Continuing our series in key grapes to know for your WSET Level 2 exam, here is Part 2, red wine grapes. These are some of the most important grapes you’ll need a good comfort level with to really ace your studies.

In the list below, you’ll find a summary of some of the important red wine grapes to know, how they typically taste, key regions, and some producers to be aware of.

Red Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, considered the "king of red grapes," is renowned for its bold structure, deep color, and age-worthy potential. It typically makes dry, high acidity wines with high tannins, and med-full body, notes of black fruit, and hits of herbal (think mint) or herbaceous (green pepper). Key regions: Bordeaux (Haut-Médoc, Margaux, Pauillac, Graves (including Pessac-Léognan)) and Languedoc-Roussillon (Pays d’Oc IGP), France, Napa (Oakville, Rutherford, Calistoga) and Sonoma, USA, Chile (Maipo, Colchagua, Central Valleys), South Africa (Stellenbosch and Cape Blends), Australia (Margaret River, Coonawarra), NZ (Hawke’s Bay). Classic producers include Château Mouton Rothschild (Bordeaux), Ridge Vineyards (California), and Penfolds (Australia).

Merlot

Merlot is renowned for its approachability and plush texture, making it a popular choice for blending and standalone wines.Key regions: Bordeaux (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol), Languedoc-Roussillon (Pays d’Oc IGP), n France, Napa and Sonoma in USA, Central Valley in Chile, Stellenbosch in South Africa, Margaret River in AUS, and Hawke’s Bay in NZ. Classic blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot thrives in a variety of climates, producing wines with flavors of red cherry, plum, and green pepper, to riper black fruit in warm climates.. Classic producers include Château Pétrus (Bordeaux), Duckhorn Vineyards (California), and Tenuta dell'Ornellaia (Tuscany, Italy).

Syrah / Shiraz

Syrah (France) or Shiraz (Australia) is known for its bold flavors, black fruit profile, and black pepper notes. It is typically a med-high tannin wine, and a cooler climate gives fresh black fruit, black pepper and herbal notes., Warm climates can give a full bodied, high alcohol wine with cooked black fruit and licorice notes. Key regions: Rhône Valley (N Rhône - Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage), Languedoc-Roussillon (Minervois, and in Pays d’Oc IGP) in France, AUS (high volume SE Australia, Barossa and Hunter Valleys). Classic producers include Guigal (Rhône Valley), Penfolds (Australia), and Chapoutier (Rhône Valley).

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is known for its versatility and ability to produce both young and aged wines with complex flavors. It exhibits flavors of red cherry, plum, and tobacco, with a characteristic earthy undertone. Tempranillo is the backbone of Spain's renowned Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions, where it is aged in oak to develop additional complexity and structure. Classic producers include Bodegas Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero), Marqués de Murrieta (Rioja), and CVNE (Rioja).

Zinfandel/Primitivo

Zinfandel, known for its bold fruit flavors and high alcohol content, has a diverse history ranging from Croatia to California. In the United States, particularly California, Zinfandel thrives in warm climates, producing wines with flavors of blackberry, raspberry jam, and spice. In Italy, it is an important variety in Puglia where it is called Primitivo. Classic producers include Ridge Vineyards (California), Turley Wine Cellars (California), and Seghesio Family Vineyards (California).

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is prized for its elegance, aromatics, and ability to express terroir. Key regions: Burgundy (in Bourgogne AOC, Village wines Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges in the Côte de Nuits, and Beaune and Pommard in the Côte de Beaune), France, in the USA (CALI- Los Carneros, Sonoma, Santa Barbara County, and in Oregon), Casablanca Valley in Chile, Walker Bay in SA, the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, AUS, and in Marlborough and Martinborough and Central Otago in NZ. Pinot Noir has spread worldwide, thriving in cooler and moderate climates. It shows pale to med colour, high acidity, and exhibits flavors of red fruit (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), and earthy notes, that can have a silky texture and delicate tannins. Classic producers include Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy), Sea Smoke (Sta. Rita Hills), and Cloudy Bay (New Zealand).

Gamay

Gamay is known for producing light-bodied, fruity wines with vibrant acidity. Key region: Beaujolais, France. Gamay shows flavours of red berries, especially cherry and strawberry, with subtle floral notes, is less often oaked, and sometimes flavours of banana and candy from carbonic/semi-carbonic winemaking. Classic producers include Domaine Georges Duboeuf (Beaujolais), Jean-Marc Burgaud (Beaujolais), and Domaine Marcel Lapierre (Beaujolais).

Grenache/Garnacha

Grenache is prized for its fruity and spicy flavors, moderate tannins, and ability to thrive in warm climates. Key regionsL S Rhône (Côtes du Rhône/CdR Villages, Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Languedoc-Roussillon (Minervois) and Provence, France (especially as rosé), in Spain it’s Garnacha (Rioja, Navarra, Priorat), and in AUS (Borassoa, McLaren Vale). Grenache has flavors of red fruit, such as raspberry and cherry, with hints of white pepper and dried herbs. Classic producers include Château Rayas (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Alvaro Palacios (Priorat), and Domaine de la Janasse (Châteauneuf-du-Pape).

Understanding major grape varieties and their classic producers helps lay the groundwork for exploring the amazing array of wines produced globally. In WSET Level 2 studies, mastering these varieties can enhance your tasting abilities and comfort with the geography in the textbook. Hope you enjoyed this summary of key grapes to know :)