Aglianico shows deep ruby to garnet coloration in the glass, often shading toward brick with age. On the nose, it’s intense and savory — black cherry, plum, leather, smoked meat, and volcanic minerality are classic markers. The palate is powerful and structured, driven by firm tannin and bright acidity, giving the wine an almost architectural feel. The body is full, yet the acidity keeps it lifted rather than heavy. The finish is long and earthy, often echoing dried herbs and iron. Benchmark expressions come from Southern Italy — especially Taurasi in Campania and Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata — where volcanic soils define its character. It has no major commercial synonyms but is considered one of Italy’s most noble indigenous red varieties.
Barbera appears deep ruby to purple in the glass, often with vibrant saturation. Aromatically, it leads with juicy red and black fruits — cherry, blackberry, and plum — often accented by spice and violet. The palate is fruit-driven and lively, defined more by acidity than tannin, making it exceptionally food-friendly. The body is medium, with a supple texture despite its brightness. The finish is fresh and mouthwatering rather than weighty. Its benchmark regions are Piedmont — particularly Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba. It is genetically distinct within Piedmont and not directly related to Nebbiolo.
Blaufränkisch shows medium ruby color with violet highlights. The nose combines dark berry fruit — blackberry and blueberry — with pepper, smoke, and mineral tones. The palate balances vibrant acidity with firm but refined tannins. Body is medium to medium-plus, often with a cool-climate feel. The finish is spicy and structured. Benchmark regions include Austria’s Burgenland and Germany (as Lemberger). It has no major international synonyms beyond regional naming differences.
Cabernet Franc shows medium to deep ruby color. Aromatically, it’s lifted and herbaceous — red currant, raspberry, graphite, bell pepper, and violet are classic. The palate is structured but more linear than Cabernet Sauvignon, with bright acidity and moderate tannin. Body is medium to medium-plus. The finish is savory, often marked by herbal lift. Benchmark regions include the Loire Valley (Chinon, Bourgueil) and Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Genetically, it is one parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, crossed with Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon appears deep ruby to nearly opaque in the glass. The nose is powerful — blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, tobacco, and graphite define the profile. The palate is full-bodied with high tannin and structured acidity, giving it exceptional aging capacity. The finish is long, often carrying dark fruit and oak spice. Benchmark regions include Napa Valley and Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Genetically, it is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Canaiolo shows medium ruby color. Aromatically, it offers soft red fruit — cherry, strawberry, and floral notes. The palate is supple, with moderate acidity and gentle tannin. Body is medium-light. The finish is smooth and understated. It is most important as a blending partner in Chianti, supporting Sangiovese rather than standing alone.
Carignan shows deep ruby coloration. The nose features dark fruit — blackberry, plum — alongside dried herbs and earth. The palate is rustic, with firm tannin and bright acidity. Body is medium-plus. The finish is savory and slightly wild. Benchmark regions include Southern Rhône, Languedoc, and old-vine sites in Spain (Cariñena). Synonym: Mazuelo / Cariñena.
Cinsault appears pale ruby in the glass. The nose is aromatic and delicate — strawberry, rose petal, and spice. The palate is light-bodied with soft tannins and moderate acidity. The finish is fresh and floral. It is widely used in Southern Rhône blends and Provence rosé. It is genetically a parent of Pinotage (crossed with Pinot Noir).
Corvina shows medium ruby color. Aromatically, it leans toward sour cherry, dried herbs, and almond. The palate balances bright acidity with moderate tannin. Body is medium. The finish often shows a bitter-cherry note. Benchmark region: Veneto — especially Valpolicella and Amarone blends. It is typically blended with Rondinella and Molinara.
Frappato appears pale ruby. The nose is intensely aromatic — strawberry, rose, and orange peel. The palate is light-bodied with silky tannin and fresh acidity. The finish is lifted and floral. Benchmark region: Sicily, especially Vittoria (in Cerasuolo di Vittoria blends with Nero d’Avola).
Gamay shows bright ruby color with purple highlights. Aromatically, it bursts with red fruit — raspberry, cherry, and banana esters in carbonic styles. The palate is light-bodied with low tannin and high freshness. The finish is juicy and vibrant. Benchmark region: Beaujolais. It is unrelated genetically to Pinot Noir despite geographic overlap.
Grenache shows medium ruby color, often with a slightly translucent rim. On the nose, it’s exuberantly fruit-driven — ripe strawberry, raspberry, and red plum layered with white pepper, dried herbs, and sometimes orange peel. The palate is plush and generous, emphasizing fruit over tannin, with moderate acidity giving it warmth rather than tension. Body is medium to full, especially in warmer climates. The finish is spicy and red-fruited, often with garrigue notes. Benchmark regions include the Southern Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Spain’s Priorat and Rioja, and Australia’s McLaren Vale. Synonyms include Garnacha (Spain); it is also a key partner in GSM blends with Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Graciano shows deep ruby coloration. Aromatically, it’s intense and lifted — blackberry, violet, black pepper, and balsamic herbs. The palate is structured with high acidity and firm tannin, giving it longevity. Body is medium-plus. The finish is savory and persistent. Benchmark region: Rioja, where it is used in small proportions to add freshness and aromatics to Tempranillo blends.
Malbec appears deeply pigmented — often inky purple. The nose is plush and dark — blackberry, plum, cocoa, and violet. The palate is rich, with moderate acidity and velvety tannins. Body is full. The finish is smooth, often with mocha or spice from oak. Benchmark regions include Mendoza (especially high-altitude Uco Valley) and Cahors in Southwest France. Genetically, it is one of the classic Bordeaux blending grapes.
