of the best in its place of origin, but also across the globe.
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2. Tempranillo
Another very famous wine grape is Tempranillo, but it may not be on anyone’s list of the most popular wines. This wine grape can be traced back to the ancient Andalusian peninsula. As the product grew in popularity, its reach started expanding and it was later introduced throughout Spain and France. It later started making moves across the world and has since become one of the most popular drinks.
3. Merlot
If you’re looking to pick a good wine from a wide selection, then Merlot should be among your finalists. Known for its approachable style and sensual texture, Merlot is the second most popular wine in America (after Cabernet Sauvignon). This red wine is made from grapes grown in warm climate regions from which they’re then supplied to the rest of the world.
Merlot is not only easy-going but also a great companion for your grilled food. As such, you can pair it with your snacks or foods, and enhance that happy hour. Merlot contains a lower amount of tannins than most red wines. These are natural, sharp flavors that come straight from the wine grapes themselves. It’s argued that the movie “Sideways” had a huge impact on the sales of Merlot products despite sending a bad message regarding the wine to its audience.
4. Chardonnay
If you’re a wine enthusiast, then Chardonnay wine should ring a familiar taste in your palate. This drink originated in the Burgundy region of France in the ancient years and has since grown in popularity across other countries and continents. Today, Chardonnay is regarded as the most common white wine in most countries.
Despite its popularity, most wine drinkers don’t understand Chardonnay, but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from producing even more of these drinks. One reason why winemakers prefer Chardonnay is because it’s easy to plant. Also, this product doesn’t have a distinctive flavor as other wines.
As such, winemakers have the chance of leaving their unique imprint on them. This wine also has the mysterious quality famously known as terroir. This means it’s able to mirror the current location’s climate. For instance, it can taste like pineapples or mangoes in warmer climes, and retain its acidic taste in cooler regions.
5. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is another very famous wine, both in the kitchen and on your dining table. You might be wondering why this is so. Well, it’s considered one of the best choices for braising proteins, especially ribs and other similar food products. But what makes Sauvignon Blanc quite popular is the fact that it also fits perfectly in your dining menu.
There are some wines that do better when drunk with food than without food, and Sauvignon Blanc is one of those products.
Conclusion
Over the past centuries, there’ve been a lot of discoveries made in the world of wines and related drinks. As such, today you’ll come across a variety of popular wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo. Nearly every sommelier has every one of these in their list of tasted wines. So, if you’re planning to introduce something new to your wine cabinet, then try one of our top 5 most popular wines.