| Cabernet sauvignon |
Blackcurrant, black cherry, green pepper, mint, eucalyptus, cedar and cigarbox (from oak) |
Firm tannins |
| Merlot |
Plums, damsons, black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather |
Supple, soft and velvety |
| Syrah / shiraz |
Pepper, black cherry, black olives, baked rubber, leather |
Firm tannins |
| Pinot noir |
Strawberries, cherries, earthy, farmyard, gamey |
Smooth, silky tannins, fresh acidity |
| Grenache / garnacha |
Open and fruity, black fruits, spices, black olives, leather, often high alcohol |
Juicy, low in tannin |
| Tempranillo |
Scented, strawberries, leather, spice, vanilla (from US oak), tobacco |
Soft and luscious, low acidity |
| Nebbiolo |
Perfumed, tar and roses, woodsmoke, undergrowth |
Very firm tannins, high acidity |
| Sangiovese |
Cherry, plum, savoury tomato, leather, farmyard |
Firm tannins, high acidity |
| Zinfandel |
Rich, raisiny black fruit, spice, high alcohol |
Full-bodied |