The Carignan grapes are widely grown throughout the world though they originated in Carinenea, Spain. The wine prepared from this grape has a strong fruit flavor and high tannin content. The wine has a deep violet or purple color. Carignan is often blended with other grape varieties like Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Syrah, Cabenet Franc, Merlot, etc. The grape ripens late and generally requires warm climate, like the Mediterranean, to achieve the complete ripeness. The grape is also known by names like Carignane, Carinena, Mazuelo Carignano and Monestel. But as the grape does not produce premium wines like that of Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, it is slowly losing its popularity.

Barbera is a red wine grape variety planted mostly in Italy, where it is the third most grown red grape variety. Barbera has a low tannin and high acid content and is known for its tarry flavor. The wine which can be medium to full bodied is primarily used as a blending agent for increasing the acidity. When the wine is made from young grapes it gives a deep aroma of fresh blackberries while it gives a hint of black cherries and blackberry when it is made of ripe grapes. The grapes are also widely grown in California, equal to that of Merlot grapes. In warmer regions the alcohol level in the wine can be quite high due to the high sugar levels.

Grenache is one of the most popular red wine grape varieties in the world. As the grape ripens late it needs hot and dry conditions, like that of Spain, France and California where it is widely cultivated. In Spain it is known as Granacha Tinta. The wine prepared from Grenache grape is generally light in color and is very popular because of its fruity, spicy flavor with little tannin and high alcohol content. The grape is also used to prepare rose wines in Spain, United States and France. Sometimes Fortified wines are also prepared. The wine is also blended with other varieties like Syrah, Cinsaut and Carignan. The wine prepared from these grapes is best when consumed young as they don’t age well.

Zinfandel grapes are exclusively grown in California although their origin is traced back to Italy and Croatia. Depending on the age, the wine can have spicy or fruity flavor. If the skins are left on, the grapes make Red Zinfandel wine, likewise White Zinfandel (semi-sweet) wine is created if the skins are removed. The grapes produce a solid red wine although the blush style white wine is more popular in USA.  The Zinfandel wine was a favorite among the home winemakers during the era of American Prohibition as the grapes were shipped without any damage due its thick skin. It is also grown in Italy, Mexico and Australia.

Cabernet Franc is one of the premier red wine grape varieties in the world. It was planted in the Loire valley of France and is called as the “parent” of Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The wine produced from this grape has hints of raspberries and black currants and is lighter than the Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine also has a pale red color. The grape is used in blending Bordeaux wines to add aroma and acidity to the wine. It also gives finesse and a peppery fragrance to the blends. It is produced in France, Italy, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.