Types of Red WineIt took me a long time to learn the characteristics of all the different types of red wine. Even now I sometimes stumble onto a new red wine variety that I haven't seen before, from some obscure wine region. Below you will find a list of the most common types of red wine, along with a short summary of their color, smell, and taste characteristics. Most of them also have a brief description of the region they are from and where you can find them. If there is a red wine variety that you would like info on, and can't find here, let me know using the contact me page, and I will look it up for you. Enjoy! Syrah
Originally grown in the Rhone region of France, Syrah has become one of the most popular types of red wine in the US and Europe over the last ten years. It is currently the world's 7th most grown grape.
It is used both as a varietal and a blended grape, and is included in such wines as Grenache and Mourvedre. Taste and Aroma Syrah is known for being a fruity, hearty, and spicy red. It sometimes exhibits toffee notes, when aged in oak barrels. Known for black fruit characteristics, including blackberry, dark cherry, and blackcurrant. Region Excellent syrahs are made in California, France, and Australia (see Shiraz below), as well as other wine regions throughout Europe and North America. ShirazShiraz is the same as Syrah (see above). It is know as Shiraz only in Australia, and some parts of South Africa and Canada. Europe, North America, and most other wine regions use the name Syrah.Shiraz is the most grown dark-skinned grape on Australia. Merlot
Merlot was first recorded in the Bordeaux region of France in the 1700's. It is believed to be an offspring of Cabernet Franc.
Taste and Aroma Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with hints of currant, berry, and plum. It is know for it's "softness" and low tannin levels, one reason it is why it is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, which is higher in tannin. Region Two thirds of all Merlot is grown in France (it is the most common wine variety in France). It is also grown in California , Italy, and many other parts of the US, Canada, Europe, and South America. It is often found near regions where Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in virtually every wine producing region, and in a variety of climates. It originated in France, and became popular through its use in Bordeaux wines, where it is blended with Sauvignon Franc and Merlot.
Its popularity is also due to the ease with which it is grown. The grapes have thick skins and resist most types of rot and disease that affect other types of red wine grapes. Taste and Aroma Cabs are very bold and assertive wines, with high levels of tannin and alcohol. They tend to mellow with age. The character of the wine varies depending on the wine maker and region, and can vary from earthy to fruity and sweet. Cabernet Sauvignon ages well; some Bordeaux-region wines are meant to drink ten years after bottling, and remain good another ten years. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is grown around the world, mostly in cooler regions. It is considered a difficult grape to cultivate and produce. The Burgundy region of France is known for producing fantastic Pinot Noir varietals.
Taste and Aroma Pinot Noir can be confusing to tasters, due to the huge range of flavors, aromas, and textures that are possible with this grape. It is generally know as a light to medium-bodied red wine, with red fruit aromas, and earthier taste. Many recent American vintages are bolder and more fruit-forward, similar to a Syrah. Pinot Noir is often used as a component of sparkling wines and rose wines, and can be found blended with other grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. MalbecOne of the six grapes allowed in Bordeaux wine, Malbec is a purple grape with high tannin content.It is grown in several of the world's wine growing regions, especially France, and is becoming increasingly popular as an Argentinian varietal. In France it is often blended with Merlot to make dark, full-bodied wines. Taste and Aroma Malbec has been described as a mellower version of Merlot, lower in tannin and acidity, with blackberry notes when the wine is young. The wine tends to be vivid violet color, often with fruit notes and herbal aromas. Sangiovese
Grown throughout Italy (the second most grown of the red wine types there), Sangiovese is used both as a varietal and as a blend in Italian Chianti and other blended wines. Originally found only in the Tuscany region, it is now grown in the US, Australia, and central and South America.
It is known as a well-aging wine, and can usually be ages for many years if stored properly. Taste and Aroma Sangiovese often exhibits strawberry flavors and spiciness, and increasingly oakey notes as it ages. It is high in acidity and tannins, and light in color. Sangiovese-based Chianti pairs well with tomato-based pasta and pizza dishes. BarberaBarbera is the third most produced red wine grape in Italy, where it originated. Therefore it is obviously one of Italy's most popular types of red wine. It is fairly common in California, but is still rare in most of Europe outside of Italy.It is a robust grape, and depending on the winemaker can range from medium-bodied red wine to a powerful, intense wine that needs to be cellared. Taste and Aroma Barbera is known for its deep, dark color, high acidity and low tannins. Most Barberas exhibit deep fruity characteristics. It ages extremely well. You will notice cherry, raspberry, and black berry notes in the aroma, as well as vanilla when it has been aged in oak. Zinfandel
Originally grown in the heel of Italy, Zinfandel now makes up over ten percent of all wine grapes grown in California, mostly in areas of warmer climate.
Although Zinfadel is fairly popular as a varietal, in the US it is used much more commenly in a sweet rose blend known as White Zinfandel. Taste and Aroma Zinfandel is generally one of the most robust types of red wine, whose character can vary greatly depending on the ripeness of the grape and the region where it is grown. Younger grapes exhibit sweet red fruit notes like raspberry, whereas riper wines will show more dark fruit notes, including raspberry, along with some spiciness. Want to learn more about wine?This is a basic primer of the most common red wine types. The best way to learn them is to get out there and taste them! See my other pages on basic wine knowledge to learn more about the different wines, how to taste them, and more.Aside from learning about the types of red wines,
wine and food pairing
is another topic that I get lots of questions about. As usual, if you have any questions about the types of red wine or anything else, let me know using the
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