Some "weird" ones

I happen to love lesser known grapes. But it is mindblowing. In Itally alone there are literally thousands of grape varietals.
What is a varietal? It is simply a slightly different flavored/colored grape. The difference between a red and green apple, for example. Grapes have a full range of styles just withint heir genetics, and of course like most produce, there have been man-made varietals from hybrids.
One of these hybrids I just recently discovered is Marselan. Marselan is a French-born hybrid made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, which is another lesser known varietal to beginners. Cabernet is known for its full body and Grenache is known for its finesse and peppery finish, so the two of them together make a bold, fruity, peppery wine. It's sweetness and spice would lend itself to make it a great pairing with barbecued or grilled foods, spicy chicken or pork dishes or smoky cheeses.
Another of my favorites is Tempranillo, a Spanish grape that is completely pedestrian to anyone familiar with Spanish wines, but for some reason Spain does not get the attention that France, Italy and California do. It is almost impossible for me to describe how Spanish wines distinguishes itself. I can say that Spanish wine to me tastes subtly more savory, generally medium bodied, and almost always very easy to drink. Their wines tend to be more earthy as opposed to fruity. I would pair Tempranillo with some great spanish staples, like dishes featuring chorizo, manchego cheese or meat with romesco sauce. It would also be a great goulash wine, accentuating wonderful Spanish smoked paprika.
Finally for the white grape team I'd like to discuss Chenin Blanc, a velvety, sweet and fresh tasting little white grown mainly in France and South Africa, although not always known by its varietal name. In France, in order to obtain the highly coveted label of quality (more on that later) wine must be called by its region rather than its varietal, so French Chenin Blanc is nearly always known as Vouvray, where most of it is grown. In South Africa it is called Steen, and I would really only recommend this if need a cheap drink (sorry if you drink it). Vouvray is excellent with tangy cheeses like soft goat cheese, spicy thai curries and refreshing salads, especially those featuring fruit.