Chardonnay…What are your first thoughts when you hear the varietal's name? White, golden, buttery, creamy, oaky, tropical fruit flavors - all easily come to mind. The varietal is an intriguing subject as it is grown and produced by wine rookies and veterans alike around the globe. Chardonnay produces menial, mass-produced wines and highly specialized wines alike. Everyone has heard of Chardonnay, but where did it originate?
When you're wine tasting, you undoubtedly hear the terms aroma and bouquet tossed around. You've perhaps even considered them to be one in the same, as they are used so interchangeably. And, while they are indeed related, there is a distinct difference between the two.
There just seems to be something special about wine with bubbles in it. Be it at a wedding or on New Year's Eve - opening a bottle of sparkling wine marks a special occasion. Those effervescent bubbles seem to have a way of bringing out smiles, and its reputation of making one "giddy" far quicker than expected is well known (and memories of following day headaches solidify the tender remembrances).
Imagine a Chardonnay with no butter, no vanilla and no cream. Forget lattes, cappuccinos and all the creamy business… we just want black coffee. For those who’ve elevated their wine tasting chops to something beyond milk fat, unoaked Chardonnay sounds pretty compelling. 
"This is a Rhône-style wine." You've heard the line before, but the definition of a Rhône-style wine can vary and calls for some discussion. As always, we're here to bolster your vino knowledge. So grab your corkscrews and let's go Rhône!
Pinot Blanc (or Pinot Bianco) is a semi-dry white wine that is often compared to Chardonnay. It is typically crisp and refreshing and, depending on where it's made, it can be sweet or have nutty flavors. It's very common for winemakers to use the Pinot Blanc grape when making sparkling and sweet dessert wines as well.
In the early 19th Century, the variety was introduced to the United States, under the name Zinfandel. It proved extremely successful there, earning a reputation as the American 'national grape'. It caused significant consternation on both sides of the Atlantic when DNA analysis proved that Zinfandel and Primitivo were the same variety.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wines in the U.S. Often referred to as “grassy,” it is known for its refreshing crispness, which is due to its high levels of acidity and low amounts of sugar.
Zinfandel truly is California's unique contribution to the world of wine. Unlike ubiquitous Cabernet and Chardonnay there is no European yardstick to compare itself against. It has had to find its own way, its history modeling that of the settlers who first brought it to America's west coast. 
Viognier is a full-bodied white wine that originated in southern France. Most loved for its perfumed aromas of peach, tangerine and honeysuckle, Viognier can also be oak-aged to add a rich creamy taste with hints of vanilla. If you love to brood over bolder white wines like Chardonnay, Viognier is definitely something you’ll like to swirl.