Great introduction to the different varieties.

French producers are not permitted by law to add the grape variety to the front of the label although most now at least add it to the back (Appellation Controlee wines not Vins de Pays or Vin de Table).

This deliberate confusion is part of the snobbery element of wine IMO. The French believe that it is the 'terroir' of the land that makes the wine taste like it does (I agree with this) and therefore the place is substantially more important than the variety (which I also most agree with but less so than the previous statement).

There are four factors that will affect a wine's style. The Environment (more than just the weather), the grape variety, viticulture methods and finally winemaking.

One thing that you might want to think about is the subjectivity of wine. Taste we all understand to be objective, but what about quality?