It exists in the world more than 6,000 grape varieties . Yet only a handful of them are actually used to produce the vast majority of red wines that we know.
Through this article, we will explore the 12 main varieties a must-remember for any red wine lover . From Merlot to Cabernet-Sauvignon, including Pinot Noir and Syrah, follow the leader and discover all their features!
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon East the most planted grape variety in the world It is found in California, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Italy and even China.
In France , s The master region is the Bordeaux where it is very well established, particularly in the Médoc and Graves in appellations such as Pauillac , Margaux , Saint-Estephe , Saint-Julien or even Pessac-Leognan .
However, we also find this great grape variety in the vineyards of Southwest , from Provence, from Languedoc-Roussillon or even the Loire.
From a sensory point of view, Cabernet Sauvignon presents a intense purplish color , of the powerful tannins as well as aromas evolving towards plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, sandalwood or even tobacco. This is the grape variety that symbolises powerful wines and has the potential to constitute large wines for laying down .
Delicious pairings with red meats in perspective!
Merlot
Merlot East the second most planted grape variety in the world and the 1st in France . It is mainly found on Bordeaux Or It occupies a prominent place, particularly on the right bank within appellations such as Pomerol Or Saint-Emilion .
This one is also well established in the Southwest on names like Madiran Or Cahors where it is used in addition to other grape varieties such as Tannat or Malbec.
Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, with which it is often blended in Bordeaux, Merlot has more than delicacy and of roundness Its tannins are also less powerful and its aromas evolve towards plum, blackberry, strawberry or even cherry.
Ideal agreements with red and white meats .
Cabernet Franc
Very present internationally (Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina etc.), the Cabernet Franc is also firmly established in the Bordeaux region (especially 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 the red and black fruits (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), the bell pepper as well as some vegetal notes more or less ripe depending on the region. From a high acidity , he can offer pretty wines of friends like great wines for laying down , this depends above all on its terroir of origin as well as its vinification.
Pinot noir
Emblem red wines from Burgundy , the reputation of the Pinot noir is no longer to be done. If it is also very present internationally (New Zealand, United States, Italy etc.) it must be admitted that the Burgundian terroirs give it a finesse that is difficult to match .
With a fairly pale ruby color, Pinot Noir is little tannic , of a nice acidity and evolves on notes of red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) as well as floral aromas (peony). Depending on its breeding as well as its terroirs of origin, great wines for laying down can be made with it, as well as pretty fruity wines very fine.
From a food and wine pairing point of view, the lighter Pinot Noirs are perfect as an aperitif with cold meats or cheeses, while the more structured ones ( Gevrey-Chambertin , Nuits-Saint-Georges , Pommard etc.) will pair delicious with white or red meats.
Gamay
If the Gamay is also present in the Loire or in Burgundy, it is indeed in the Beaujolais that this one is king. The latter is indeed the exclusive grape variety for the region's red wines and shines on names such as Brouilly , Flowery Or Saint-Amour .
Gamay is a variety renowned for its deliciousness as well as its seductive fruitiness . In tasting, it presents with delicious notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry as well as peony And pepper Visually, its color is a rather light red but remains, for example, more colorful than Pinot Noir.
If the majority of Gamays are intended to be drunk in their youth, some wines, notably AOC Morgon Or Windmill , can have good aging potential.
Malbec
Popular in Argentina as well as to Chile , Malbec (or Côt) is also very widespread in the South West France , especially on the name Cahors where it must represent at least 70% of the composition of the wines produced.This one is also present on Bordeaux ( Blaye Bordeaux Coasts and Côtes-de-Bourg for example) as well as, to a lesser extent, within the Loire Valley (Touraine in particular).
Malbec has a dress dark red and evolves on notes fruity (blackcurrant, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry and cherry) and spicy . It generally presents a fairly round and tasty material (even more so in warm climates) as well as tannins powerful .
Be careful though, some winemakers like to vinify it gently in order to express more lightness. Consequently, Malbec allows the production of both supple and fruity wines as well as great powerful wines for laying down. Depending on the profile, it can be paired with as an aperitif or with red meat .
Grenache noir
THE Grenache noir is a grape variety originating from Spain , where he is called Garnacha (sometimes written Garnatxa ). Even today, it is one of the most cultivated varieties in the country.
