What Is With All These Crazy Grape Names?

According the 2010 US Wine Report, the top ten varietals in the United States are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, French Colombard, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Rubired. Of those, I have never heard of French Colombard or Rubired. This just goes to show that while someone with some wine knowledge might recognize the common varietals, there is a huge world of wine grapes out there, and one struggles to know all of them. With rare grapes from regions of the Old World that seldom see export, to new crossbreeds being developed, don't be startled if you are unsure about the varietal. Give it a try, and you may find some new and secret treasure!