Black grape varieties have a light colored pulp like white varieties. It is their dark colored skin that contains the grape’s pigments and tannins that will be imparted to the wine during fermentation. Some varieties are more heavily pigmented or tannic than others, which affects the wine that is produced from them.

Cabernet franc The shining star of Loire reds, the robust and early-ripening Cabernet Franc does not have much in common with the similarly named Cabernet Sauvignon. In Bordeaux, and Southwestern France in general, it is a very important blending grape. France is the top producer of Cabernet Franc and cultivates 36,000 of the 45,000 hectares planted worldwide, but this variety can also be found in northern Italy and Australia. Its tannins are softer than those of Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes it more delicate and velvety when young. Its most typical expression can be found in the Loire, specifically in Bourgueil or Chinon. As far back as the era of the epicurean Rabelais, people have loved its aromas of raspberry, cherry and licorice and its balance of delicate, supple tannins. It can also be cellared very effectively. Where is this variety grown? Bordeaux, Charentes, Sud-Ouest, Val de Loire

Cabernet sauvignon Not much needs to be said, as Cabernet Sauvignon has become well known worldwide. It comes primarily from Médoc, where its optimum expression can be obtained by blending it with Merlot. Though it has characteristic green pepper aromas, winemakers have learned to balance its tannins and their aging to procure other nuances such as blackcurrant, leather, cedar, spices and black fruit. This aromatic complexity and the aging potential provided by its firm tannins have earned it worldwide recognition through the wines of Bordeaux. It is also often used to produce Vins de Pays, and it is successfully fermented on the grape pulp in areas like Languedoc to produce a wine that is excellent consumed young. At least 170,000 hectares worldwide are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, from Moldavia to South Africa. This late-ripening variety is resilient, but requires a warm climate to reach optimum ripeness. In France, it is not produced further north than Bordeaux. Where is this variety grown? Bordeaux, Charentes, Languedoc - Roussillon, Provence, Sud-Ouest, Val de Loire

Carignan Carignan is a variety that has suffered greatly from image problems. As it has naturally high yields, it has long been used for mass produced wines and lower quality table wines. Today however, its strengths are coming to the forefront. It is frost-resistant, but must be planted in warm climates as it has a long growing season and may not ripen fully otherwise. It is thus well-suited for the Mediterranean coast. When its yields are kept to 30-70 hl/ha, this Spanish variety, which is still found in Priorat, produces superb wines that add good acidity and depth of color when blended with varieties like Grenache. When produced on the best terroirs, it is a good choice for vineyards with pronounced characteristics such as Fitou in Roussillon, Corbières or Côtes de Provence. Its also has desirable aromas, offering red fruit, spices and garrigue (Mediterranean brushlands) with supple tannins. With 160,000 hectares in production worldwide, it can be found as far away as Western Bengal. Where is this variety grown? Languedoc - Roussillon, Provence, Vallée du Rhône

Cinsaut Often blended with Carignan, Cinsaut also has been tagged with a poor reputation, as it was formerly produced in mass quantities. Today, Cinsaut is only planted on 45,000 hectares worldwide, of which 30,000 are in France, and its yields are kept low to obtain more fragrant, balanced wines. It is often used in the production of Mediterranean rosés such as those of Provence. Its delicious aromas of peach, raspberry and strawberry are ideal for summer rosés with mellow flavors and a touch of acidity. It delivers its best results on nutrient-poor, dry soils. When blended with Grenache and Syrah, however, it becomes an excellent red variety, included in appellations such as Minervois, Lirac and the famous Châteauneuf du Pape. Wines produced from Cinsaut are not particularly dense in color, but lend suppleness and balance to blends by balancing out the high alcohol content of Grenache and the astringency of Carignan. Where is this variety grown? Languedoc - Roussillon, Provence, Vallée du Rhône

Gamay Another name for Gamay is Gamay Beaujolais, which is a clear sign that the variety and the region are inseparable. A full 60% of the world’s Gamay is planted in Beaujolais, where it derives excellent expression from the nutrient-poor, acidic granite soils. It is also found in Burgundy and in the Loire Valley, and the northern climates suit it well. Its array of fruity, fresh aromas include blackberry, cherry, strawberry, and gooseberry, and it can be characterized as mischievous, impish and charming. Its light tannins leave its fruit to dominate, accented by a touch of acidity that makes it pleasant to drink cool with everyday meals. Beaujolais Nouveau is especially delicious this way and is designed to be a wine of pleasure and celebration. Where is this variety grown? Beaujolais, Bourgogne, Jura - Savoie, Sud-Ouest, Val de Loire

Grenache Originally from Aragon, which dominated the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages, Grenache is one of southern France’s noble grape varieties. As it is susceptible to disease, the windy climates of Languedoc and the Rhone Valley help keep it healthy. Covering approximately 100,000 hectares, Grenache is grown in all of the appellations on the Mediterranean coast. It thrives in warm, nutrient-poor, gravelly soils. Although Vins Doux Naturels (Natural Sweet Wines) are its hallmark due to its naturally high sugar content, it is used to produce numerous Vins de Pays and other designations, often blended to perfection with Syrah. Deeply colored, powerful and generous, Grenache offers aromas of red fruit, plum and spices and with age delivers hints of mocha, chocolate and tobacco. Where is this variety grown? Languedoc - Roussillon, Provence, Vallée du Rhône

