Red Grape Varieties
The quickest route to red wine appreciation is through a basic understanding of the most popular red grape varieties. A little knowledge of the grapes' main characteristics is often all you need to help you describe (and fully appreciate) the style, aroma and flavor of a huge range of red wines, from around the world.
A good starting point is what is fondly referred to at wine appreciation sessions as the Noble Grapes. These include the classic, international red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah (Shiraz), Nebbiolo and Zinfandel. These great red grapes have earned their unrivalled status among lesser red grape varieties.
Classic red grapes at a glance
Cabernet Sauvignon
Originally from the Bordeaux region of France, but now cultivated in virtually every world wine growing region, Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized for its intense, blackcurrant flavors and its power packed tannins. The best Cabernet Sauvignons are elegant and well balanced and capable of maturing subtly. Dominant flavors include blackcurrant, cedar, lead pencil shavings and tobacco smoke. Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot.
Pinot Noir
The world winemakers' darling for its seductive, silky textures and complex rich fruity, gamey flavors, Pinot Noir, hails originally from Burgundy, in France. Pinot Noir, however, tends to be temperamental when not grown on home territory. Several New World wine regions, however, are currently coming up with some remarkable Pinot Noirs that are competing with the best that Burgundy reds have to offer.
Shiraz (Syrah, in France)
Mostly grown in France and Australia, the Shiraz grape variety is popular, worldwide. Intensely, spicy, rich and fruity, Shiraz, is above all, a gutsy, full-bodied red that leaves a lingering impression of fullness. Young Shiraz wine has characteristic peppery, chocolate and farmyard flavors and is generally dark colored, powerful and tannic. Fine examples of mature Syrah often combine flavors of blackberry and raspberry with a hint of sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture.
Nebbiolo
Almost exclusive to the Piedmont region of North West Italy, the Nebbiolo grape, at its mature best, is a force to be reckoned with. Classic Nebbiolos from the Barolo and Barbaresco regions of Italy possess characteristic rich, soft flavors of tar, tobacco, chocolate, cherries, raisins and prunes and plums.
Zinfandel
California's specialty red grape variety is up there with the greats. Quality Zinfandels exude subtle, spicy, ripe-berry fruit flavors. Styles range from elegant and dry to highly intense almost sweet tasting red wines. Zinfandel blush has also got its act together, recently.
So, go on - impress your friends at the next blind wine-tasting session, by waxing lyrical about the Noble red grapes varieties and their distinctive characteristics.