Most wines are named after the grapes they come from. Whites: Chardonnay, Riesling (can be both very dry or very sweet), Gewurztraminer (floral, spicy), Sauvignon Blanc (grassy flavor). Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon (very tannic), Merlot (less tannic, softer than Cab), Pinot Noir (few tannins, high aciditiy), Syrah (color, spice), Zinfandel (bold red, fruity), Grenache (sweet).
For reds they are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Tannat. For whites they are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
Chardonnay grape is classic white wine grape. Sauvignon Blanc grape from Loire and Bordeaux. Pinot Blanc grape light, dry, pleasant white wines. Pinot Gris grape. Riesling makes wines from very dry to very sweet. Gewurztraminer floral fragrance and spicy flavor. Grenache grapes. Viognier grape Rhone valley in California. Chenin Blanc is a white grape. Muscat wines are sweet,very floral.
Any kind of grapes (or other fruit) can be used to make wine. Usually vinifera grape varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, reisling, sauvignon blanc, merlot, petite sirah, zinfandel, pinot blanc, and pinot gris are used.
Shiraz, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot grigio/gris, reisling, merlot, viognier, gewertztraminer. I would happily suggest these varietals and, from experience in the wine shop where I work, in this approximate order depending on what weather season we are experiencing. Blends of the above are also popular but difficult to quantify within the parameters of the question.
