On the one hand the aromas of Torrontés are reminiscent of Gewürztraminer or Muscat; on the other hand, the texture and flavor are reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. Torrontés needs to be served well-chilled and protected from oxygen — too much warmth and/or too much exposure to oxygen will quickly eliminate its characteristic aromas. Torrontés is also best young because its flavors and aromas don't survive forever in the bottle.

You can get Torrontés wines from other regions, like New Zealand, but Argentinian Torrontés is the place to start. The word torrontés is Spanish for "torrent," a very appropriate label considering its potent flavors and aromas. According to marketing researchers, the primary consumes of Torrontes today are young female wine drinkers.

Viognier is traditionally grown in France's northern Rhone valley, but it has also been doing well in the New World, for example California. Viognier wines from France's northern Rhone valley tend towards strong floral aromas; Viognier wines from Languedoc in the south of France tend to be drier, more acidic, lighter in texture, and have more citrus flavors. Wines made with Viognier grapes should generally be drunk young (before 18 months or so) and well-chilled.

Malbec grapes originated in France and play a big role in the wine production of Argentina. The flavors and aromas of wines made from Malbec grapes include blackberry, cherry, plums, and chocolate. Other characteristics of Malbec wines include inky-black coloring, soft or high tannins, and high acidity.

Malbec wines aren't as popular as wines made from other red grape varieties, but their popularity is growing as wine drinkers seek out new and different wine experiences.

Zinfandel is a red grape which produces red wines with strong flavors and aromas of berries. The berry flavor and aroma of Zinfandel wine can be so strong that some consider it 'jammy' in character Many are familiar primarily with White Zinfandel which is a blush version of Zinfandel, not a true white wine. Other characteristics of Zinfandel grapes include high alcohol content, strong tannins, and slightly spicy flavors.

Riesling grapes, which originate in Germany's Rhine region, have sweet fruity flavors and aromas of flowers and fruits. Other characteristics of wines made form Riesling grapes include high acidity and petrol notes if aged. The character of a Riesling wine depends heavily on where it is grown because Riesling grapes are very 'terroir expressive.' Rieslings cannot be oaked like Chardonnays and the oak flavor is part of what draws people to Chardonnay.