Chardonnay has become a staple for many wine lovers and is, in fact, America’s favorite — red or white. The flavors of a good Chardonnay range from fresh and bright with apple or citrus flavors to those that are fuller, spicier or “oak-y.”

Among aficionados — and good old regular wine drinkers — there is a strong debate raging as to preference when it comes to oakiness. Many claim that the flavors imparted from the oak barrels used to age some Chards can be altogether too heavy-handed, especially when offered as accompaniment to subtly flavored foods. In response, vintners have begun producing unoaked or “naked” Chardonnays that are aged, unapologetically, in stainless steel tanks. With lovely offerings from California, Oregon and Washington, and prices beginning around $15 or even less per bottle, there is no reason to hold back. Have a wine tasting in your home or at your next client event.

Try:

• Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Indian Wells
• Clos du Bois Chardonnay Reserve Russian River Valley
• Columbia Crest Chardonnay Two Vines
• Dominican Oaks Chardonnay Unoaked
• Kendall Jackson Chardonnay
• Toasted Head Chardonnay
• Wente Chardonnay Morning Fog
• Woodbridge Mondavi Chardonnay Light Oak

Sauvignon Blancs are derived from white grapes of the Bordeaux region of France. Also labeled as Fumé Blanc, this wine tends to be light, dry and crisp with flavors of citrus and melon. It may also have grassy notes and aroma. It can be served with a full meal but shines most brightly as an aperitif.

Try:

• Abbeyville Fumé Blanc
• Angeline Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
• Apex Sauvignon Blanc
• Benziger Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma
• Dry Creek Fumé Blanc
• Martin Ray Sauvignon Blanc

Red grapes are the source for many varietals, including Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Shiraz. Some of the most popular in the United States — and worldwide — are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Many wineries produce lovely bottles at affordable prices ($15 or less), but it is easy to slip into the $20 to $30 price range once you fall under their spell.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, red wine that is produced in styles ranging from fresh and “fruit-forward” to full-bodied with prominent tannins. The flavors tend to remind the drinker of dark fruits, such as blackberries, black currant or plum, with more complex examples featuring chocolate, coffee, herb or tobacco notes.

Try:

• 14 Hands Cabernet
• Apex Cabernet*
• Coppola Diamond Cabernet
• Estancia Cabernet
• Ghost Pines Cabernet
• Mirassou Cabernet
• Mondavi Private Selection Meritage
• Ravenswood Vintner’s Cabernet

While some people look down on Merlot for its approachability, this varietal can be refined and elegant and has a fine pedigree as an established vintage from the Right Bank of Bordeaux. American wineries tend to focus on the soft, fruity flavors but have not entirely avoided the more full-bodied qualities associated with oak, cedar smoke, vanilla or earth.

Try:

• Bridgman Merlot
• Columbia Crest H3 Merlot
• J Lohr Merlot Los Osos
• Mondavi Private Selection Merlot
• Muirwood Merlot
• Stag’s Leap Merlot*
• Tin Roof Merlot

*$20 or more