The final part of the 3 part series on the Guide to Red Wine Varietals discusses wines which may be slightly foreign to the wine drinker who buys primarily US wines. Other than Pinot Noir, many of these wines can be found at great values both in wine shops and restaurants.
Pinotage – Developed in South Africa where it has the most popularity, it can vary in style from producer to producer. Typically, Pinotage has a black fruit and herby character, as well as a burnt rubber characteristic that isn’t for every palate.
Pinot Noir – Grown worldwide, it is the classic single red varietal of the Cote d’Or wines from Burgundy, France, and is one of the three grapes permitted in the production of Champagne (Chardonnay and Meunier are the others). The wines are light in color and in tannins, and have flavors of raspberries, strawberries, red/black cherries, and can eventually develop a barnyard character over time.
Sangiovese – The most planted varietal in Italy, Sangiovese can also be found growing in California. The main varietal in Chianti blends, it has a dry tart cherry character, with hints of herb. Under the name Brunello, it produces such wines as Brunello di Montalcino and Torgiano.
Syrah/Shiraz – The same grape whose name changes depending on the region and style in which it is grown, it is the main varietal in the northern Cotes du Rhone region of France, producing Cote Rotie, Hermitage, St. Joseph, and Cornas. Although is it is also planted in South Africa and California, it is the most widely planted grape in Australia. The wines are powerful and full bodied, with concentrated flavors of black pepper, raspberry, blackberry, mulberry, licorice, chocolate and leather. Old World Syrah from France can also have wet leather and game characteristics. New World Shiraz shows more ripe grapey fruit with some minty characteristics.
Tempranillo – The principal grape varietal used for Rioja and Navarra wines, it is grown in many other areas of Spain as well. Tempranillo is also an important varietal in Argentina, and is one of the top varietals used in the production of Port wine under the name Tinta Roriz. These wines are full bodied, with cherry, strawberry, and raspberry flavors.
Touriga Nacional – The most important and best varietal in the Port wine blends, it also produces powerful red table wines. These wines have a deep, almost black color, and are full of black fruit flavors, high tannins, and bright acidity.
Zinfandel – Although Zinfandels are synonymous with California, it originated from the Primotivo grape in Italy. It is the most planted grape in California next to Cabernet Sauvignon, and offers deep colored wines with jammy red and black plummy fruit characters. Although full bodied in flavor and high in alcohol, these wines have medium tannins and an oaky smoothness. Zinfandel is also known to produce sweet rose wines known as a blush or White Zinfandel.
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