Ray's Restaurants

Chardonnay is the world’s most popular White Wine grape and is grown in virtually every wine-producing region.  It is known for its full-bodied nature and unique flavors of vanilla, butter and oak.

Sauvignon Blanc, which originated in the Loire Region of France, is now grown successfully all around the world.  It is known for its unique herbaceous, citrus, and crisp qualities and overall dryness.

Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris are genetically the same grape, known for their brilliant acidity, intense complexity, and citrus notes.  Pinot Grigio typically hails from Italy, while Pinot Gris can come from a variety of areas, most notably Oregon and France. 

Pinot Noirs are one of the most versatile grape varieties in existence; they boast a wide array of flavor profiles and are typically light-medium bodied. They are incredibility complex and can be eaten with almost any type of cuisine, from red meat to seafood.

Merlot is famous for being silky smooth and full-bodied with notes of black currant, dark fruits, and hints of Earth.

Cabernet is commonly referred to as the ‘King of Red Grapes’; it is the most sought-after and arguably the most complex of red varietals.  They range from medium to full-bodied and are known for high tannic structure that provides intrigue, structure, and unique fruit and earth characteristics.

Zinfandel wines are deep red in color almost black & full bodied, it is spicy, peppery with slight hints of dark fruit.

Shiraz hails down under from Australia and Syrah is the European name for this varietal, even though they are the same grape.  Petite Sirah is a cross between the French Syrah and another obscure grape.  Don’t be fooled by the word ‘petite’; this wine is intense and powerful.

Italy is the second larges wine producing region in the world, Sangiovese being the most notable. Spain is the most widely planted region in the world (over France); however, it is only the third largest producer.