Classifying wines according to their names is hard, but knowing the differences of each French name is harder. All we know is wine is good and we say yes to it every time.
Here is a guide to wine according to taste.
Chardonnay
Honoring its Texan roots, this kind of white wine has a bold taste and is in charge with a "full body and unabashed flavor, alcohol and oakiness". The distinct taste drops hints of tropical fruits used alongside grapes such as mango and pineapple. Some versions of the Chardonnay can be lighter, suggesting notes of apple, pears and lemons.
Sauvignon Blanc
It is a typically medium-bodied wine, backed up with a subtle taste of lemon and other citrus fruits, along with herbal grassy taste the back of your tongue can recognize, the kind that will make you think and remember a freshly mown lawn. It is marked by the tingly aftertaste of the citrus essence that serves as a palate cleanser and a little tingling on the tongue.
Ranging from medium to light bodied, the flavor can cover from bone dry to actually sweet taste. The sweet/semi-sweet flavor is accompanied by apple or honeysuckle smell that will delight your senses. Because of its relatively sweeter and less dry taste, many people associate this type of wine to the cheaper kinds, or even sparkling juices.
One of the most intense wine flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine, perfectly paired with dark meat on a fine dining restaurant. Its strong flavor is accompanied by strong hints of cocoa, cinnamon, and coffee. It has also a distinct smokey and oaky flavor that rounds up the bold taste it offers.
Merlot
Often described as the "Cabernet without the pain", for its rich flavors but without the strength and kick of the previous. Its smooth texture and form will cover your mouth with a velvety texture of fine tasting grape harvest from the best valleys in the world.
Pinot Noir
Probably the most "juicy" or "berry" tasting wine amongst the others, with its back flavors of strawberry and raspberry perfume. It is typically light, Pinot Noir is perfect during night chill outs and those "i-just-want-some-wine" nights we all have.
If you want to know more about picking the right one for each occasion or choosing the right cheese/meal-wine pairing, read more here!