The latter magnet hot climates , we find it in France mainly in the southern part of the Rhone Valley ( AOC Côtes-du-Rhône , Chateauneuf-du-Pape etc.) but also in the Languedoc-Roussillon ( Pic-Saint-Loup , IGP Catalan Coasts etc.) or even in Provence where it is the most used grape variety for the production of rosé wines from the region. Furthermore, it is often assembled with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.
From a sensory point of view, Grenache charms us with its roundness as well as his delicacy . It actually produces fairly alcoholic wines (smooth mouthfeel) and offers gourmet aromatics on cherry, strawberry, garrigue or even pepper.
Syrah
What Pinot Noir is to Burgundy, Syrah east to the Rhone Valley . This magnificent grape variety is in fact the main variety in the north of the region and allows the production of sublime red wines in appellations such as Roasted Rib , Saint Joseph , Hermitage And Crozes-Hermitage Syrah has of course also been exported internationally and is very present in California, Australia and South Africa.
Its red wines are deep, intense, aromatic and very charming. . These often have notes of cherry, blackberry, blueberry, violet and pepper. great wines for laying down like delicious wines of friends can be produced with Syrah.
Sublime pairings with white and red meats.
Mourvèdre
Originally from Spain where it is called Monastrell , Mourvèdre is a loving grape variety heat and sunshine . It is therefore quite natural that this one adapts ideally to the Mediterranean terroir . As such, we find it at South of the Rhone Valley , in Provence , where he reigns supreme over the Bandol appellation , or even in the Languedoc-Roussillon . Moreover, the latter is regularly assembled with the Grenache and Syrah grape varieties to constitute the famous "GSM" trio .
Mourvèdre allows you to make powerful, tannic and very warm wines . He often mentions an animal side on the palate and presents notes of ripe black fruits as well as spices.
Almost obligatory pairing with red meat!
Cinsault
Cinsault is a grape variety that we find mainly in the southern Rhone Valley as well as in Languedoc-Roussillon .
This allows the production of soft red wines , low in tannin and low in alcohol . Therefore, 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 material is light and fluid . Vinified alone, it allows the production of supple and fruity wines for friends full of freshness .
Delicious aperitif pairings on cold meats or with certain cheeses are possible here.
Tempranillo
Spanish grape variety par excellence, Tempranillo is the emblematic variety appellations Rioja (80% of the grape varieties) And Ribera del Duero (90%), both located in the north of the country.
Of low acidity , 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 great wines for laying down can be kept for 20 years or more in the cellar.
Here too, it almost goes well with red meat or game!
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a red grape variety Italian which is found in particular in the region of Tuscany within appellations such as Chianti Classico Or Brunello di Montalcino In France, this is very present in Corsica ( AOC Patrimonio in particular) where he calls himself Niellucciu .
Equipped with a high acidity as well as rather marked 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 focus on white and red meats with this delicious Tuscan grape variety.
It is now time for you to set off to discover these 12 grape varieties! So, in order to combine practice with theory, The Illuminated Cellar offers you below a favorite vintage to illustrate each of the varieties presented.All you have to do is make your choice!
- Cabernet Sauvignon - Château Brane-Cantenac - Margaux - 2nd Grand Cru Classé
- Merlot - Domaine Perdrix-Lasouche - IGP Cévennes - Between two moons
- Cabernet Franc - Clos des Quarterons - Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil - The Fundis
- Pinot noir - Philippe Naddef Estate - Marsannay - The Genelières
- Gamay - Bodillard vineyard - Morgon - Marie-Louise
- Malbec - Castle Les Croisille - Cahors - The Stone
- Grenache - Pierre Usseglio Estate - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - My grandfather's vintage
- Syrah - Château de L'Ou - IGP Côtes Catalanes - Secret of shale
- Mourvèdre - Tempier Estate - Bandol red Lulu & Lucien
- Cinsault - Château de la Selve - IGP Coteaux de l'Ardèche - Small forest red
- Tempranillo - Bodegas Izadi - Rioja - Childhood
- Sangiovese - Rocca di Castagnoli - Chianti Classico
Cheers! And if you need any advice, La Cave Éclairée is of course always there to guide you!
