by di Nov 02, 2025 0 comments
Mourvedre's origin comes from Spain where it was/is called Mataro where it loves the hot, dry climate. It's very similar to Cabernet Sauvignon in a lot of ways although not as widely planted in France. It's often used in blends to give structure and backbone especially in Rhône blends with Grenache and Syrah. WHAT:
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by di Nov 01, 2025 0 comments
Tannat is never referred to as a "light and subtle" grape variety! What Tannat brings to the party is muscle, the serious strong type that no one messes with or even makes eye contact with. The name Tannat should tell you enough, resembling the word to tannic, the word used to describe dryness in wine.
by di Sep 30, 2025 0 comments
Carignan has been grown for centuries and it's origin is presumed to be Spanish. It was, at one time, the worlds most heavily planted grape variety although that has long been surpassed - today that title falls to Grenache. Pretty rough on it's own, Carignan needs a blending partner to make it rounded.
With it's origins in Bordeaux, Carménère was mistaken for a long time as Merlot. It's still grown in Bordeaux but it has made it's home in Chile where brilliant examples are being produced. WHAT: Red grape variety producing ruby red wines with medium tannin, med/high acidity and medium body.
Cinsault is also called Cinault and is widely planted throughout southern France (France's 4th most planted grape variety). It is used to add perfume and fruit to wines such as Minervois and Corbières from the Languedoc where it is blended with Grenache and Carignan.
by di Mar 26, 2025 0 comments
Other Reds There are so many different grape varieties out there, too many to have their own page. I've only listed some of the main ones on this site so the rest of them have to find their place here!
by di Mar 21, 2025 0 comments
Tempranillo Everyone has heard the name Rioja but rarely do people know what Tempranillo is. They are one and the same - or rather they aren't! Rioja is a wine region in northern Spain that produces wines that are Tempranillo based.
Grenache Grenache is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It is responsible for some of the most famous wines around and most people don't even know the name as it is widely blended to make those famous wines. I read somewhere the other day that Grenache is as important in the wine world as Cabernet Sauvignon - and i'd whole-heartedly agree.
Sangiovese Doesn't it sound SO Italian? Sangiovese...It rolls off the tongue so easily, it has to have an Italian accent.
Nebbiolo Talk about surprise in your glass!
Malbec Malbec wine has been around for centuries although it wasn't until recently that it became popular drinking with wines from Argentina taking the stage front and centre.
Gamay "What is it? Never heard of it." That's what most people say when they see Gamay or hear Gamay mentioned but say "Beaujolais" and it's a different story. Most people don't know what Gamay is, how it should taste or how it's made.
Cabernet Franc Another little known grape variety yet one with incredible presence, the Cabernet Franc produces wines that are so easy to drink it's surprising that it isn't more popular than it is.
Shiraz or Syrah One and the same, Shiraz and Syrah continue to be a crowd pleaser all over the world. Shiraz has been made for centuries in Europe and at very much at home in the Rhône Valley where it is the major grape variety in wines such as Côte Rotie and Crozes Hermitage.
Merlot Soft, silky and well rounded - that's how I imagine a good Merlot to taste.
Cabernet Sauvignon The King of Red Grapes and probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every wine growing country in the world.
Pinot Noir Without a doubt Pinot Noir the most romanticized red wine in the world. No other grape brings out such emotion and devout worship among its enthusiasts. Considered by many to produce the finest wines in the world, Pinot Noir has a special place in my heart.
by di Nov 19, 2017 0 comments
In a world as fickle as the wine world it's good to keep abreast of what's trending and what's not. One of the wines making it's way on to winelover's radars is Cabernet Franc and I'm happy to see it there. I love it!
by di Nov 13, 2017 0 comments
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish wine region, located in the north central area of Castilla Y León not too far away (as the crow flies) from well known Rioja. Ribera del Duero DO (Denominación de Origen) is a small region that packs a big punch with wine lovers worldwide.
by di Nov 12, 2017 0 comments
Have you ever heard someone refer to a wine as "Left Bank Bordeaux" or "Right Bank Bordeaux" and have no idea what they mean?