Mourvèdre shows deep ruby to garnet color. Aromatically, it’s dark and savory — blackberry, game, leather, and smoked herbs. The palate is structured and tannic, with earthy depth. Body is full. The finish is long and rustic. Benchmark regions include Bandol (Provence) and the Southern Rhône. Synonyms include Monastrell (Spain) and Mataro (Australia).
Mencía shows medium ruby color. The nose combines red fruit — cherry, raspberry — with slate minerality and floral lift. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied with fine tannin. The finish is mineral and slightly herbal. Benchmark regions include Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra in Spain.
Merlot shows deep ruby color with soft saturation. Aromatically, it leans toward plum, black cherry, cocoa, and baking spice. The palate is plush and round, with moderate tannin and acidity. Body is medium to full. The finish is smooth and fruit-driven. Benchmark regions include Bordeaux’s Right Bank (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion) and Napa Valley. It is genetically related to Cabernet Franc as an offspring variety.
Mondeuse shows deep ruby with purple tones. The nose is peppery and dark-fruited — blackberry, violet, and spice. The palate is structured with brisk acidity. Body is medium. The finish is savory and alpine in character. Benchmark region: Savoie in Eastern France. It is genetically related to Syrah.
Nebbiolo shows pale garnet coloration despite its power. The nose is intensely aromatic — rose petal, tar, cherry, and truffle. The palate is highly structured with gripping tannin and high acidity. Body is medium-plus. The finish is long and savory. Benchmark regions include Barolo and Barbaresco in Piedmont. It has no major commercial synonyms.
Negroamaro shows deep ruby coloration. Aromatically, it combines dark berry fruit with bitter herbs and earth. The palate is rustic, with moderate tannin and warmth. Body is medium-plus. The finish often shows a pleasantly bitter edge. Benchmark region: Puglia in Southern Italy.
Nerello Mascalese shows medium ruby color. The nose blends red cherry, ash, dried herbs, and volcanic smoke. The palate is elegant, with fine tannin and lifted acidity. Body is medium, often compared stylistically to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo. The finish is mineral and savory. Benchmark region: Mount Etna, Sicily.
Nero d’Avola appears deep ruby to purple. Aromatically, it offers black cherry, plum, and licorice. The palate is full-bodied with moderate tannin and warmth. The finish is dark-fruited and spicy. Benchmark region: Sicily. It is often blended but increasingly bottled varietally.
Petit Verdot shows inky, opaque color. The nose is intense — violet, blackberry, graphite, and spice. The palate is highly tannic and structured. Body is full. The finish is dense and long. Benchmark regions include Bordeaux (blending) and Napa Valley (varietal bottlings). It is one of Bordeaux’s classic five red grapes.
Petite Sirah is deeply opaque in the glass. The nose is bold — blackberry, blueberry, pepper, and chocolate. The palate is massive, with high tannin and concentration. Body is full. The finish is dense and chewy. Benchmark region: California. Genetically, it is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin.
Pinot Meunier shows medium ruby color. Aromatically, it offers red apple, cherry, and floral notes. The palate is soft and fruit-forward. Body is medium-light. The finish is fresh. Benchmark region: Champagne, where it is blended with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir shows pale ruby color. The nose is complex — cherry, raspberry, mushroom, forest floor, and spice. The palate is silky with fine tannin and bright acidity. Body is light to medium. The finish is elegant and lingering. Benchmark regions include Burgundy, Willamette Valley, and Sonoma Coast. It is genetically foundational to many grapes, including Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier.
Pinotage shows deep ruby color. The nose combines dark fruit with smoke and earth. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannin. The finish is bold and rustic. Benchmark region: South Africa. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
Rondinella shows medium ruby color. Aromatically, it is mild — red fruit and herbs. The palate is light to medium-bodied. The finish is neutral. Benchmark region: Veneto, where it supports Corvina in Valpolicella blends.
Sangiovese shows medium ruby color with orange highlights over time. The nose features sour cherry, tomato leaf, dried herbs, and leather. The palate is driven by high acidity and firm tannin. Body is medium. The finish is savory and earthy. Benchmark regions include Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. It has many clones but no major international synonyms.
Tempranillo shows deep ruby color. Aromatically, it combines red and black fruit with tobacco, leather, and dill from oak. The palate is structured but balanced by moderate acidity. Body is medium-plus. The finish is savory and spicy. Benchmark regions include Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Synonyms include Tinta Roriz and Aragonez (Portugal).
Touriga Franca shows deep ruby color. The nose is floral and dark-fruited — violet and blackberry. The palate is structured but supple. Body is medium-plus. The finish is aromatic and polished. Benchmark region: Douro Valley, primarily in Port blends.
Touriga Nacional shows inky coloration. The nose is intensely floral — violet, bergamot, and dark berry. The palate is powerful with firm tannin. Body is full. The finish is long and structured. Benchmark region: Douro Valley. It is Portugal’s most prestigious red variety.
Zinfandel shows deep ruby to purple color. The nose is bold — blackberry jam, pepper, and baking spice. The palate is rich and fruit-driven with moderate tannin and high alcohol warmth. Body is full. The finish is spicy and lingering. Benchmark region: California. It is genetically identical to Italy’s Primitivo and Croatia’s Crljenak Kaštelanski.