I'm clueless

[woaclue]

Is there any simple way to explain the differences between types of wines? For instance,what is the difference between shiraz, chardonay, merlot and so on? I'm new at this and have no clue.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Clue, and welcome to the Wine Board. What you have listed are different grapes that wines are made from. Some of these wines are named after the grape and are called varietals. Shiraz/syrah (the same grape) and merlot are so-called black grapes and make red wine. Chardonnay makes white wine.

There is some easy reading for the clueless. The easiest is "101 Essential Tips - Wine", by Tom Stevenson. Others in order of intensity are "Wine For Dummies", by Mary Ewing-Mulligan and Ed McCarthy; and "Great Wine Made Simple", by Andrea Immer. All are available at Amazon.com, or can be special ordered at Borders or similar outlets.