Red Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
Famous Regions: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (California), Coonawarra (Australia).
Preferred Climate: Warm climates with ample sunshine, but can thrive in a variety of climates.
Taste: Produces full-bodied wines with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar, along with firm tannins and a long, structured finish.
Example: Château Margaux (Bordeaux, France), Opus One (Napa Valley, California), Penfolds Grange (Barossa Valley, Australia).
Merlot
Famous Regions: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (California), Hawke's Bay (New Zealand).
Preferred Climate: Moderate climates with well-drained soils and ample sunlight.
Taste: Offers soft, velvety wines with flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate, along with smooth tannins and a plush mouthfeel.
Example: Château Pétrus (Pomerol, Bordeaux, France), Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard (Napa Valley, California), Craggy Range "Te Kahu" (Hawke's Bay, New Zealand).
Pinot Noir
Famous Regions: Burgundy (France), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Central Otago (New Zealand).
Preferred Climate: Cool climates with long, slow ripening periods and well-drained soils.
Taste: Delivers elegant wines with flavors of red berries, cherry, and earth, along with vibrant acidity and silky tannins.
Example: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti "La Tâche" (Burgundy, France), Domaine Serene "Evenstad Reserve" (Willamette Valley, Oregon), Felton Road "Block 3" (Central Otago, New Zealand).
Syrah/Shiraz
Famous Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia), Stellenbosch (South Africa).
Preferred Climate: Warm to hot climates with well-drained soils and plenty of sunshine.
Taste: Yields bold wines with flavors of blackberry, pepper, and smoked meat, along with robust tannins and a long, spicy finish.
Example: Domaine Jean-Louis Chave "Hermitage" (Rhône Valley, France), Penfolds "Grange" (Barossa Valley, Australia), Klein Constantia "Anwilka" (Stellenbosch, South Africa).
Zinfandel
Famous Regions: California (USA), Apulia (Italy), Lodi (California).
Preferred Climate: Warm climates with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soils.
Taste: Offers ripe, jammy wines with flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and spice, along with moderate to high alcohol levels and a lush, fruit-forward profile.
Example: Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" (Santa Cruz Mountains, California), Primitivo di Manduria "Sessantanni" (Apulia, Italy), Turley Wine Cellars "Old Vines" (Lodi, California).
Malbec
Famous Regions: Mendoza (Argentina), Cahors (France), Salta (Argentina).
Preferred Climate: Warm climates with ample sunlight, but can also thrive in cooler regions.
Taste: Produces medium to full-bodied wines with flavors of blackberry, plum, and violet, along with soft tannins and a velvety texture.
Example: Catena Zapata "Adrianna Vineyard" (Mendoza, Argentina), Château du Cèdre "Le Cèdre" (Cahors, France), Bodega Colomé "Altura Máxima" (Salta, Argentina).
Sangiovese
Famous Regions: Tuscany (Italy), Emilia-Romagna (Italy), Umbria (Italy).
Preferred Climate: Warm, Mediterranean climates with well-drained soils.
Taste: Delivers medium to full-bodied wines with flavors of cherry, plum, and dried herbs, along with lively acidity and firm tannins.
Example: Antinori "Tignanello" (Tuscany, Italy), Castello di Ama "Vigneto Bellavista" (Tuscany, Italy), Felsina "Fontalloro" (Tuscany, Italy).
Grenache (Garnacha)
Famous Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Priorat (Spain), McLaren Vale (Australia).
Preferred Climate: Warm to hot climates with low rainfall and well-drained soils.
Taste: Offers ripe, fruity wines with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and spice, along with supple tannins and a smooth, approachable style.
Example: Château Rayas (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France), Alvaro Palacios "L'Ermita" (Priorat, Spain), d'Arenberg "The Custodian" (McLaren Vale, Australia).
Tempranillo
Famous Regions: Rioja (Spain), Ribera del Duero (Spain), Toro (Spain).
Preferred Climate: Continental climates with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Taste: Yields medium to full-bodied wines with flavors of red cherry, leather, and tobacco, along with moderate acidity and firm tannins.
Example: Vega Sicilia "Único" (Ribera del Duero, Spain), Marqués de Murrieta "Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial" (Rioja, Spain), Bodegas Mauro "Terreus" (Castilla y León, Spain).
Cabernet Franc
Famous Regions: Loire Valley (France), Bordeaux (France), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy).
Preferred Climate: Moderate climates with good sun exposure and well-drained soils.
Taste: Delivers medium-bodied wines with flavors of red currant, raspberry, and green bell pepper, along with herbal notes and silky tannins.
Example: Domaine des Roches Neuves "Clos de l'Échelier" (Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, France), Château Cheval Blanc (Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France), Ronco del Gnemiz "Piculît Neri" (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy).