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Types of Red Wine
There are several types of red wine, and many of them are grown in California. If you want some red wine, but you are not sure what varietal to choose, take a look at this list and see what appeals to you.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape that made Bordeaux famous. It is grown in the Napa Valley of California as well as many other parts of the world. The wine it produces is very rich and complex. The flavors tend to favor ripe, dark fruits like black currant. The best wines produced by this grape are medium to full bodied, with a firm texture and an intense flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon is almost always aged at least a year in oak, then it ages for many more years in the bottle. It is not unusual for a great Cabernet to age a minimum of 15 years.
Barbera
Barbera is from Italy, but it is grown in California as well. This is a versatile grape that can make a wide range of wines, from young and spritzy to intense, powerful wines that require a lot of aging. It produces a deep ruby color and a full bodied flavor. It has bright, berry flavors and is a good alternative to Merlot.
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most popular wines. You can get a light, simple wine from this grape as well as a full bodied, complex wine. They have a lush flavor with fewer tannins than Cabernet. Some of the flavors you will discover in Merlot are plum, cherry, and chocolate. It is often blended with Cabernet. Merlot is frequently grown in California.
Petite Syrah
Petite Syrah is almost exclusively grown in California. Thought to be related to Syrah grapes or the almost extinct Durif from France, it produces deeply colored and full bodied wines with a touch of pepper. This grape is often blended to Zinfandel to add complexity.
Syrah
Syrah is a rich, complex, full bodied wine that is known for its spicy flavor. In Australia and South Africa, it is known as Shiraz. Syrah is being planted more and more in California in place of Petite Syrah. It can be blended with other grapes, but it also stands well on its own with flavors of berries, black cherry, roasted peppers and smoke.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a very challenging grape to grow, but it can make an excellent wine that is both complex and rich. Dominant flavors in Pinot Noir include red berries, cherries, spice, and earth. The fragrance has been compared to roses, cola, herbs, and even bacon. California and Oregon are now known for producing world class Pinot Noir wines to rival those from Burgundy in France.
Zinfandel is a purely Californian wine. It is a very versatile fruit that can even be used to make a lighter version known as White Zinfandel (it's pink). Zinfandel is zesty and full bodied, tasting of berries and pepper. It is considered pretty spicy. It goes wonderfully with grilled foods, tomatoes, and pizza. It can be blended with other grapes, even if it is not mentioned on the bottle.
