As any true connoisseur will tell you, you could spend a lifetime studying red wine and still just be scratching the surface. There are hundreds of varieties of red wine grapes, that grow all across the globe, and that reflect just as many differences and nuances as the countries and regions that produce them.
There are a few prominent varieties that you’re certainly more likely to encounter on a regular basis. Familiarizing yourself with some of the most common characteristics of these primary red wines will help you further enjoy the wine drinking experience.
This will also assist you in better understanding your tastes in order to make an informed choice when buying red wine online. Here are 5 of the most popular varieties.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Perhaps the most popular red grape variety of all, Cabernet Sauvignon is a noble variety that is able to grow well in almost any climate that isn’t too cold. It first became a star in Bordeaux and is now widely grown in California, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Chile and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon is fairly tannic and medium to full-bodied.
It is often described as containing the aroma of blackcurrants or cassis and is very frequently used as a blend. That being said, Cabernet Sauvignon is also known to have a strong “backbone,” meaning it has a hearty composition and is capable of standing up to very rich dishes and also has the capacity to age well.
2. Merlot
Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is notably lower in tannins. It is famous for its deep color, full body, and higher alcohol content. Often characterized as containing notes of plum or chocolate, Merlot is the number one most planted grape variety in Bordeaux. It is a highly flexible grape variety and can take on many different characteristics depending on where it is planted.
Merlot is considered more of a crowd pleasing or “easy drinking” wine because it is so soft and subtle. It can also taste great at a much younger age, making it a favorite of wine makers.
3. Pinot Noir
Unlike Cabernet and Merlot, the Pinot Noir grape requires more precise conditions to excel. That being said, from great effort comes great reward, and many feel that an expertly crafted Pinot Noir is among the best on the market.
The production of Pinot Noir is more limited and it is identifiable due to its lighter color. It has relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin (although oak barrels can contribute additional tannin to the wine).
4. Syrah/Shiraz
This grape, which goes by Shiraz in Australia, and Syrah in the rest of the world, is notable for creating deeply colored wines with full body, firm tannins, and berry, smoked meat, and black pepper flavors. Although this grape can stand boldly on its own and doesn’t necessarily require any other grape to complement its flavor, it is often blended with a Cabernet in Australia and Grenache in France.
5. Zinfandel
Often considered the darling of California wine production, Zinfandel is one of the sunshine state’s oldest grape varieties. Generally considered to be of Croatian origin, this grape produces rich, darkly colored wines that are typically high in alcohol and have medium to high tannins.
Often containing the flavor of berries, Zinfandel can also for a spicy or jammy hint to it. Some Zinfandels are quite light and meant to be enjoyed while they are still young, and due to the popularity of White Zinfandel, some wine enthusiasts believe that it is a white grape. Alas, Zinfandel is red and capable of producing some of the richest red wines out there.
