Tempranillo is a famous Spanish grape variety used in many rich Spanish red wines. Tempranillo is marked by strong fruit flavors and aromas. Other characteristics of Tempranillo include deep color, weak acidity, medium to strong tannins, and moderate amounts of alcohol. Tempranillo grapes are frequently blended with other grapes, but the flavor and color can be better when Tempranillo is bottled as a varietal wine. Tempranillo is usually aged several years in oak barrels before serving.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are among the most widely grown, widely know, and widely enjoyed grapes for red wine. The flavors and aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon wines include vanilla, currants, and even green bell pepper if made form underripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Other characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon wine include high alcohol levels and strong tannins. These strong tannins make it easier to age Cabernet Sauvignon in cellars for many decades.

Semillon is grown widely in France where it is commonly blended with Sauvignon Blanc — for example, in Sauternes dessert wines — and it is one of only three varieties that can be grown in Bordeaux, France. In California, Semillon grapes are often used to produce generic white wines; Semillon can also produce a good variety wine on its own, though it's not as popular as other white wine grapes. Semillon grows well in many different climates and used to be grown far more widely than it is today.

Chardonnay is the most common and well known variety of white grape in wine production today. The most prominent flavor in Chardonnay wine comes from oak used in the wine production process. Other flavors and aromas include fruit, lemon, melon, grass, and vanilla. Some other characteristics of Chardonnay wines are high acidity, golden colors, and a velvety feel in the mouth.