A very short introduction…
The main difference between red and white winemaking is skin contact; by leaving the grape skins on during the fermentation, red wines absorb both colour and tannin from the skins. This is why red wines have the capacity to age for much longer than white wines, with the colour and tannin acting as preserving agents. Whereas acidity tends to be the most polarising element in white wines, tannin tends to be so in red wines. Those red grapes with thicker skins and deeper colour typically produce wines of fuller body and with higher levels of tannin than those with thinner skins, though of course winemaking plays a crucial role here too.
How many types of red wine grapes are there?
The number of different grape varieties runs into the thousands so below we look at just some of the key red wine grape varieties to be found on our shelves:
Cabernet Franc
A key grape variety in the world of fine wine, particularly in Bordeaux, south-west France, where Cabernet Franc plays a supporting role in some of the region's most famous wine. Elsewhere in France, Cabernet Franc is the primary black grape of the red wines of the Loire Valley - famously Bourgueil, Chinon, St. Nicolas de Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. Away from its native France, the grape is grown successfully in Italy, Argentina, USA, Hungary, Australia and even Canada, where it used to make the super sweet dessert wine "Ice Wine".
Cabernet Franc buds and ripens slightly earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, making ideal for slightly cooler climates and thrives in sandy, chalky vineyards, producing lighter and more delicate reds. A distinct peppery perfume is often present on the nose along with aromas of tobacco, raspberry, cassis and violets.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A much-loved, versatile international black variety from the United States to Australia, Israel to South Africa. With a characteristic profile of cedar, blackcurrant leaf, luscious cassis, pencil shavings and graphite, Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated the world over for its beautiful, deep-coloured red wines.
With medium to high levels of tannins, refreshing acidity, a beautiful affinity with oak and a wonderful black-fruited profile, Cabernet Sauvignon is able to produce both single varietal wines and blends. Key areas include the US (California, Oregon and Washington), Australia, Israel, South Africa.
Gamay
Gamay is inextricably linked with the light, fruity wines of Beaujolais in the Côte d'Or. It is likely that the grape arrived in Burgundy from central Europe in the 14th century and found a home on the granite-based soils north of Lyon. Gamay offers vibrant ripe red fruit notes of cherry and strawberry and, when produced via the carbonic maceration method, notes of confected banana. Key production areas are 10 Cru of Beaujolais: St-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly, and Côte de Brouilly.
Grenache / Garnacha
Grenache, (known as Garnacha in Spain), is a black grape variety that thrives in warm climates and produces beautiful red wines often characterised by high alcohol, full body and powerful spiciness (white pepper, liquorice). Tannins tend to be on the softer side, with dominant red fruit flavours of raspberry and plum, developing tertiary notes of mushroom and earth with age. Key production areas include France, Spain Australia and the US.
Malbec / Cot
Considered the flagship grape variety of Argentina (Patagonia, Salta), this black grape variety is used to produce full bodied, deep coloured red wines with high levels of soft tannins and wonderful spiced dark fruit character. Often displaying signature notes of blackberry, black plum, clove and pepper, Malbec is a variety that shows great affinity with oak aging. Used to produce both single varietal wines as well as red blends. The region of Cahors in South West France has a long-standing history of producing excellent reds from Malbec, known locally as ‘Cot’, whilst the variety is also to be found in South African and Australian red blend as well as limited release Italian expressions.
Merlot
A black grape that exudes elegance and balance, this is an extremely well-travelled international variety that produces a plethora of silky reds and rosés. Traditionally associated with the wines of the Bordeaux Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol), as well as Old World Italian expressions of Merlot (Lombardy, Tuscany and Umbria). Across the pond, explore the deep reds of California and New York. In its New World setting, Merlot expressions are often characterised by their deep purple hue, soft velvety tannins and magnificent concentration of blackberry and plum, with delicate herbal and minty notes. Producers using new oak can add a cocoa, mocha, clove and vanilla complexity.
Nebbiolo
A flagship Italian grape that is most at home in Northern Italy, most notably Piemonte with the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Producing pale garnet wines, often with pronounced aromas and flavours of strawberry, red and black cherry, plum with complexity from floral notes (rose, violet), cedar, clove, cigar box, earth, mushroom and fig. With refreshing high acidity, firm tannins and warming levels of alcohol, Nebbiolo produces wonderfully complex wines that can age for decades.
Pinot Noir
A black grape variety that made its name for the fine, highly sought after reds of Burgundy. Often known for producing slightly paler red wines, Pinot Noir can come in many different styles and offers something for every wine lover. From light and fruity wines with notes of raspberry, strawberry, violets, cranberry and red cherry, to more complex and ageworthy styles that take on spicy, earthy notes of forest floor, mushroom and game. With refreshing acidity, this variety tends to produce wines with light to medium body and low to medium silky tannins. Despite being notoriously a tricky, fussy grape to grow, Pinot Noir is producing unique and unforgettable wines the world over from the UK to Australia, New Zealand to Italy and the sparkling wines of Champagne.
Syrah / Shiraz
An international black grape variety that has made its home in both the Old World and the New and thrives in moderate to hot climates. Often referred to as ‘Syrah’ when produced in the traditional Old World Rhône style and ‘Shiraz’ indicating a richer and more fruit-forward Ozzie style; but this rule of thumb has its exceptions. A black grape that makes hearty medium/full bodied reds, displaying fresh black fruit and a signature cracked black pepper spice.
Riper styles meanwhile are often smoother, with very ripe and even cooked black fruit aromas and flavours (blackberry, black cherry, black plum), liquorice and black olive tapenade complexity. Key areas include Northern Rhône, Languedoc-Roussillon, Australia, the USA, South Africa, New Zealand and Israel.
Tempranillo / Tinta Roriz
The premier black grape of the Iberian Peninsula. Allow yourself to be transported to Spain (Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Castilla y León, Toro and Navarra) and Portugal (Douro) with magnificent reds and elegant rosés. Tempranillo is a grape that thrives in warm climates and boasts a wonderful affinity for both French and American oak, often taking on signature notes of coconut and cedar.
Offering up a beautiful profile of pronounced red and black cherry and plum, it develops mushroom, earthy, forest floor complexity with age. Producing wines with warming high alcohol balanced by refreshing acidity and excellent levels of smooth tannins – the ideal structure to evolve magnificently in bottle.
Feeling thirsty? Discover over 5,000 red wines at Hedonism Wines.