Red Grapes
Just a brief primer course on the various red grapes used in wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful grape variety and will grow well in anywhere that is not very cool.  This grape is grown in California, Washington, parts of France, Chile, Italy, Australia, and may other locations.
	Cabernet Sauvignon are also called Cabernet or even Cabs. Cabs, make wines that are usually high in tannin and medium to full bodied.  Winemaker's usually blend Cabs with other grapes to lower the tannin levels.
Syrah / Shiraz Syrah is a deep color wine with a full body, firm tannin, and has aroma that is like berries, black pepper, tar, and smoked meat. In Australia, Syrah is called Shiraz.  The Syrah grapes are grown in Australia, California, Washington, Spain, and Italy
Zinfandel White Zinfandel is a very popular wine.  Believe it or not, but White Zinfandel is made from a red grape.  Some wine lovers refer to it as Zin.  Can be a rich dark wine wine high alcohol and medium to high tannin.  Often has a black berry or raspberry aroma.  With a spicy or tarry flavor.  Zin, is one of the oldest grapes in California.
Pinot Noir The Pinot Noir wine is typically lighter in color than a Cabernet or Merlot.  It tends to be high in alcohol, medium to high acidity, and low to medium tannin.  The aroma and flavor can be fruity, often like a red berries, or earthy and woodsy. The Pinot Noir grape is grown in Oregon, California, New Zealand and parts of Australia and Chile.
Merlot Merlot is a full body, high alcohol, deep color, and log tannin wine.  The aroma and flavors can be chocolatey or plumy.  For some wine consumer find a Merlot easier to drink when compared to a Cabernet. The Merlot grapes are grown in Long Island, California, Washington, Italy, and Chile.