Grape Varietals

The undisputed king of red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon produces full-bodied, age-worthy wines with intense dark fruit flavors and firm tannins. Its thick skin contributes to deep color and excellent aging potential.

Elegant, silky, and seductive, Pinot Noir is the most romantic of red wines. Its thin skin produces lighter-colored wines with delicate aromas and flavors that can range from red fruits to earthiness and complexity.

Soft, plummy, and approachable, Merlot is the friendly face of red wine. Its velvety texture and lower tannins make it perfect for those new to red wine, while premium examples rival the best Cabernets.

Bold, peppery, and complex, Syrah produces powerfully flavored wines with distinctive spicy and smoky notes. Known as Shiraz in Australia, it shows remarkable versatility across different climates and styles.

Plush, fruity, and deeply colored, Malbec has become Argentina's calling card. Its velvety texture and dark fruit flavors, often with hints of violet and chocolate, make it incredibly food-friendly and approachable.

America's heritage grape, Zinfandel produces bold, jammy wines with bright fruit and spicy notes. Old vine examples from California can be extraordinarily complex, while the grape's high sugars can yield powerful, high-alcohol wines.

Spain's signature red grape, Tempranillo produces elegant wines with cherry and leather notes. Extended oak aging in American barrels gives it distinctive vanilla and dill characteristics.

A warm-climate grape producing fruity, spicy wines with soft tannins. Grenache is the heart of Southern Rhône blends and makes excellent rosé.

The soul of Tuscany, Sangiovese makes wines with bright cherry flavors and firm acidity. From simple Chianti to noble Brunello, it's incredibly food-friendly.

Italy's noblest grape, producing hauntingly complex wines with rose, tar, and truffle notes. Despite pale color, Nebbiolo has powerful tannins that demand aging.

A dark, tannic grape that thrives in hot climates. Mourvèdre adds structure and meaty complexity to blends, and makes powerful single-varietal wines in Bandol.

Piedmont's everyday wine, Barbera offers bright cherry fruit with refreshing acidity and soft tannins. It's incredibly versatile with food and offers great value.

Light, fresh, and joyful, Gamay is the grape of Beaujolais. Best served slightly chilled, it offers pure fruit pleasure. Cru Beaujolais can rival Burgundy in complexity.

Chile's adopted grape, Carménère was thought extinct until rediscovered in Chilean vineyards in 1994. It produces smooth, herbal wines with distinctive green pepper notes.

Dark, powerful, and tannic, Petite Sirah is California's bold red. Despite its name, it's actually Durif, a crossing of Syrah and Peloursin. It produces inky wines with intense fruit.

The most tannic grape in the world, Tannat produces powerful, age-worthy wines. Uruguay adopted it as their national grape, producing softer, fruitier versions than French originals.

Italy's version of Zinfandel, Primitivo produces rich, jammy wines in the sun-drenched heel of Italy. Expect ripe fruit, sweet spices, and high alcohol.