Red wine comes in a wide range of styles – from big, bold and jammy, to earthy smooth and elegant and everything in between. Some red wines can be aged for over 50 years and still have a wonderful complexity and finesse, while others can be opened for any occasion and enjoyed at once. With thousands of different red grape varieties grown around the world, there is a red wine for everyone’s palate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir are considered international varieties, or Noble Grapes, as they can be found in most winegrowing regions around the world. Because of their far reach, these are also some of the most well known varieties. Some varieties are recognized for their regionality: Tempranillo is synonymous with Spain, Sangiovese is linked with Italy, and Zinfandel is associated with California.
Red wine can be produced from one single variety or blended with several. A Bordeaux blend may be one of the most famous age worthy red wine blend that many producers take inspiration from. Jean Louis Chave has also made a name for himself through his impeccable blending skills, creating wonderfully balanced and complex wines from Rhone.