Tempranillo is the signature red grape of Spain, revered for producing complex, age-worthy wines in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Its name is derived from the Spanish word temprano, meaning “early,” referencing the grape’s tendency to ripen earlier than other local varieties.

Tempranillo offers a unique balance of red fruit, earth, and spice, making it one of the most versatile red wine grapes in the world. In Rioja, it is typically blended with small amounts of Garnacha, Mazuelo, or Graciano and aged extensively in American oak, developing signature notes of vanilla and leather. While Spain remains its heartland, Tempranillo is now grown globally and appreciated for its adaptability and charm.

Riesling is one of the most expressive and age-worthy white grape varieties in the world, capable of producing wines in every sweetness level—from bone dry to lusciously sweet. It is beloved for its laser-sharp acidity, floral and citrus-driven aromatics, and its uncanny ability to reflect terroir.

Originating in the Rhine region of Germany, Riesling thrives in cool climates and is the dominant white variety in Germany, Austria, and Alsace, with increasing acclaim from Australia (Clare & Eden Valleys), New Zealand, and the Finger Lakes (USA).

Its wines are known for their transparency, often showing notes of lime, petrol, and minerals, especially as they age.

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s most widely planted and beloved white grape varieties, known for its vibrant acidity, zesty citrus profile, and distinctive herbal and green aromatics. Originating in France’s Loire Valley, it has since become a global favorite, with iconic expressions from New Zealand, California, Chile, South Africa, and beyond.

Its name comes from the French word “sauvage” (wild), a nod to the grape’s vigorous growth and untamed aromatics. It can be crisp and citrusy, grassy and green, or textured and smoky—depending on where and how it’s grown.

In some regions, Sauvignon Blanc is oak-aged or blended with Sémillon, producing richer, age-worthy wines such as white Bordeaux and Pessac-Léognan.

Syrah’s popularity lies in its versatility: it can express peppery, savory complexity or plush, jammy opulence depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. The grape is naturally high in anthocyanins and phenolics, contributing to its deep color and ageability. Syrah is also frequently used in blends, especially in Rhône-style wines.

This noble grape is the parent of several other varieties, including Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Pinot Noir thrives in cool climates, and its transparent style allows terroir to shine through more than almost any other red grape. It’s beloved by sommeliers and wine lovers for its aromatic finesse, savory depth, and ability to pair with a wide range of foods.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada’s Okanagan Valley to Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the product of a chance crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc during the 17th century in southwestern France. Its popularity is often attributed to its ease of cultivation—the grapes have thick skins and the vines are hardy and naturally low-yielding, budding late to avoid frost and resistant to rot and insects—and to its consistent presentation of structure and flavors.