A luscious, complex wine, claimed to be softer and fruitier than Cabernet Sauvignon.

The soft tannin in Merlot makes it an enjoyable match with a broad variety of foods.

Aromas and flavours include black cherries, plums, chocolate, blackcurrents, raspberries and liquorice. 

Characterised by aromas and flavours of sweet cherries, raspberries overlaid by organic, earthy, mushroom-and-compost aromas. 

It is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world, but is a difficult variety to cultivate and transform into wine. At its best, Pinot Noir is low in tannin with a lively acidic backbone that gives focus to its typical flavours.

Pinotage can make full-bodied wines with flavours of currents, plums, red berries, banana and fruit pastilles. The old style versions are often recognised by an "acetone" nose.

It can be drunk young, to maintain its fruity flavor. It also ages well, and the mellowing effect allows the wine to taste like a mature bordeaux. Pinotage pairs well with stews and other rich dishes.

Shiraz wines display firm tannins (although they are typically ripe and smooth, not abrasive like younger reds can be), a fuller body, and the rich round flavours of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, clove, licorice, dark chocolate, smoked meat and the occasional blast of violets. 

The taste of the red wine depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruits like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas, whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas. 

Zinfandel wines are a good match with roasted lamb, other Mediterranean dishes, and even hearty vegetable dishes.