Merlot
Merlot is an easy-going red grape that makes soft, juicy wines. Think of flavours like black plum, cherry, and a little bit of chocolate. The acidity is moderate—so it isn’t too sharp or tangy—and the body is medium to full, meaning it feels fairly smooth and round in your mouth.
Most Merlot wines aren’t too heavy and don’t dry out your mouth much (not very tannic). It’s great with food but also easy to drink on its own. You’ll find Merlot in blends (like Bordeaux) or bottled solo all over the world. If you want a red that’s not too bold and not too light, Merlot sits right in the middle.
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.
Glera
Glera is the grape behind Prosecco, the bubbly from Italy that’s everywhere now. It’s light-bodied and all about freshness, with flavours of crisp green apple, pear, and citrus. Nothing complicated going on—just straightforward, easy-drinking stuff.
Acidity is high, which makes it taste zippy and keeps things refreshing. You’ll almost never find it oaked. Glera is usually used for sparkling or semi-sparkling wines, rarely still wines.
Long story short: It’s the grape for people who want an easy-going, fruit-driven fizz without spending ages analysing what’s in the glass.