Wines which are made from the red grapes and are of red color are called red wines.The red wines have a wide range , from varietals to blends, from hearty Burgundies to playful Oregon Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfandel, Merlot to Blended Bordeaux , a very long list indeed.
When only one variety of grape is used and is mentioned on the label, then wine is defined as varietal , and is known and named after the variety of grape used to make it (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon etc.). The taste and color of the wine is dominated by the grape variety used. Blended reds are the wines which are made from more than one grape variety . Here is a brief description of top fifteen varieties of best Red wines.
Top 15 Varieties Of Best Red Wine
Cabernet Franc
This variety is mainly grown in Loire valley of France and California. Cabernet France is a multipurpose wine.
Under suitable conditions it is a good wine in itself but it is primarily used as a supporting wine in various blends.
Cabernet Sauvignon
It is deemed as the ultimate food wine, grown almost all over the world. This variety of grape is called ‘king of grapes’ and is the dominating grape in Bordeaux blends. This wine is marketed as varietal and goes perfect with spicy meat preparations. Cabernet sauvignon is broadly established among the world’s best varieties.
Gamay
This variety is produced in France. It is a light wine with lively acids and some tannins. It tastes best when consumed young and chilled. Gamay is also named as”black wine of Cahors.”
Malbec
Malbec wine is produced in many countries like California, Bordeeaux,France, Argentina and cohors. In France, cohors it is treated as a flavorful wine and is used to make aromatic wines. It is frequently blended with other wines to add color, tannin and tastes .
Bordeaux blends are an example. The Malbec wines have certain health benefits.
Merlot
Merlot is very soft and easy going wine . Due to its soft fruit flavor, it is very popular among new wine fans and is called an ‘introducing ‘ wine. Grown in all part of the world,it is major constituent of Bordeaux blends. The climate and soul are the factors which decides the character of Merlot. The Merlot type of wines are less tannic and have typical taste.
Pinot noir
It is among the noblest red wine grapes and very difficult to cultivate. It needs great care , certain climatic conditions and a specific type of soil to grow. Pinot noir wines are sold as varietal, rarely blended.
This wine is delicate and fresh with very soft tannins and fruity aroma . It is produced in Burgundy, France, California, Austria, , Oregon, and New Zealand. This grape variety is also used in making Champagne and other sparkling wines, to create them bubbly.
Syrah (Shiraz)
Syrah are elegant wine and have typical taste, aromas and flavors of wild black fruits like black berry, black cherry, black currant etc. It’s a smooth wine. It is produced in France, Washington state, California, South Africa and Australia. In Australia they call it Shiraz.
Syrah is used as a varietal and as well as blended. Due to its high tannin content it influences other full bodied wines and used to make blends. Syrah wines have an extremely rich, chewy texture ,intense flavors ,with dark violet to black tones and excellent durability.
Zinfandel
This grape variety is grown in California but genetically it is identical to Italy’s Primitivo.
How it got to California is a mystry. This wine quality is varietal and have chewy raisiny texture. Zinafndel wine is heavy in alcohol and tannins, with lot of fruit.
Tempranillo
Produced in Spain and Australia. Its high acidity , low alcohol content and light nature , makes it an tremendous food wine. For making Tempranillo wines ageing process, ageing time and the oak in which it is kept for ageing is very important. In Australia Tempranillo is blended with Grenache and Syrah.
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Barbera
Barbera is similar to Merlot .Its a traditional red wine of Italian origin. It has silky texture, good acidity and fruity flavor.
Bordeaux Blends (Claret)
Continuous Research and development work of French wine making experts made Bordeaux blended wines ,the finest in the world. They have different names like Claret in England and Meritage in U.S,
The grape varieties used are produced in Bordeaux, France; California, Washington. In Bordeaux blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are major ingredients and Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot are the supporters. Bordeaux blends are chic, classy, full-bodied , and spicy.
Chianti
Chianti is a well known Italian wine. Some times a cheap wine is widely respected today just because of its superb effect and fruity flavors It is named after its origin that is Chianti region of Italy.
Usually it is made from Sangiovese ,Canaiolo and Malvasia bianca grapes. There are three variants of Chianti ,Chianti standards, Chianti Reserva and Chianti Superiore.
Rhone Blends
In making Rhone Blends ten to twelve varieties of grapes are permitted but the dominant varieties are Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Rhone blends are made in Rhone region of France, in California, South Africa and Australia. Rhone Blends Wines normally have more than two Rhone varietals along with other varietals in minor percentage. Australian Rhone blends are labeled “GSM” which stand for “Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.”
Rioja
These blended wines are made in the Rioja Oro areas of Spain. Tempranillo is the main grape variety used along with Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, and Mazuelo Riojas to make Rioja Blends.
Rioza ‘s are highly tannic and are regarded as a superb food wine . Riojas also comes in three official variants called Rioja, Rioja Reserva and Rioja Gran Reserva.
Valpolicella Blends
It got its name after the same named region of Italy near Verona. A blend of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes is used to make Valpolicella Blends . Valpolicella is a blended red wine with fruity flavor, velvety feel and finicky finish. They are less tannic than the heartier Sangioveses and Nebbiolos.
