| Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot, oh my. Understanding the | | | | robust grape has found a good home in the |
| complexities and variety of red wine can be daunting, | | | | Americas. The Zinfandel grape produces two |
| especially when it comes to choosing the correct | | | | varietals: the red Zinfandel, and the White Zinfandel |
| wine for a dinner. Here are some wine selection tips | | | | (also called White Zin) which has become a popular |
| for five of the most popular red wines for the | | | | wine for the beginner. The basic Zinfandel is a rich, |
| beginner. | | | | dark red wine with flavors of sweet berries, plums |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | | | | and black pepper and undertones of oak. White |
| Considered the "King of Red Wine Grapes", Cabernet | | | | Zinfandel is made by removing the grape skins |
| Sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region of | | | | shortly after the grapes are crushed. The result is a |
| France and established itself in the California wine | | | | rose to pink colored wine with a lighter flavor. Red |
| markets to become one of the world's most popular | | | | Zinfandel pairs nicely with red or white meat, hearty |
| red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually matured for | | | | fish, burgers and spicy dishes. White Zinfandel is |
| 5-10 years to create a mellow-flavored wine. It is | | | | suited to a large rage of foods including Cajun and |
| often blended with other grapes, most notably | | | | Asian flavors, BBQ chicken and heavy seafood dishes. |
| Merlot, to create a soft wine with lively fruit tones. | | | | Merlot |
| Cabernets are medium to full-bodied wines high in | | | | Merlot originates from the Bordeaux region of France |
| tannins which carry rich berry, tobacco and | | | | and is a soft and lush, medium-bodied wine. Its juicy |
| sometimes even green pepper flavors. Cabernet pairs | | | | fruit flavors and low tannin content makes Merlot a |
| well with lamb, red meats, hearty red pasta dishes, | | | | popular wine for the beginner. Merlot has a wide |
| strong cheese and dark chocolate. | | | | range of tones including plums, cherries, blueberries, |
| Pinot Noir | | | | blackberries and black pepper. Merlot is often blended |
| The Pinot Noir grape is very difficult to grow | | | | with other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and |
| demanding climates with consistently warm days and | | | | Cabernet Franc to soften their flavors and gain more |
| cool nights. Nonetheless, it is grown in regions including | | | | structure and definition. Merlot is a versatile red which |
| Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Germany | | | | pairs well with pork, red meats, pastas and salads. |
| and Italy. Due it's strict growing requirements, Pinot | | | | Shiraz |
| Noir is produced in lesser quantities than many other | | | | Known as Syrah in France, Shiraz is a bold, spicy wine |
| popular red wines and tends to be a little pricier. It is | | | | which has become very popular in Australia where it |
| a lighter colored and flavored red wine with sweet | | | | gained its alternative name. It is a medium to |
| undertones of berries, tomatoes, cherries, plums and | | | | full-bodied wine with firm tannins that give it a fuller |
| earthy or woody flavors depending upon where it is | | | | body than most younger reds. Shiraz has an |
| grown. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red | | | | impressive range of flavors including black cherry, |
| wines and pairs nicely with poultry, fish, lamb, pork, | | | | blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, licorice |
| ham, spicy seasonings and cream sauces. | | | | and even dark chocolate and smoked meat. Shiraz |
| Zinfandel | | | | stands up well to hearty foods including grilled meats |
| Zinfandel has been a mainstay of the Californian wine | | | | and vegetables, wild game, seasoned red meats, |
| market since the mid-1800s. Originally from Italy, this | | | | beef stew and meaty pizzas. |