Unit 2 of 26 · Online wine course

Red Wine Grapes Course

The big names and a few to discover. 7 lessons · about 53 min

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The 7 lessons

  1. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: the Bordeaux pair

    Cabernet Sauvignon brings firm tannin and blackcurrant, Merlot brings soft plum fruit, and together they are the heart of Bordeaux's classic red blend.

    You will be able to:

    • tell Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot apart in the glass
    • explain why Bordeaux blends the two grapes
    • name regions and dishes that suit each grape
    about 7 min

  2. Pinot Noir: light, silky and demanding

    Why thin skins make Pinot Noir pale, silky and fresh, why it is so hard to grow, the cool places it loves, and the food it suits.

    You will be able to:

    • explain why Pinot Noir is pale and silky
    • name the cool places where Pinot Noir grows best
    • pair Pinot Noir with food and serve it cool
    about 8 min

  3. Syrah and Grenache: spice and warmth

    Syrah (also called Shiraz) brings dark fruit and pepper, Grenache brings soft red fruit and warmth, and together they star in the GSM blend.

    You will be able to:

    • explain why Syrah and Shiraz are one grape, two styles
    • describe Grenache's soft feel and why it runs warm
    • name the GSM grapes and what each one brings
    about 7 min

  4. Tempranillo and Sangiovese: star reds of Spain and Italy

    Tempranillo, Spain's signature red, gives red fruit plus vanilla and leather from oak and age; Italy's Sangiovese gives sour cherry, herbs and a tang made for tomato.

    You will be able to:

    • tell Tempranillo and Sangiovese apart by taste
    • read Rioja's ageing words and Tuscany's classic wine names
    • explain why Sangiovese works so well with tomato
    about 8 min

  5. Malbec, Zinfandel, Carménère: ripe reds for the grill

    Malbec, Zinfandel and Carménère are ripe, dark-fruited, full-bodied reds that taste juicy yet dry, and they are natural partners for barbecue and burgers.

    You will be able to:

    • describe what ripe and full-bodied mean in a red
    • link Malbec, Zinfandel and Carménère to their homes
    • explain why these reds suit barbecue and burgers
    about 8 min

  6. Light and juicy reds: Gamay and friends

    Gamay, Loire Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Zweigelt and Dolcetto: fresh, lower-tannin reds that love a light chill and suit picnics, charcuterie and fish.

    You will be able to:

    • explain what makes a red light and juicy
    • read a Beaujolais label from everyday to cru
    • pick and chill a light red for picnics or fish
    about 8 min

  7. Red grapes worth discovering: six reds with a home

    Six less famous reds, from pale but grippy Nebbiolo to red-fleshed Saperavi, each with a clear home and a style you can learn to spot.

    You will be able to:

    • name six characterful red grapes and their homes
    • tell firm, grippy reds apart from gentler Mencía
    • explain what red-fleshed and crossing mean
    about 7 min

Related reading on Winelingo: Meet the grapes