These varieties are only a few, but a good few.

Cabernet Sauvignon– One of the most popular reds, this wine improves with age.   Sonoma and Napa Valley regions in California produce highly rated varieties.   Cabs are rich with hints of pepper or currents.  A great wine all year round.   I especially like with pizza or pasta. Fabulous with steak.

Malbec– Considered a Bordeaux, this falls between Cabernet and Merlot, and is originally grown in Argentina and Chile.  Recently grown in California and Australia (these 2 countries mix other reds in).

Merlot- An easy to drink red which can be fruity or earthy.  Not as intense an Cabernet and very versatile.  Try with beef stews, cheeses, and chocolate or a hamburger!

Pinot Noir– One of the oldest grapes, Pinot Noir has a soft, velvety texture and a very complex aroma.  At times this wine may have  a black cherry aroma maybe accented with a pronounced spiciness. This is a harder grape to grow to the thin skin on the grape. It does well in cooler climates and takes a lot of maintenance and patience to produce .  One of my favorites due to the delicate but complex taste.

Sangiovese– is a basic blend of Chianti.  A fruity, medium body wine which can be robust but can tend to finish slightly bitter.

Syrah/Shiraz- Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape.  In Australia it is called Shiraz.  I love this wine!  It is intense, deep violet in color and spicy. It is usually affordable.

Zinfandel- I like this wine in the fall.  Zinfandel can be fruity or very bold, lively and complex.  A good Zinfandel should have a raspberry like aroma.  Great with grilled meat on a cool crisp night.