Red Wine Varietals
Red wines are made with dark-skinned grapes and derive their color, tannins, and structure from the grape skins during fermentation. From the featherweight elegance of Pinot Noir to the commanding power of Cabernet Sauvignon, explore the world's great red varieties.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux, France
Serving Temp
60–65°F
The world's most celebrated red grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines of remarkable structure and longevity. Its thick skin yields rich color and firm tannins that soften beautifully with age.
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied with bold tannins, black currant, dark cherry, cedar, and hints of tobacco and vanilla.
Merlot
Bordeaux, France
Serving Temp
60–65°F
Approachable and versatile, Merlot is beloved for its velvety texture and generous fruit. It forms the backbone of legendary Bordeaux Right Bank blends and stands beautifully on its own.
Tasting Notes
Medium to full-bodied, plush tannins, ripe plum, black cherry, chocolate, and soft herbaceous notes.
Pinot Noir
Burgundy, France
Serving Temp
55–60°F
The heartbreak grape — notoriously difficult to grow, yet transcendent when done right. Pinot Noir expresses terroir with unmatched clarity, offering elegance over power.
Tasting Notes
Light to medium-bodied, silky tannins, red cherry, raspberry, earth, subtle spice, and floral violet notes.
Syrah / Shiraz
Rhône Valley, France
Serving Temp
60–65°F
Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia, this variety produces two distinct personalities — the refined, peppery Northern Rhône style and the lush, fruit-forward Australian expression.
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied, dark fruit (blackberry, plum), smoked meat, black pepper, leather, and violet florals.
Zinfandel
Croatia (via California)
Serving Temp
60–65°F
California's adopted signature grape, Zinfandel delivers bold, exuberant fruit with spicy complexity. Old-vine examples from Dry Creek and Lodi are among California's most distinctive wines.
Tasting Notes
Medium to full-bodied, jammy blackberry, raspberry, black pepper, spice, and smoky notes with high alcohol.
Malbec
Southwest France / Argentina
Serving Temp
60–65°F
Originally from Southwest France, Malbec found its true home in Argentina's high-altitude Mendoza region. The thinner mountain air and intense sunlight create wines of exceptional depth and polish.
Tasting Notes
Medium to full-bodied, velvety tannins, black plum, blueberry, cocoa, violets, and subtle smoky notes.
Sangiovese
Tuscany, Italy
Serving Temp
60–65°F
The soul of Tuscany, Sangiovese is the backbone of Chianti and the mighty Brunello di Montalcino. High acidity makes it an ideal partner for tomato-based Italian cuisine.
Tasting Notes
Medium to full-bodied, firm tannins, tart cherry, dried herb, leather, tobacco, and earthy notes.