The type of grape used in winemaking determines the variety of wine produced. Here are some classic reds:
Brunello
Grown only in Tuscany, Italy, at present; a selection of Sangiovese, grown for one of the best and most expensive Italian red wines, Brunello di Montalcino.
Cabernet Franc
Grown in the Bordeaux district and middle Loire Valley in France, in Italy and, recently, in California; related to Cabernet Sauvignon and similar varieties. Also called “Breton” in France. Generally blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot in Bordeaux.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grown in the Bordeaux district and Provence in France, Chile, Australia, California and South Africa – practically everywhere; a very fine red wine grape, responsible for the great Bordeaux reds, particularly Médocs. Usually yields the best red wine of California, with great body and long life.
The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, Merlot, a red grape, is also grown in most of the same places as Cabernet Sauvignon. And in fact, the two are often blended. Because Merlot in general has somewhat less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, it often feels softer on the palate. Its flavors often run to mocha and boysenberry.
Gamay Beaujolais
Grown only in California; originally thought to be the “true” Gamay of the Beaujolais district but now identified as a strain of Pinot Noir. Will be gradually phased out in the future; its wines, however, are generally quite fruity and good.
Grenache
Grown in the Southern Rhône district of France, in Spain, and in California. Grown for Tavel and Lirac, among the best Rosé wines of France; generally has insufficient color for red wines and is blended with other grapes, as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Yields excellent Rosé wines in California.
Malbec
Grown in the Bordeaux district in France, in Argentina, and in tiny quantities in California. Fine-quality red wine grape, used for wines of Cahors, blended with Cabernet in Bordeaux. Produces rich, full red wines. Should be more widely planted.
Merlot
Grown in the Bordeaux district of France, in Northern Italy and Switzerland, and increasingly popular in California and also in South America, it’s an excellent red wine grape; generally not used on its own but blended with other grapes in Bordeaux. Softens Cabernet Sauvignon and is found to improve many California Cabernets.
The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, Merlot, a red grape, is also grown in most of the same places as Cabernet Sauvignon. And in fact, the two are often blended. Because Merlot in general has somewhat less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, it often feels softer on the palate. Its flavors often run to mocha and boysenberry.
Nebbiolo
Grown in Piemonte and Lombardy, Italy and on small acreage in California. Grown for all the great Northern Italian reds – Barolo, Barbaresco, Ghemme, Gattinara, and Valtellina. Very fine wines – rich, slow to mature.
Petite Sirah
Grown in California and also in parts of France; originally thought to be a strain of Syrah; actually a different grape, known as Duriff. Produces excellent, very rich red wines, and is increasingly popular as a varietal.
Pinot Noir
Grown in the Champagne and Burgundy regions of France, in Switzerland, Germany, Eastern Europe, South America, and California. An excellent red wine grape but not always easy to grow, it is vinified as a “blanc de noirs,” away from the skins, to make Champagne. Traditionally, California Pinot Noirs have tended to be too light in color, but there has been tremendous improvement recently.
Sangiovese
Grown in Tuscany and in Emilia-Romagna, Italy; important grape used for Chianti but blended with as many as four other grapes for this purpose. Elsewhere, usually sold as a varietal. Now very promising in California.
Syrah
Grown in the Rhône district of France. Produces the great Rhône reds – Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Recently introduced in California and not to be confused with Petite Sirah. Yields very rich, robust red wines.
Zinfandel
Grown chiefly in California – at least, under this name – it is America’s truly unique red grape, of uncertain origin but probably imported from Italy. Produces excellent red wine with a characteristic spicy flavor, in a multitude of different styles and strengths. Best are from the North Coast County.
The much-loved red grape of California, Zinfandel is grown almost no place else in the world. In fact, its history is still a mystery, though scientists think that the grape may be related to a Croatian grape. Zinfandel has a mouth-filling, thick berryness that is sometimes described as jammy or chewy. White Zinfandel (not a separate grape variety) is made when Zinfandel grapes are fermented without their dark purple skins. |
