Shiraz is grown in Australia and Syrah is grown in France - they are the same grape variety. The wines made are usually full-bodied, medium to high levels of tannins, medium acidity and often have black fruit flavours. The finished wine will depend on where the grape has been grown and the way that it's produced.
​
​
​
Cabernet Sauvignon has high levels of tannins and acidity. It has black fruit notes and often herbaceous flavours of bell pepper or mint. It produces some of the most expensive wines in the world including those from the 1855 Classification in Bordeaux.
​
Pinot Noir often tastes of red fruits (strawberry/ cherry) and does not need time to age - it generally has low levels of tannins so can often be quite easy to drink. It can therefore go well with lighter food, than a heavy red wine with high levels of tannins might need.
​
​
​
Tempranillo is a black grape from Spain which makes medium to full-bodied red wines with medium acidity and often with hints of blackcurrant. It is generally the main grape variety in Rijoa and Douro wines and will sometimes be blended with other grapes such as Garnacha.
​
Zinfandel (from California) and Primitivo (from Italy) grapes are the same. They both produce wines which are rich, full-bodied and high in alcohol with flavours of black and dried fruit and sweet spices.
​