Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular and recognized red wine grape varieties in the world. Some of the best red wines are made from this grape. The grapes are small, tough and red and need slightly warm conditions to mature. The Cabernet Sauvignon wine which is made from these grapes tastes like cedar and blackberries. The grape contains high level of tannin which makes a very good red wine specially when aged properly (up to 10 years). The grape is very dominant in the Bordeaux region of France where it is usually blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Apart from Bordeaux it is widely grown in almost all wine producing regions of the world like California, Italy, Chile, Australia, etc. The grape is also known as Sauvignon Rouge, Vidure and Petit Cabernet in some regions of the world.

Syrah, as it is known in France and Shiraz in Australia is a very popular variety of red wine grape. Introduced in Australia in 1832 by James Bushby, it is now the most widely grown red grape variety in the country. The wine produced from these grapes is of intense color and tends towards a blueberry or spicy and peppery flavor. In warmer conditions like Australia, the wine from this grape tends to be sweeter and riper while in cool climates like Rhone Valley, France the wine has spice and peppery aromas. The 7th most grown grape in the world, it is blended and is also used as a varietal. After France and Australia the grape is most widely grown in United States, South Africa, Argentina and Chile.

Most often used in preparing red wines, Pinot Noir is also the premier grape variety in producing the best quality sparkling wine and Champagne. The grapes which are very sensitive to weather conditions are usually softer and ripen earlier. Pinot Noir is known to be a very difficult grape to grow, but when done properly it gives some of the finest wines. Cool nights and warm days are the specific requirement of the grape. They also have low tannin content and high acid level and produce an exceptional flavored wine. It is the top wine grape in Burgundy, France but is also grown in California, Australia, Italy and Germany.

The Merlot grape is quite similar to Cabernet Sauvignon but it consists of lower tannin level and ripens earlier. It also requires cooler conditions to mature than the Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape is used for both the varietal (wine made from a single grape variety) and blended wines. Merlot has gentle flavors of berry, currant, plum and cherry. It is softer in texture and is often blended with the tougher Cabernet Sauvignon to prepare the famous “Bordeaux Blend” also known as Meritage in America. Merlot wines are ready for consuming in 4-8 years though some varieties have longer aging potential. Apart from France it is grown in California, Australia, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and many other countries.