W3 Wine School

Red Wines

Red wines are made from black grapes (dark-colored red wine grape varieties).

During fermentation, the juice and the skins are in contact. The skins release both color, tannins and flavors.

The alcohol content of a red wine is between 12% and 15%.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon originates from Bourdeaux (France), but is also popular in USA, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and other countries.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied red wine with high acidity and tannins.

Typical flavors are Black Fruit (Black Currant, Blackberry, Plum), Violets, Pepper, and French Oak.

Black Currant Blackberry Plum Violets

Merlot

Merlot

New to red wine? Start with Merlot!

Merlot was born in Bordeaux (France), but is also popular in Italy, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.

Typical flavors are Raspberry, Black Cherry, Plum, and Vanilla (if oaked).

Raspberry Red Cherry Plum Vanilla

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is from in Bourgogne (France), but now it grows USA, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries.

Pinot Noir is a light red wine with low tannins and good acidity. Typical flavors are Red Fruit and Vanilla (if oaked).

Strawberry Red Cherry Raspberry Vanilla

Syrah

Syrah / Shiraz

Syrah from Rhone in France grows all over the world. In Australia it is called Shiraz.

Syrah has flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, licorice, and sometimes savory, earthy components like herbs, leather, chocolate, and tobacco.

Blueberry Blackberry Pepper Licorice

Chanti

Chianti (Italy)

Chianti is a city in Toscana in Italy.

Chianti is a medium body wine with medium tannins and good acidity.

The primary grape is Sangiovese.

Typical flavors are Red Fruit (Strawberry, Cherry, Plum), Spices, Dryed Herbs and Oak.

Strawberry Cherry Plum Herbs

Rioja

Rioja

Rioja is a Spanish wine region.

Rioja is a medium to full body red wine with medium tannins and medium acidity.

The primary grape is Tempranillo.

Typical Rioja flavors are Red and Black berries and Vanilla from American Oak.

Cherry Raspberry Blackberry Vanilla

Other Popular Reds

  • Grenache
  • Nebbiolo
  • Sangiovese
  • Tempranillo

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