by Lili Gordon

Created on: February 11, 2008

Wine is made from fermented grapes and it comes in red, white or rose varieties. Wine-making dates back to 3000B.C.. The climate is a big factor in making a good wine. The type of grape determines the type of wine, and only certain types of grapes grow in certain climates. To find the wines that you enjoy the most means that you should experiment with them and this lead to some wonderful new discoveries. It is a good idea when tasting a new wine to keep a notebook and write down anything memorable about the wine, so that you'll be able to recall later on what it tasted and smelled like to you.

French wines

They are named for the region they are grown in.

Red wines

- Red Bordeaux
The general flavor characteristics are cherry and cassis, but some have eucalyptus, woody, cedar-like or tobacco flavors. This wine is made from a mix of three grapes and usually the are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. They are served with simply roasted meats or fowl and go good with mushrooms, cheese dishes or other medium to full- flavored dishes.

-Red Burgundy
This one is made from Pinot Noir grapes, it is less tannic, softer and fruitier than Bordeaux. Other possible description for this wine is plumy, jammy or woody. It goes really good with roasted meats, lighter dishes, such as fish, cheeses or other earthy foods.

-Rhone Wines
Most common grapes that are used for this one is Syrah grapes, but this one can be made from many different grapes, depending on the region. They have cherry flavor and typically are bigger, heavier and full- bodied. Other characteristics are pepperiness, spiciness, jamminess and fruitiness. Rhone wines go good with heavily spiced, full- flavored food, such as barbecue, spicy pasta dishes, sausages and stews.

-Beaujolais
It has two types. One, Beaujolais Nouveau, released in November is very light, fresh and fruity and contains very little acidity. The other one, referred to simply as Beaujolais or "Cru Beaujolais", has more body acid and concentration of flavor, and is also considered a light, fruity wine. Both are berry flavored and jammy and have grapeyness. It is best if they are chilled first and served with light, simple summer fare. This is a really great picnic wine.

White Wines

- White Burgundy
It is made from Chardonnay grapes and there is a great range in style among white burgundies, from fuller, heavier bodied to lighter wines. They are oaky and buttery, with hint of lemon, spice and flowers. They go well with fish dishes, especially

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