Blush Wine is an American generic term given to wines that are light pink to light apricot in color. The wines are generally produced from red grapes in which the skins are removed from the juice soon after pressing. Longer skin contact will produce a darker color and more tannins.

Bordeaux Blend [bohr-DOH] is a term used for wines blended from two or more of the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. The most common red Bordeaux varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec. White Bordeaux varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Meritage wines typically contain less than 75% but may not contain more than 90% of a single variety.

Chablis [sha-BLEE] is actually not a varietal at all- it is a growing region in France. In the U.S. the term Chablis refers to ordinary white table wines blended from various grape varieties. These generic wines are usually light and sweet to semi-sweet.

Late Harvest wines are made from grapes (commonly Riesling) that are picked toward the end of the harvest when the very ripe grapes have a high sugar content. Because of the high sugar content (Brix) they usually make very sweet, highly alcoholic wines. Late Harvest Rieslings, which are usually sweet and fruity with intense flavors of honey, peaches and apricots, are most often used as dessert wines.

Meritage [MEHR-ih-tihj] is a trademarked name used to designate wines made with traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. Vintners may use this term only if they are members of the Meritage Association, otherwise wines are sometimes simply referred to as Bordeaux blends. The most common red Bordeaux varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec. White Bordeaux varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Meritage wines typically contain less than 75% but may not contain more than 90% of a single variety.

White Zinfandel is not a varietal in any means - it is made from the (red) Zinfandel grape and gets it's pale pink (blush) color by quickly removing the skins from the juice after the grapes are pressed. White Zinfandels are usually somewhat sweet but may be produced in a semi-dry style. These wines often exhibit flavors of strawberries, raspberries and cherries and may have a floral bouquet. Because of it's popularity among novice wine drinkers, many people believe the Zinfandel grape is white. Editor's note: shame on all those waiters that have served me "White Zinfandel" when I ordered "Zinfandel."