Wine Restaurants | What Makes Each Wine Variety Unique
There are restaurants with wine and then there are wine restaurants. The latter offer a delicious variety of wine types, years, and brands that keep you coming back for more. When you find yourself at a restaurant with a large wine selection, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Learning about different types of wine can not only make choosing a wine easier, but you can impress your friends with your extensive knowledge.
White Wine
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine originating from Burgundy, France. This versatile wine takes on the flavors of its container. Chardonnay typically is wide bodied with toasty and citrus flavors. When barreled in oak, Chardonnay has honey and butter flavors while Chardonnay kept in stainless steel has fresh mineral accents. Seafood pairs very well with Chardonnay, especially oysters.
Riesling
Riesling originates from Germany but grows well in many wine districts. It has a crisp flavor with green apple, pear, and lime hints. When Riesling develops in age, it takes on honey flavors and gives off oily aromas. Its flavors vary depending on the district they come from. Wine restaurants recommend pairing Riesling with with poultry, pork, and spicy food.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris comes from areas like Oregon, New Zealand, and France. It is a rich wine with a hint of spice. Its Italian variant, Pinot Grigio, is crisp and refreshing. Pinot Gris pairs well with seafood and pasta.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, fragrant wine that has hints of grapefruit and grassy flavors. Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc can have smokey flavors. It originates from the Loire region of France and is also commonly made in the Bordeaux region. Sauvignon Blanc goes well with wide a wide array of food. Consider ordering Sauvignon Blanc alongside seafood dishes, poultry, and salads at wine restaurants.
Red Wine
Merlot
Merlot is a supple wine with tastes of plums, blackberries, and hints of mint and eucalyptus. Easy to drink, merlot is known as an introduction wine to those who aren’t wine connoisseurs. Merlot comes out of California, Chile, Washington state, and several areas of Europe. Its round texture pairs well with basically any food.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that ages well and has flavors of plums, cassis, and blackberries. When aged in oak barrels, Cabernet Sauvignon can taste of cedar, coffee, vanilla, and chocolate. It grows well in California, Germany, France, Chile, and Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon is served at wine restaurants with red meat like beef and lamb.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir originates from Burgundy, France and is a difficult wine to make. It is a delicate red wine that typically tastes like strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. As a Pinot Noir ages, the flavors develop earthy tones. Pinot Noir pairs well with grilled salmon, poultry, and lamb.
Shiraz
Shiraz has a bold and spicy flavor with the aroma of black fruit. This rich wine’s taste becomes more complex with age, gaining overtones of black pepper and roasted meat. When aged in oak, Shiraz can take on notes of toffee. Shiraz does well in France’s Rhone Valley, California, as well as Australia. It pairs well with steak beef, stews, and wild game.
Do You Enjoy Wine Restaurants?
Wine is best enjoyed alongside a delicious meal that pairs well with the wine’s flavors. When it comes to wine restaurants in Toms River, look no further than Tuscan Bistro Bar. At Tuscan, you can try a wide selection of the wines mentioned as well as others. Check out our own collection of fine wines in addition to a wide variety of other quality wines on our wine list and order a well-paired meal off our extensive and delicious menu. If you are looking to become a wine connoisseur, start your journey at Tuscan Bistro.