Principal Black Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most planted red wine grape.

The name comes from its parents: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The grape was born in Bordeaux, in the South West of France, where the climate is "maritime", with hot summers and mild winters.

Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is most famous for its role in the balanced, complex, and famous Bordeaux blend.

Cabernet Sauvignon ripens late and is a thick-skinned grape.

Thick-skinned grapes often result in dark colored and full bodied wines.

Thick skin also means high tannins and great aging potential.

Dark Berries, Black Currant, Black Cherry, Plum, and Green Pepper are typical flavors. With hints of Mint, Licorice, and Anise.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir originates from Burgundy in France where it has become known as Red Burgundy, just like Chardonnay has become known as White Burgundy.

• Red Burgundy = Pinot Noir
• White Burgundy = Chardonnay

The name Pinot (Pine) was given to this grape family, because the cluster looks like a pine:

• Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero)
• Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco)
• Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio)

Pinot Noir thrives in cooler regions all over the world, like in Burgundy with "Cool Climate" and "Slow Ripening".

Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape and, as a consequence, the color of the wine is light red. Thin skin means also low tannins.

Pinot Noir synonyms: Pinot Nero. Pinot Negro. Spätburgunder. Blauburgunder.

Pinot Noir is a "difficult" grape. It grows in thick clusters, which makes it vulnerable to rot, mildew and other diseases.

Merlot

Merlot is one of the primary grapes used in Red Bordeaux blends, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

It adds softness and mouth-watering fruit creating the perfect marriage with the more masculine grape Cabernet Sauvignon.

The name Merlot derives from French "Merle" (Blackbird) for its dark color.

100% Merlot wines exist and they are some of the world´s most expensive wines such Chateau Petrus (Pomerol, Bordeaux) or Masseto (Tuscany).

Merlot is known to be easy to drink, both alone and with food, and is a perfect introduction to red wine for newcomers.

Syrah / Shiraz

Legends claim that the Syrah grape originated in Shiraz, capital of the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran) or in Syracuse, Sicily. But there is no evidence.

The historical home of Syrah is the Rhône region of France.

The most famous Appellations are located in the Northern Rhône (Rotie, Hemitage, Cornas), where steep hillsides sometimes reach a gradient of 70°.

Introduced in Australia in 1831 by Scotsman James Busby, it is the most planted red grape variety there, and it is spelled different: Shiraz.

The best ones develop sweet, rich fruits, as well as aromas characterized by smoke, spices, leather and soil as they mature.

Cool climate Syrah has more Red Fruit.

White Pepper rather than Black Pepper. Mint rather than Licorice.

Raspberry. Blueberry. Black Cherry. Green Olive. Spices. White Pepper. Mineral. Mint. Licorice.

Warm climate Syrah has Darker Fruit.

Dark Fruit. Dark Berries. Blackberry. Black Olive. Jam. Spices. Clove. Black Pepper. Eucalyptus. Licorice. Mint.

Sangiovese

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the noble grape variety of Spain, just like Cabernet Sauvignon is to France, and it is also the third most planted wine grape in the world.

Tempranillo is largely grown in Spain, where it thrives best in the cooler wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

The name comes from Spanish "temprano" which means "early" and refers to early ripening.

Young Tempranillo wine has medium color, moderate acidity, and a fine berry-like character, while aged Tempranillo often develops a sweet spicy, leather and tobacco-like flavor.

Tempranillo wines are generally softer and rounder than Bordeaux wines, but drier than Burgundy wines.

Medium acidity and moderate tannins make Tempranillo wines round and soft, with a spicy aftertaste.

The wines are easy to like, and easy to pair with many types of food.

Cherries and Red and Black Berries are typical Tempranillo flavors, with hints of Herbs, Licorice, Spices, and Minerals.