Seven Most Popular Types of Red Wine

All red wines are made by growing and processing red (or black) grapes. Depending upon the type of grape used, the red wine produced may vary greatly in its color, texture, flavor, and aroma. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different red wine varietals available around the world. Among these, there are seven that are most popular and most purchased: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Zinfandel.

Cabernet sauvignon

Cabernet sauvignon (cab-er-NAY SO-vin-yon)

Cabernet sauvignon is one of the world’s best varieties and is commonly known as the king of the red wines. It can be found in almost all the regions where red wine grapes are grown. In the Bordeaux region of France, it is well known as the noblest red wine grape of all. It is also among the finest reds in California, Chile, and Australia. Cabernet sauvignon is typically dark purple or ruby in color and has a medium to full body. It exhibits a beautiful array of intense aromas that blends well with Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah.

 





Merlot

Merlot (mur-LO)

Merlot is the most widely grown red wine grape in the Bordeaux region of France, and is also widely planted in California. In recent years, Merlot has soared in popularity, especially in the United States, South America, Italy and Australia. This is due to the fact that it is softer, fruitier, and easier to drink. Its softness has made it the darling wine for new red wine drinkers. Merlot displays rich flavors of blackberry, plums and cherry, along with mint and tea-leaf tones. It is often a perfect accompaniment to beef and lamb dishes.

 

Pinot noir

 

Pinot noir (PEE-no NWA)

Pinot noir is grown mainly in the Burgundy region of France, Oregon, Austria, New Zealand, and some cooler regions of California. Being known as the noblest red wine grape, pinot noir is extremely difficult to grow. However, when conditions are correct it often produces an exceptional wine with great complexity and flavors. It has light to moderate body with fruity (cherry, strawberry and plum) aroma. In California, pinot noir grapes are often used to make rose style champagnes.

 

Syrah

Syrah (sih-RAH)

It is known as Shiraz (shih-RAHZ) in Australia and South Africa, and as Syrah in California and France. Syrah grows well in California, Australia, and Rhone Valley of France. Syrah is a bold, spicy wine with medium to full body and with firm tannins. It exhibits an impressive range of flavors including blackberry, black cherry, plum, black pepper, and even dark chocolate and smoked meat.

 





Sangiovese



Sangiovese (san-geeo-VEHS-eh)

Sangiovese is the signature red wine grape of the Tuscany region of Italy. It has a medium body with fresh berry and plum flavors. Although it is enjoyable as a varietal wine, it is often blended with Carbernet Sauvignon to build upon its flavor.



 

Barbera



Barbera (bar-BEHR-uh)

Though not as popular, Barbera is a classic red of Italian origin that has similar attributes with Merlot. It is chiefly grown in Piedmont region of Italy and is also widespread in California. It has a silky texture and excellent acidity, with rich flavors of juicy black cherry and plum.





 



Zinfandel

Zinfandel (ZIHM-fan-dell)

Of all the grape varieties, Zinfandel is perhaps the world’s most versatile one, making everything from blush white wines to heavy rich red wines. It is one of the oldest grapes to be grown in California, and most always in California. A red zinfandel has low to moderate acidity and medium to full body. It is known for its rich color scheme, high tannin level and high alcohol content. The typical taste of zinfandel is often a zesty flavor with berries, spice and black pepper.