Trying to make sense of a wine label can be a daunting. Sometimes there seems to be no consistency. Which grape? Which region? Sparkling? Red? White? Dry? Sweet? It doesn't have to be confusing if you learn a couple of basic points.

Three Types of Wine

Wine can be divided into three categories: sparkling (Champagne, spumante); fortified (wine with alcohol added to it, such as port, sherry, cognac, and brandy); and still (all other wine).

Name That Grape

Outside Europe, the grape varietal is usually listed on the wine label. Within Europe, only German wines consistently list the grape. French and Italian growers list the region and expect you to know which grapes are grown there. (Don't panic; it's not that hard; see the next section). Below are some of the most popular grapes:

The Whites:

Chardonnay: Made popular by the California wine industry, this versatile grape is grown all over the world. Look for the word Chardonnay on American, South African, Australian, and Chilean wines.

Sauvignon Blanc (Fume Blanc): This acidic, crisp, dry wine is produced worldwide, an the best comes from California and New Zealand's Marlborough region. Sauvignon Blanc wines from California tend to be somewhat oakey, whereas the same wine from New Zealand's Marlborough region has tropical fruit (melon, mango, even pineapple) overtones. Sometimes called Fume Blanc, especially in California.

Chenin Blanc: an often-overlooked grape, Chenin Blanc is at its best when grown in the Loire Valley region of France. Here, it is called "Vouvray," a place name. Chenin Blanc is also grown in The United States and in South Africa where it is called "steen."

Riesling: Riesling is a fresh, crisp, highly acidic wine. It may be dry or slightly sweet. The best in the world comes from Germany and the neighboring Alsace region of France. Sometimes called White Riesling or Johannisberg Riesling.

Gewurztraminer: Literally, this grape name means "spicy grape from the town of Tramin," a town located in northern, German-speaking Italy. Gewurztraminer is a rather exotic, floral grape, and the best comes from the Alsace in France. The United States also produces Gewurztraminer, especially in Oregon and California.