Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a big deal for a reason. Expect bold flavours, mostly blackcurrant and plum, sometimes a hint of green pepper or mint. It’s full-bodied, meaning it feels heavy in your mouth, with medium to high acidity that keeps things fresh.
This grape makes dry, powerful reds that can taste a bit tannic (that mouth-drying feeling), especially when young. You'll find it in famous wines from Bordeaux and California, and it’s great with steak or anything rich and meaty.
In short: if you like strong, punchy reds with a bit of grip, Cabernet Sauvignon is for you.
Syrah
Syrah makes deep red wines that are bold, dark, and packed with flavour. Expect black fruit like blackberry and plum, often with pepper, spice, and a bit of smokiness. The body is usually full, with enough tannin to give it some grip, and the acidity sits about medium, so it's not too sharp.
Syrah is a go-to for steak, BBQ, or anything grilled. It can pack a punch, but it’s generally smooth enough to drink on its own if you’re into bigger reds. You’ll find it everywhere from France (where they sometimes call it Shiraz) to Australia, but the core character stays the same: rich, spicy, and unapologetically bold.
Grenache
Grenache is a super easygoing red grape. The wines are usually medium-bodied, lower in acidity, and pretty soft on tannins, so they’re very smooth and drinkable. Expect loads of juicy red fruit—think strawberries and raspberries—plus a hit of warmth from higher alcohol.
It’s a crowd-pleaser on its own, but also a key grape in blends, especially in regions like southern France and Spain (where it’s called Garnacha). You’ll find it in everything from rosé to bold reds. Great for people who like fruit-forward wines without too much bite.
Carignan
Carignan is a red grape that's all about punchy, no-nonsense flavour. It brings bold, dark fruit and a bit of spice, with a fair amount of acidity to keep things fresh. The tannins can be grippy, so it’s not the softest sip, but it makes a lively, gutsy wine.
Usually medium to full-bodied, Carignan is often used in blends to add backbone and complexity, especially in Southern France and Spain. On its own, expect a rustic edge and plenty of character—great with food, less great for sipping solo.
Laurona
Laurona is a solid producer from Catalunya’s Montsant region, just next door to the more famous Priorat. They focus on bold red blends, mainly using local grapes like Garnacha and Cariñena. Expect their wines to be full-bodied, with plenty of dark fruit and a bit of earthiness—no fuss, just proper Spanish reds.
Laurona keeps things pretty straightforward, balancing rich flavours with enough freshness to keep you coming back for another glass. They’re a good pick if you want robust Spanish wines without the hefty price tag of their neighbours.
Catalunya
Catalunya is one of Spain’s most diverse wine regions, sitting up in the country’s northeast corner. The climate is a mix of Mediterranean sun and some cooler mountain spots, so you get both rich, ripe grapes and fresher styles. Catalunya is home to Cava, Spain’s go-to sparkling wine, but you’ll also find loads of reds and whites made from grapes like Garnacha, Tempranillo, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo.
Wines from Catalunya can range from crisp and fizzy to bold and fruity. There’s no single style—expect everything from easy-drinking table wines to the odd fancy bottle. Overall, if you like variety and good value, Catalunya is a solid bet.
Montsant
Montsant sits in Catalunya, wrapping around the more famous Priorat region. The area’s mostly about bold red wines, made from Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan, with a bit of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon thrown in. The climate is pretty warm and dry, which means juicy, ripe grapes and rich, full-bodied reds.
You’ll find some whites too—usually Macabeo or Garnacha Blanca—but reds dominate. Montsant wines are usually good value, delivering lots of flavour without the heavy price tag of their Priorat neighbours. Straightforward stuff: big, fruity reds with a bit of spice and plenty of punch.
Spain
Spain is a monster when it comes to wine. It’s one of the biggest producers in the world, and you’ll find everything from solid everyday bottles to fancy aged stuff. The main regions to know are Rioja (famous for Tempranillo reds), Ribera del Duero (also Tempranillo), and Rías Baixas (where crisp Albariño whites come from). There’s also Cava for fizz and Sherry for some weird but wonderful fortified options.
The style can be pretty bold and fruity, especially with reds, but you’ll also get plenty of oak and spice from some regions. Whites are getting better and better, especially from cooler areas. Spanish wine is usually great value, whether you’re after a simple table bottle or something to show off.