4 Most Popular Varieties of Red Wines Explained

Wine is everywhere: in most restaurants, at all kinds of parties and events, in the home and in movies and on TV. It seems that everyone is tippling glasses of wine, gallons of wine, and the scientific research published on the effects of a glass of wine each day for adults suggests that there is a lot of good coming from those sweet little grapes. No girls’ night is complete without the group finishing off an entire bottle (or two); and no meal is complete without the perfect pairing to mutually enhance the flavors of the meal and the drink. White wine is usually easier for beginners to wrap their tongues around, but there is something distinctly special about reds. Is it their color, which conveys sophistication and mystery? Or is it the luscious complexity of their flavors, often a combination of fruits, as well as surprising additions like chocolate or cupcakes? Clearly, reds can be serious, but they have the capacity to get a little silly and fun, making them perfect for seductive dates, as well as jovial birthday parties. With so many different types of red wine to choose from, it can feel overwhelming when you go to choose just the right one. Here is a quick and handy guide to help you learn your reds and impress your dinner guests.MerlotConsidered by many to be the perfect introductory wine to reds, this particular kind shows off a rich, red color, provides a punch of taste and tends to be high in alcohol content (for those who are concerned about getting the most bang for their buck). Hailing from the Bordeaux region of France, Merlot gets its names from the popular grape variety which is grown there. Perhaps one of the best features of Merlot is that it pairs well with pretty much anything you’ve got, so if you’re heading to a party or a restaurant and you’re not sure what’s on the menu, no worries. Just visit PremiumWines.com and order a few bottles of Merlot.Cabernet SauvignonDon’t let the fancy French name throw you off of buying this one, because it is an old standby for pairing with red meats – so steak eaters take notice. There are excellent Cabernet grapes growing all over the world, even in some spots that might surprise you – like Chile in South America, Washington state right here in the U.S. and in Australia (along with France, of course). When it has undergone oak treatment, different and exciting notes can be introduced to the wine, like vanilla. On the whole, Cabernet tends to be quite tannic, or dry-tasting, which may put off first-timers who aren’t used to the flavor.Pinot NoirNot all grapes require hot weather to flourish, and the Pinot Noir variety are proof. In fact, these grapes require plenty of sun, but fare best in cool temperatures, which explains why they are often found in coastal areas like California and New Zealand. But the finest Pinots come from the Burgundy region of France, which has a long, storied history of providing kings and queens with their favorite reds. A good Pinot is really a treat and should be paired with lean proteins like chicken and salmon – and it’s even the perfect complement for your next sushi night.Syrah or ShirazExclusively known in Europe as Syrah, it is also known as Shiraz if it comes from Australia, and it hails most famously from the Rhone Valley in the north of France. Syrah is notoriously spicy, with drinkers often picking up on strong notes of pepper, along with more fruity flavors like black raspberries. Because of its distinct taste, it works well when paired with heavy meats, like the chunks of beef in a rich stew, or game meats, such as venison.