There are in the world more than 6,000 grape varieties. However, only a handful of them are actually used to produce the vast majority of the red wines we know.
Throughout this article, we will explore the 12 main varieties to remember for any red wine enthusiast. From Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon, including Pinot Noir and Syrah, follow the guide and discover all their characteristics!
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape variety in the world. It can be found in California, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Italy, and even China.
In France, its main region is the Bordeaux area where it is very well established, particularly in Médoc and Graves with appellations such asPauillac, Margaux, Saint-Estèphe,Saint-Julien or even Pessac-Léognan.
Nevertheless, this great grape variety is also found in the vineyards of the Southwest, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon or even the Loire.
From a sensory perspective, Cabernet Sauvignon presents an intense purplish color, powerful tannins as well as aromas evolving towards plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, sandalwood, or even tobacco. This is the grape variety symbolizing powerful wines and has the potential to create great age-worthy wines.
Delicious pairings with red meats in perspective!
Merlot
Merlot is the second most planted grape variety in the world and the 1st in France. It is mainly found in Bordeaux where it holds a prominent place, especially on the right bank in appellations such as Pomerol or Saint-Émilion.
This one is also well established in the Southwest on appellations like Madiran or Cahors where it complements other grape varieties such as Tannat or Malbec.
Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, with which it is often blended in Bordeaux, Merlot offers more indulgence and roundness. Its tannins are also less powerful, and its aromas evolve towards plum, blackberry, strawberry, or even cherry.
Ideal pairings with red and white meats.
Cabernet Franc
Widely present internationally (Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina, etc.), the Cabernet Franc is also firmly established in Bordeaux (notably on the right bank), as well as in the Loire Valley within appellations such as Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil or even Saumur.
Its flavors focus on red and black fruits (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), bell pepper as well as certain vegetal notes more or less ripe depending on the region. With a high acidity, it can offer lovely easy-drinking wines as well as great wines for aging, depending primarily on its terroir of origin and its vinification.
Pinot noir
Emblem of the red wines of Burgundy, the reputation of Pinot noir is well established.While it is also very present internationally (New Zealand, United States, Italy, etc.), it must be admitted that the Burgundy terroirs give it a finesse that is hard to match. With a rather pale ruby color, Pinot Noir is low in tannins, has a beautiful acidity, and develops notes of red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) as well as floral aromas (peony). Depending on its aging and the terroirs from which it originates, great wines for aging can be made with it, as well as lovely, very fine fruity wines.
From a food and wine pairing perspective, the lighter Pinot Noirs are perfect for an aperitif with charcuterie or cheeses, while the more structured ones (Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard etc.) pair delightfully with white or red meats.
Gamay
While Gamay is also found in the Loire or Burgundy, it is in Beaujolais that it truly reigns. This is indeed the exclusive grape variety for red wines of the region and shines on appellations like Brouilly, Fleurie, or Saint-Amour. The Gamay is a variety renowned for its indulgence and seductive fruitiness. In tasting, it presents delightful notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, as well as peony and pepper. Visually, its robe is a rather light red but remains, for example, more colored than Pinot Noir.
While the majority of Gamays are meant to be consumed in their youth, some wines, particularly AOC Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent, can have excellent aging potential.
Malbec
Popular in Argentina as well as in Chile, Malbec (or Côt) is also very widespread in the Southwest of France, particularly in the appellation Cahors where it must represent at least 70% of the composition of the wines produced.This one is also present in Bordeaux (e.g., Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux and Côtes-de-Bourg) as well as, to a lesser extent, in the Loire Valley (notably Touraine).
Malbec features a dark red color and develops on fruity notes (blackcurrant, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, and cherry) and spicy notes. It generally presents a fairly round and indulgent texture (even more so in warm climates) as well as powerful tannins.
However, be aware that some winemakers prefer to vinify it gently to express more lightness.Therefore, Malbec allows for the production of both smooth and fruity wines as well as powerful, age-worthy wines. Depending on the profile, it can pair as well with an aperitif as with red meat.
Grenache noir
The Grenache noir is a grape variety originating from Spain, where it is called Garnacha (sometimes written Garnatxa). Even today, it is one of the most cultivated varieties in the country.
This grape variety, fond of warm climates, is primarily found in the southern part of the Rhône Valley in France (AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, etc.) but also in Languedoc-Roussillon (Pic-Saint-Loup, IGP Côtes Catalanes, etc.) and in Provence, where it is the most used grape variety for the production of the region's rosé wines. Furthermore, it is often blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.
From a sensory perspective, Grenache charms us with its roundness and indulgence.It indeed produces quite alcoholic wines (sensation of sweetness on the palate) and offers delicious aromatics of cherry, strawberry, garrigue, or even pepper.
Syrah
What Pinot Noir is to Burgundy, Syrah is to the Rhône Valley. This magnificent grape variety is indeed the main variety in the northern part of the region and allows the production of sublime red wines in appellations such as Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, and Crozes-Hermitage. Syrah has, of course, also been exported internationally and is very present in California, Australia, and South Africa.
Their red wines are deep, intense, aromatic, and very charming. These often present notes of cherry, blackberry, blueberry, violet, and pepper. Both great wines for aging and delightful friendship wines can be produced with Syrah.
Perfect pairings with white and red meats.
Mourvèdre
Originally from Spain where it is called Monastrell, Mourvèdre is a grape variety that loves heat and sunlight. It naturally adapts ideally to the Mediterranean terroir.As such, it is found in the south of the Rhône Valley, in Provence, where it reigns supreme over the Bandol appellation, or even in Languedoc-Roussillon. Furthermore, it is regularly blended with the Grenache and Syrah grape varieties to form the famous "GSM" trio.
Mourvèdre allows for the creation of powerful, tannic, and very warm wines. It often evokes an animal side on the palate and presents notes of ripe black fruits as well as spices.
Almost mandatory agreement with red meat!
Cinsault
The Cinsault is a grape variety that is mainly found in the Southern Rhône Valley as well as in Languedoc-Roussillon.
This allows the production of supple red wines, low in tannins and alcohol. Consequently, it is very complementary with varieties like Grenache, Syrah, or Mourvèdre. Its aroma evolves on notes of fresh red fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry) while its texture is light and fluid. Vinified alone, it allows the production of easy-drinking and fruity wines full of freshness.
Delicious pairings as an aperitif with charcuterie or certain cheeses are possible here.
Tempranillo
Spanish grape variety par excellence, the Tempranillo is the emblematic variety of the appellations Rioja (80% of the planting) and Ribera del Duero (90%), both located in the north of the country.
Of low acidity, the Tempranillo is a grape variety tannic and powerful, expressing notes of ripe black fruits (prune, blackcurrant, blackberry) as well as spicy aromas (chocolate, clove). Often aged in oak barrels, Tempranillo allows the creation of very fine wines for aging that can be stored for 20 years or more in a cellar.
Here too, it is almost mandatory to pair with red meat or game!
Sangiovese
The Sangiovese is a red grape variety from Italy found notably in the region of Tuscany within appellations such as Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino. In France, it is very present in Corsica (AOC Patrimonio notably) where it is called Niellucciu.
Endowed with high acidity as well as rather pronounced tannins, Sangiovese can be absolutely divine when it comes from noble terroirs. It will then exude notes of plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs, or even tobacco.
The culinary pairings will once again be focused on white and red meats with this delicious Tuscan grape variety.
It is now time for you to discover these 12 grape varieties! Thus, in order to combine practice with theory,
