Big Six

&ldquo;&lsquo;Varietal wines&rsquo; are those that are identified by the grape. Even though there are hundreds of wine grapes, <a href="http://www.greatwinemadesimple.com/" title=":: Andrea Immer ::">Immer</a> likes to call the most popular ones the &lsquo;Big Six.&rsquo; The whites are Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, while the reds are Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These help make up about 80% of quality wine in the United States. Each is distinct, with it&rsquo;s own flavor, color, size and acidity.&rdquo; <cite><a href="http://www.fineliving.com/fine/practical_living/text/0,1663,FINE_8068_14283,00.html" title="FINELIVING: Need to Know: Wine">[Fine Living]</a></cite>