Grolleau Best known for the off-dry Rosés d’Anjou, Grolleau is now used to produce delicate, fruity red wines and the wines of the Rosé de Loire AOC as well as the Saumur AOC’s sparkling wines. It offers aromas of violet and small red fruit such as gooseberry. On the palate, Grolleaus are always pleasant and fruity with delicate aromas and a subtle tannic structure. They are best enjoyed young. Where is this variety grown? Bourgogne, Val de Loire

Merlot Who would have predicted that a variety that was considered second-rate until the 19th century would have such a promising future? With 190,000 hectares planted worldwide and 100,000 in France alone, this variety has become a king of the international world of wine. From Bordeaux to Adelaïde, Santa Helena to Mendoza, it adapts perfectly to a very diverse range of growing conditions and climates. Some say, however, that it is in the small village of Pomeral that Merlot is really at its best. A hearty and early-ripening variety, it ripens well in Bordeaux in the deep, cool soils of Libourne. Merlot has many fine points: a beautiful deep red color, a delicious array of aromas, including lightly spiced red fruit and plums, and a powerful but delicate structure with tannins that are velvety, but still present. Considering that it complements Cabernet Sauvignon, and is often blended with that variety, it is clear that Merlot has still has a promising future ahead. Where is this variety grown? Bordeaux, Charentes, Languedoc - Roussillon, Sud-Ouest

Mourvèdre Originating in Provence in the 14th century, this grape variety spread in large quantities to Spain, perhaps because Provence was under Catalan rule. Today, with 7,500 hectares in cultivation in France, it remains an important variety in Provence and Languedoc. As it has a long growing season, and needs warm falls to ripen properly, it is naturally well suited for the coastal vineyards of Cassis, Bandol and Côtes de Provence. Mourvèdre’s yields are low, and it produces concentrated grapes with firm tannins. Thus, it is often used in blends to lend structure. Deeply colored, it has good aging potential that allows certain wines such as the Bandol AOC’s reds to be successfully cellared. Its primary aromas include pepper, game, truffles and black fruit. Of the 85,000 hectares of Mourvèdre planted worldwide, Spain cultivates 85%. Where is this variety grown? Languedoc - Roussillon, Provence, Vallée du Rhône

Pinot noir Cultivated by the Gauls before the Roman invasion, Pinot Noir has always been right at home in Burgundy. It has since been planted in Alsace, Germany and even in the coolest parts of Spain or in the U.S. state of Oregon. Temperamental, frost and disease-sensitive and an early ripener, it is like an exceptionally gifted but difficult child. However, its short growing season is a benefit in northern regions where the warm weather ends quickly. In Burgundy, the climate is ideal for Pinot Noir and it produces spectacular wines that are complex, well-balanced and rich in aromas. It is also the only red variety grown in Burgundy and yields an astoundingly diverse range of expressions. With 25,000 hectares of the 60,000 planted worldwide, France is the largest producer of Pinot Noir. Though its color is not particularly intense, its long-lasting finish and delicate aromas make it a highly sought-after variety. With small red fruit, cherry, kirsch, leather, underbrush and gamy aromas, Pinot Noir is unquestionably a safe bet. Its light tannins and silky, melting texture make it a pleasure to drink, and it can be successfully cellared as well. Where is this variety grown? Alsace, Bourgogne, Champagne, Jura - Savoie, Val de Loire

Sciacarello This is the most robust of Corsica’s reds, and only exists on the island. Its name, which means "crunchy between the teeth", refers to its crunchy pulp of the grape itself. It offers excellent expression when grown on Corsica’s granite soils and is widely cultivated on the western portion of the island, from Ajaccio to Sartène. Well ripened by the Mediterranean sun, it produces an elegant, powerful wine with full tannins and aromas of pepper and spices. It is grown on approximately 1,500 hectares. Where is this variety grown? Corse

Syrah Legend has it that Syrah was brought back from the Crusades in 1224 after a long voyage from the Iranian city of Shiraz, but experts are still debating this theory. However, this grape variety found just what it needed in the Rhone Valley to flourish. Not highly fertile, with a long growing season, Syrah thrives on nutrient-poor, dry soils like those found on the steep slopes of the Côte Rôtie, and the Rhone climate suits it well. Cultivation of Syrah has recently dramatically increased in France, now totaling 45,000 hectares and overflowing from the Rhone Valley into Languedoc and Provence. It is also a very popular variety for producing Vins de Pays. Deeply colored, wines made from Syrah make an impression with their smoky, peppery aromas enveloping hints of violet, blackberry and blueberry. But their excellently balanced tannins, both powerful and velvety, seduce connoisseurs as well. France currently cultivates approximately 70% of the world’s Syrah. Where is this variety grown? Languedoc - Roussillon, Provence, Sud-Ouest, Vallée du Rhône

Tannat For a long time, this tannic grape variety was responsible for giving the wines of the Southwest their rustic and unsophisticated reputation. However, with improved winemaking technology and the efforts of passionate, ambitious winegrowers, Tannat has regained its reputation as a noble grape variety. A hearty grape, it produces deeply colored, powerful wines and its tannins can be tamed to be more smooth and round while retaining their aging potential. Tannat is the leading grape variety of the Madiran appellation in southern Aquitaine, but it is also found in the neighboring AOCs of Béarn and Tursan as well as in the Côtes de Saint Mont VDQS. Where is this variety grown? Sud-Ouest, Val de Loire