Wine lovers around the globe have many delicious choices when it comes to wine. From full-bodied French reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or the bold flavors of an Italian powerhouse, each region boasts their own distinct style of vino.

Comparing wines across France and Italy is an engaging sensory journey. Discover where your favorites fit on the sweetness scale.

1. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is an extremely versatile red wine that pairs beautifully with any meal and cuisine. Perfect for every occasion and every course.

Gamay is a close relative of Pinot Noir that hails from Burgundy in France (where Pinot is commonly grown). Producing light-bodied red wines with both earthy and floral aromas that pair perfectly with various dishes.

Cabernet Sauvignon is an exquisite full-bodied red wine known for its strong tannins balanced by deliciously aromatic notes like cedar and black cherry.

2. Chardonnay

People commonly mistake Chardonnay as being sweeter than other white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; however, both are actually dry wines (rather than sweet).

In the 1980s and 90s, California styles of Chardonnay gained tremendously in popularity through over-oaking with buttery mouthfeels and intense vanilla flavors. This style relies on malolactic fermentation - a natural process which converts sharp acidic grape juice into creamy lactic acid - but these diacetyl-producing MLF steps can still be managed through choices made during winemaking.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon

French Cabernet Sauvignon is a hearty wine that pairs wonderfully with steak. Italian vintages such as Barolo and Brunello also go beautifully with red meat dishes.

France and Italy are widely revered for their diverse wines, each boasting different grape varieties, terroir, and winemaking techniques that give each wine its distinctive character. You can sample a selection of these wines from both countries by ordering wine online; dessert or fortified wines can be found with residual sugar ranging from very dry to sweet - something to suit everyone! You'll even find lower sugar options like Lambrusco and Moscato d'Asti characterized by fruity aromas with floral undertones paired with their lighter bodies and textures!

4. Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo, an often highly-tannic grape variety requiring years of ageing before its full potential emerges, is famed for its fragrant fragrance and remarkable savoriness. At its pinnacle of excellence lies Piedmont - the northwestern Italian region bordering France and Switzerland that produces great wines like Barolo and Barbaresco as well as lesser bottlings from Roero Gattinara Langhe.

Nebbiolo produces pale garnet red wines that are high in acidity and feature intensely grippier tannins, creating wines with aromas such as rose petals, tar, cherries and typically moderate alcohol levels. They should be consumed slightly chilled to enhance their natural acidity; these wines pair perfectly with rich meat dishes or salumi dishes.

5. Riesling

Riesling is one of the most terroir-expressive grape varieties, boasting flavors that depend on where its grown. Your experience could include notes such as lime, apricot, lemon peel, smoke or tropical fruit (green papaya) depending on where your Riesling hails from.

Before choosing a producer's Riesling wine, be sure to get acquainted with his or her winemaking style as some can produce either dry or sweet wines. If unsure, speak with knowledgeable staff in a wine shop near you or read reviews and tasting notes to locate one which best meets your taste preferences.

Riesling wine makes an excellent pairing for fresh fruits and vegetables, from its dry or near syrup varieties. Its citrus notes enhance the natural sweetness of fruits like ripe apricots and apples while complementing vibrant flavors found in leafy greens such as asparagus.