The most popular of red wine grape varietals, its name Sauvignon derives from the word “Savage.” Cab is grown in just about every major wine making region. It’s produced as a single varietal and as a major blending component. Cabernet Sauvignon is deep in color, like raspberry, virtually impermeable to light. The varietal is often associated with oak, which in barrel is used to soften the tannins to make it more approachable.Good Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from cellaring several years to soften its tannins, which can be harsh in young Cabs, and bring out the complexity and rich flavors of the grape. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied and an excellent food wine to pair with nearly any roasted or grilled or braised beef dish, steaks or burgers, duck and game birds, venison, rack of lamb, grilled or roasted lamb, cheese (especially aged blue and/or stinky cheeses), dark bittersweet chocolate and heavier dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon Around the World 3 Minute Tour of Bordeaux (Left & Right Bank)

Another very popular red wine varietal and blending grape, Merlot is recognized for its dark blue color that is often associated with blueberry. Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot featured softer tannins and full flavors even when young, making it one of the most approachable, drinkable and affordable of all red wines. Merlot can withstand intense heat and has wide window for ripening. Due to its resilience in the vineyard, Merlot is grown very successfully worldwide, especially in Bordeaux, Italy, and Northern California. Delicious on its own, Merlot is traditionally also blended with other wines, expecially Cabernet Sauvignon, making it part of some of the greatest wines in the world. On the palate, Merlot can be characterized as fleshy, deep, fruity (not sweet) and intense. On the nose you’ll find plum, berry, currant and sometimes vanilla. Merlot is a medium-bodied wine, lighter and softer than Cabernet, yet still full-flavored. Merlot pairs easily with roasted prime rib, grilled steaks, filet mignon, cheese (especially full-flavored cheddar, blue, camembert, etc.), duck, lamb, pork, veal, turkey, sausage, pasta and tomato sauce dishes.

Merlot set for a comeback? Derived from the French words “black” and “pine” which refers to the cluster of grapes, which in appearance ressembles a black pine cone. Pinot Noir is a thin skin grape that performs much better in cooler climates with plenty of sun exposure. It is often grown very successfully in Coastal areas such as Oregon, California, Burgundy (France), Germany and New Zealand. Burgundy produces some of the very best Pinot Noir on the planet.There are two major styles of Pinot Noir, the first of which is cooler climate, volcanic soil Burgundian style, which exposes more terroir and earthiness on the palate and transforms into fruit towards the back of the palate. The latter is the popular fruit forward, much more rich California Pinot Noir which is exposed to extensive sunlight and a warmer climate. Lighter-bodied Pinot Noir styles are usually less expensive and less amazing. Pinot Noir is a food-friendly varietal that pairs well with many proteins (grilled or roasted lean beef, chicken, roast duck, lamb, pork loin, grilled or pan-roasted salmon, tuna, veal and smoked meats.

Mushrooms and Goat Cheese both seem to have a special affinity for Pinot Noir, whether from Burgundy, Napa, Sonoma or Oregon. Thought to have been cultivated by the Romans in what is modern day Iran. Syrah is a dark, heavy skin grape that excels in hotter climates such as California, Australia as well as the Rhone Valley in France, where it is often blended with Grenache. Excellent Syrahs are also made in Italy's Piedmont region and in Sicily.red wine case for iphone 5 While the style of Syrah varies from region to region, it is only called Shiraz if it is from Australia, and is called Syrah elsewhere.best wine shops orange countyThe Syrah grape possesses the most antioxidants of all the popular winegrape varietals and has a distinct flavor profile of pepper, vanilla, blackberry and spice with a velvety finish. good wine restaurant london

Syrah stands up to very heavy meats, beef, barbecue, lamb, duck, venison, sausage, mushroom, and tuna. M. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone tasting Rhone/South of France/Wines/Varieties Forum Australia/New Zealand/South Africa Forum Malbec is not originally from Argentina. Its origin is from France and while it was at one point in time the major component of Bordeaux varietals, it's typically used in Bordeaux these days to flesh out the edges of Right Bank blends. best selling white wine in ukYou’ll also find it grown in Cahors, France but more predominately in Argentina where French and Argentine winemakers have found perfect conditions to grow this fruit forward, rich varietal. best wine hotels ukKey descriptors used when talking about Malbec include plum, raspberry, fig, and spice. best wine to have with fish and chips

If you head to Mendoza, Argentina be prepared to consume plenty of Malbec and steak as it’s the perfect pairing to beef and lamb cuisine. Argentine Bodega Norton Malbec Tasting Argentine Colome Estate Malbec Tasting South American Wines Forum Zinfandel is mostly grown in California and Southern Italy and is usually used to produce deep, dark rich red wines. However, Zoinfandel is a versatile grape and is used to produce many styles, ranging from late harvest dessert wines, rosés (White Zinfandel) and Beaujolais-style light reds to big hearty reds and fortified wine in the style of port. The quality and character of American Zinfandel wines largely depend on the location, climate and age of the vineyard, as well the techniques used by the winemaker. Zinfandel "old vines" are particularly prized. In an ideal Zinfandel, you’ll find a slight hint of Eucalyptus on the nose with cherry, cinnamon (which indicates French Oak), currant, and spice. On the palate you’ll find cherry, tiny hints of vegetable (we mean tiny), blueberry, vanilla and perhaps some beef jerky.