Cabernet Sauvignon is by far the most popular red wine in the world. Cabernet is grown in just about every major wine producing region, and in a diverse array of climates. Cabernet Sauvignon originated in France, as an accidental crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This happy accident resulted in the popular wine we love today.
Cabernet Sauvignon owes much of its modern popularity to the Napa Valley wine region in California, where producing world quality Cabernets has become an art form. One of the primary drivers of Cabernet’s popularity is its ease of growing. The grapes vines are naturally hardy and grapes are thick-skinned, ensuring successful growth even in unfavorable conditions. As a result, it is widely cultivated and a very popular wine varietal in Australia, Italy, South Africa and South America.
Merlot is the second most popular wine worldwide. Merlot is one of the main grapes permitted for use in Bordeaux wine. More Merlot grapes are planted in the Bordeaux wine region than any other grape varietal. In fact Merlot is one of the most widely planted grapes throughout the world’s wine producing regions, with over 640,000 acres growing around the globe.
Tempranillo is another popular red wine grape, which produced a beautiful ruby red wine. Tempranillo grapes grow best in climates that swing from hot days to cool nights, typical of the Mediterranean. The grapes are native to Spain and Portugal, but Tempranillo wine has also become quite popular throughout South America, Australia, and Mexico.
Syrah is the primary grape used in the famous Rhone wines of France. These phenomenal red wines inspired the spread of Syrah grapes to other parts of the world, such as California, Italy, and Spain. Syrah is one of the most popular red wines in Australia today, where it often is marketed as Shiraz.
Zinfandel was one of the very first grapes established in California, where some of the most prestigious and popular Zinfandel wines continue to be produced in appellations such as Dry Creek Valley. However, Zinfandel also has a long history in Italy, where its known as Primitivo.