Other extremely popular varieties include Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Zinfandel, Grenache, and Sangiovese. Generally, the older and more full-bodied a red wine is, the longer it should breathe.

Bordeaux, the world’s largest fine wine region, almost always produces blended wines. Key varieties are cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot for red wines.