The individual grape variety in a wine is the most important factor in determining the taste of that wine. And arguably these four red grape varieties are the four most important in terms of quality and distribution. Getting familiar with individual grape varieties is one of the best ways to appreciate the plethora of styles and flavours of the worlds wines. So here’s our quick guide to the ‘Big Four’….
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon ( Big and Bold )
More quality wines are made from this grape than any other red variety. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produce full bodied,deep coloured wines with blackcurrant, mint and green pepper flavours, if matured in oak barrels aromas of vanilla and cedar emerge. The grape originated in Bordeaux, and it is in the classic Bordaux wines where ‘Cab Sav’ is at it’s best, often blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc. Try Pauillac, Margaux or Pessac-Leognan. In the ‘new world’ Cab Sav from Napa Valley in California produces wines bursting with ripe fruit with intense fruit flavours. Explore Australian, South African and Chilean Cab Savs too.
WWS recommends…
Old World: Les Charmes de Kirwan, Margaux, France 2007 – £33.95
New World: Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 from Stellenbosch in South Africa – £14.95
Merlot ( Soft and Juicy )
Merlot grapes produce medium bodied, soft tasting wine with flavours of plum and blackberries. The Merlot grape also originates from Bordeaux, where it is in the wines of St Emilion and Pomerol where Merlot achieves its greatest triumph. In the new world, Chile and North America has adopted this grape as their own producing wines in a light easy drinking style.
Old World: Chateau Teyssier St Emillion Grand Cru 2008 – £22.95
New World: Napa Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 2008 – £14.95
Napa Valley Vineyards
Syrah/Shiraz ( Powerful and Spicy)
In France, this grape is known as Syrah and produces deep coloured, full bodied, perfumed and ageworthy wines with flavours of black fruits, pepper and spice. The grape is predominantly found in The Rhone Valley in Cote-Rotie, Hemitage and Cornas. In the ‘new world’ the grape is called Shiraz, and is responsible for some of the most desirable wines in Australia, particularly from the Barossa and Hunter Valleys and Maclaren Vale.
Old World: Domaine de Champal – Eric Rocher St Joseph – Champal, Rhone, France 2005 – £11.95
New World: Ben Glaetzer Heartland Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, Australia 2009 – £12.45
Pinot Noir (Soft and Silky )
Pinot Noir grapes make some of the worlds greatest wines, soft, medium bodied reds with perfumed aromas. It’s spiritual home is Burgundy, but it is also successfully grown in New Zealand. The wines display summer fruit flavours when young, if matured in oak there’s a creamy vanilla dimension. With age aromas of game and truffles develop. Try Gevrey-Chambertin, Volnay and Beaune from Burgundy, or a Pinot Noir from Central Otago, Martinborough or Marlborough in New Zealand. Pinot Noir is also used in Champagnes and other Sparkling Wines
Old World: Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Premier Cru, France 2007 – £23.95
New World: Mahi Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand 2008 – £17.45
Mahi Pinot Noir
Plenty more recommendations in-store, do pop in and have a chat.
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