Types Of Red Wine

Red wine is made from red grapes - the colour given here comes from the exposure to the red grape skins during the wine-making process. Red wines are often perceived as being heavier than white wines as they contain more tannin which is given to them by the grape skins. These wines come in all kinds of varieties, including:

Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Sauvignon may have originated from France but it is now made all over the world. This is a medium/full bodied wine that often has fruity overtones.
Chianti - this may well be the most famous Italian wine. It is made from Sangiovese grapes and has a medium to full body.
Merlot - this wine is again now made all over the world but originated in France. Merlot has a light taste and often has fruity overtones.
Montepulciano - this Italian wine has become increasingly popular over the years due to its smoothness and relatively low cost.
Pinot Noir - this French wine is also produced in other regions nowadays. It has a smooth and light taste due to its low tannin content.
Rioja - this Spanish wine is made from Tempranillo grapes. It often contains overtones of spice.
Syrah /Shiraz - known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia this wine is one of the most popular reds. Syrah tends to have a fuller body than Shiraz.
Zinfandel - now best known as a Californian wine this type of red has a full body and often has fruity overtones.