Red Wine Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pronounced Cab-er-nay Săv-in-yon.This is often considered the noble grape in the wine world. It was one of the first to become noteworthy when wine makers began elevating their trade to an art form in the 1700's. This grape makes rich, tannic wines; it stands alone, or is blended with other varietals. While it can sometimes command a high price, it can be found in great quality in lower price brackets. Chile, Australia, California, Washington State, Italy, Spain, and France all produce good Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine likes warmer climates. A note on "Meritage": Pronounced Mer-ĭ-taj. A popular blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Cabernet Franc (30%), and Merlot (10%) is common in the Bordeaux region of France. California wine makers have duplicated this blend, but American law prohibits vineyards from calling a wine by a varietals name unless it is at least 75% purely that variety. In response, the California wine industry coined the term "Meritage" to distinguish this fine blend from regular table wines.

Pinot Noir

Pronounced Pea-no New-wor. Pinot Noir is a temperamental grape that produces ruby-colored wines with velvety smooth taste- when it is grown in its favorite conditions. It is low in tannins and high in glycerine…that gives it the "velvety" taste that fans of this varietal love. Flavors that are characteristic of Pinot Noir are raspberries, cherries, and smoke- with an acidic backbone. It is a very versatile food wine. It grows best in long, cool growing seasons, so it does very well in Washington State. This grape has long been the darling of the French Burgundy region.

Merlot

Pronounced Mer-low. This grape is a distant cousin of the Cabernet grape- its main difference being its skin. It is thinner skinned, so it ripens earlier and is less tannic than Cabernet. The resulting wine is much softer, round, and drinkable. It is low on acid, and has flavors of plum, blueberry, and cherry with a slightly chalky texture. Because of its easy- drinking characteristics, Merlot had a popularity boom in America in the 1970's when people realized the health benefits of moderate wine drinking. This has bumped up the price of good California Merlots, but there are still a few bargains to be found. Still, to experience varietally correct Merlot, the price tag will be between $15-25.

Syrah/Shiraz

Pronounced Seer-rah or Sheer-oz. This is probably the most popular varietal on the market right now. Despite its heavy, full-bodied characteristics, people are drinking it up like there is no tomorrow. Usually the masses go for easier drinking wines like Merlot, but that is apparently no longer the case. Long esteemed by red-wine drinkers, this grape gives a very complex, subtly spicy flavor with hints of raspberries and black pepper. It has been successfully grown in Australia for more than a hundred years, and it has grown for centuries in France with the name Syrah. The Shiraz grape originally came from Persia and was named after the city of Shiraz in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. It has grown well in California, but the Western United States got a late start with this varietal. Apparently a different grape was accidentally transplanted from the Rhone Valley, probably the Druiff grape which now goes by the name Petite Syrah.

Zinfandel

No one is sure where this grape originated, but is has done best in California, becoming known as America's own wine. It loves the heat and sunshine of the California growing season. Many only know the rose version of this varietal, White Zinfandel, which became wildly popular in the 1970's. In its rose incarnation, Zinfandel is light, sweet and imminently drinkable for people who don't like wine all that much. In its original red form it is complex, heavy, and quite powerful. It is a red wine that stands up well with garlic, heavy spices, and roasted meats. This is a very reasonably priced wine that can calm your nerves if you've suffered sticker shock from high- quality Merlots or Cabernets.

Nebbiolo

Pronounced Neb-e-olo. This Italian varietal was named for the fog that is prevalent in the Piedmont region where it's grown. This grape is responsible for many of the great wines of Italy and the world, but you won't find its name on a label. Italian wines, like French wines are not named for the grapes they contain, rather they are named for regions or traditional blends. You'll find Nebbiolo in Barolo, Barbaresco, Gheme, and Gattinara. This grape's best recent year was 1990. If you find it, grab it even if it is a bit expensive- it's still a bargain. Due to the powerful acidic taste of Nebbiolo wines, you'll want to pair it with food. Most Italian wines, red and white, need to be served at the diner table. This varietal hasn't had much luck outside its homeland.

Sangiovese

Pronounced San-geo-vase-e. This is another Italian varietal that hasn't made much of an impact when grown outside of Italy. This is a Central Italian grape that is especially happy in Tuscany. It is here that the Etruscans made delicious wine well before the rise of the Roman Empire. Two well- known Sangiovese based wines are Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. It produces a light, low-tannin wine that has high acid. It can sometimes be paired with seafood, and can really be a great pizza and spaghetti wine. It can age well, or it can taste great before its fifth birthday.

Grenache

Pronounced Grěn-osh. Grenache is the prominent varietal in the Rhone valley of France. It is a popular wine with raspberry jammy flavor and plenty of body. It does well with or without food. This is not a summer wine- it is best with stews, and cold weather fare. California growers harvest tons of this grape to make jug wines and some roses. But the French do it best in its red incarnation.

Gamay

Gamay grows mainly in the Beaujolais region of France. It's the main varietal in Beaujolais Nouveau- which is the first release of red Beaujolais for the year. It is released the third Thursday of November and is usually seen as an indication of whether the entire vintage will be good or not. A Gamay based wine can take a slight chilling and can go with just about any food, from poached salmon to bar-b-qued pork ribs. They're very fruity and low on tannin making them very approachable for beginning red wine drinkers.

Tempranillo

Pronounced Tem-pra-nill-o.You'll rarely see the varietal Tempranillo on a label, but this grape is important for its role in Rioja wines of Spain. These wines can range from inexpensive and enjoyable to very expensive world-class wines. Spain is mainly known for its Sherry wine, but Rioja has long enjoyed a cult following, and is continuing to emerge in popular wine culture as an undiscovered treasure. Its character is similar to Pinot Noir, but not as fruity. It has more smoke and oak flavor.