Red Wines
Red wines are made from black grapes (dark-colored red wine grape varieties).
During fermentation, the juice and the skins are in contact. The skins release both color, tannins and flavors.
The alcohol content of a red wine is between 12% and 15%.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon originates from Bourdeaux (France), but is also popular in USA, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and other countries.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied red wine with high acidity and tannins.
Typical flavors are Black Fruit (Black Currant, Blackberry, Plum), Violets, Pepper, and French Oak.
Merlot
New to red wine? Start with Merlot!
Merlot was born in Bordeaux (France), but is also popular in Italy, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
Typical flavors are Raspberry, Black Cherry, Plum, and Vanilla (if oaked).
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is from in Bourgogne (France), but now it grows USA, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries.
Pinot Noir is a light red wine with low tannins and good acidity. Typical flavors are Red Fruit and Vanilla (if oaked).
Grenache
Grenache is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world. The grape is called:
Garnacha is said to be from Aragón in Spain. Then it travelled to to the Rhône Valley, and finally to Sardinia.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah from Rhone in France grows all over the world. In Australia it is called Shiraz.
Syrah has flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, licorice, and sometimes savory, earthy components like herbs, leather, chocolate, and tobacco.
Chianti (Italy)
Chianti is a city in Toscana in Italy.
Chianti is a medium body wine with medium tannins and good acidity.
The primary grape is Sangiovese.
Typical flavors are Red Fruit (Strawberry, Cherry, Plum), Spices, Dryed Herbs and Oak.
Rioja
Rioja is a Spanish wine region.
Rioja is a medium to full body red wine with medium tannins and medium acidity.
The primary grape is Tempranillo.
Typical Rioja flavors are Red and Black berries and Vanilla from American Oak.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is an Italian red wine grape from the foggy hills of Langhe in Piemonte.
Barolo and Barbaresco are famous wines made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes.
Raspberry, Sour Red Cherry, Wild Cherries, and Cranberries are typical Nebbiolo flavors.
