Introduction to the Reds

It’s hard to learn and appreciate wine without learning just a little bit about the grapes. No, wine is not made from the typical, seedless concord grapes that are found in the local supermarket. Wine grapes are grown specifically for making wine which sets them apart from the normal grapes we eat.

In this segment, I will explore some of the more popular varietals of grapes that are used to make red wine and there correct pronunciations. Although, there are literally hundreds of different types of wine grapes, I’ll just touch on the basics and leave the rest for you to discover on your own.

Cabernet Sauvignon - (CAB-er-nay SAW-vin-YAWN) Sometimes referred to as the “king” of wine grapes, cabernet sauvignon is known to be one of the best wine producing grapes in the world. This is due to its dependability and its reputation for making some of the finest wines. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have a thick skin which allow them to grow in many different types of climates. These grapes produce what is called a “black currant” flavor mixed with hints of blackberry, black cherry, herds and oak.

Merlot - (Mer-LOW) “I’m not drinking any f&@king merlot.” This is a line made famous in the movie “Sideways” but don’t let it turn you away from this type of wine. Merlot is a more subtle grape when compared to other reds due to less natural acids and tannins. It is widely used in blends of different grapes but can be just as good on its own. The climates found in Chile and California are great regions for Merlot grapes to thrive. Merlot is known for flavors of plum, black cherry, and violet.

Pinot Noir - (PEA-no NWAHR) Pinot Noir grapes are known to be one of the most difficult grapes to grow and produce into wine. This is primarily due to thinness of the skin which makes it more delicate and susceptible to damage or disease. It also is very picky about what type of climate in which the grape will grow. Although, pinot noir is a headache for vineyard owners, it truly produces one of the finest varietals of wine. Fruity flavors of raspberry, strawberry, ripe-grape, and black cherry can be found in pinot noir.

Syrah/Shiraz - (Ser-AH/SHEER-oz) The reason for the slash is because this one varietal of grape is called two different names depending on where you are in the world. The U.S., France and other countries say Syrah while Australia prefers Shiraz. Australia definitely has the right to change the name seeing that the best and most Syrah/Shiraz comes from this region. This thick-skinned, dark colored grape grows best in warmer climates. Syrah/Shiraz is famous for its spicy black cherry, plum and peppery flavors which gives it a distinct “zing.”

This should be enough to get you started. Like I said before, there are many different types of grapes which make up red wine including Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Malbec, and Zinfandel but I will save those for a rainy day. Drink up and enjoy!