Red Wine Comparison Chart

note: we are working on enhancing this chart for better definition and readability

REDS

This chart is intended to be a helpful tool, highlighting the general differences between the basic characteristics of red wines.  Meaning, these wines typically fall within the following body and flavor categories.  However, every country, region and vineyard has their own growing climate and wine producing techniques that will invariably change the overall “flavor” from one to another.
Many wines can range from Light to Full body; therefore some may fall into more than one of these categories.
BODY FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS
DESCRIPTORS Light Medium Full Fresh, Juicy, mouth-watering sweet-sour Rich, ripe berry Spicy, earthy, herbal, red/ black berry Intense,  black  berry/  peppery Muscular, mouth-watering sweet-sour
WINES
Gamay (Beaujolais) x x
Dolcetto x x x
Valpolicello x x x
Sangiovese (Chianti) x x x
Barbera x x
Pinot Noir (New World) x x x
Merlot (New World) x x
Grenache x x x
Pinot Noir (Burgundy) x x x
Cabernet Franc x x x
Tempranillo (Rioja) x x
Sangiovese (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino) x x x
Malbec x x x
Cabernet Sauvignon (New World) x x x
Syrah/ Côtes du Rhône x x x
Bordeaux (Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) x x
Montepulciano x x
Pinotage x x x
Syrah/Shiraz (New World) x x x
Zinfandel x x x
Petite Sirah x x
Nebbiolo x x
Barolo (Nebbiolo) x x x
Barbaresco (Nebbiolo) x x
SIMPLE FLAVOR HINTS: You can generally assume what flavor characteristics will be produced by the climate in which the grapes grow:
Cool Weather Flavors of: cranberries, redcurrants, red cherries and pomegranates
Moderate Weather Flavors of: black cherries, black currants, blueberries, blackberries, plums, raspberries and strawberries
Warm Weather Flavors of: figs, raisins and prunes
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Red Wine Comparison Chart, 7.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating
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