Malbec
Malbec is a bold red grape known for dark, ripe fruit flavours—think blackberries and plums—with a bit of spice. It's grown mostly in Argentina now, though it started in France.
You’ll get a full-bodied wine, plenty of punch, and usually medium to low acidity. Tannins are solid but not mouth-drying. Malbec is the go-to for steak, burgers, or when you just want a red that won’t get lost with strong flavours.
Easy to drink, rarely complex, and usually affordable. If you like straightforward, juicy reds, Malbec’s a safe bet.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is kind of like the chill cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon—lighter, fresher, and not as punchy. It usually has red fruit flavours like raspberry and strawberry, sometimes with a bit of green pepper or dried herbs.
It’s got medium acidity and a bit of a leaner body, so it feels less heavy than bigger reds. You’ll find it mostly in blends (think Bordeaux), but it also shines on its own, especially in the Loire Valley in France.
Cabernet Franc is easy to like if you want something lively but not overwhelming. Great with food, easy to drink.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a red grape that’s usually a team player, not a solo act. It brings dark fruit flavours—think blackberry and plum—plus a good hit of spice. Expect bold tannins and plenty of colour, so wines made with it are deep and full-bodied.
Acidity is moderate to high, which keeps everything tasting fresh rather than flat. Most often, winemakers use Petit Verdot in blends (especially in Bordeaux) to add punch and structure, but you’ll sometimes find solid single-varietal bottles too.
Bottom line: if you like big, rich reds with a bit of bite, keep an eye out for Petit Verdot or blends that include it.
Seven Hills
Seven Hills Winery, located in Walla Walla, Washington, was established in 1988 by Casey and Vicky McClellan. The winery focuses on producing Bordeaux and Rhône varietal wines from estate-grown grapes sourced from their own vineyards as well as from select growers in the region. Seven Hills is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. The winery's portfolio includes a range of red and white wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Viognier. Seven Hills Winery has garnered critical acclaim for its well-crafted, terroir-driven wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Walla Walla Valley region.
Washington
Washington State is the next big thing for American wine. The climate is dry and sunny, thanks to being east of the Cascade Mountains—imagine long, hot days and cool nights, which keeps grapes ripe but fresh. Most vineyards use irrigation, since there’s barely any rain.
The region is mainly about bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, plus crisp, zippy whites like Riesling and Chardonnay. The wines are straightforward and fruit-driven, but usually not too heavy or overdone.
If you like full-flavoured, balanced wines that don’t cost a fortune, Washington’s bottles are worth a shot.
Columbia Valley
Columbia Valley in Washington state is one of the prominent wine-producing regions in the United States. With over 50,000 acres of vineyards, it is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The region benefits from a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool nights, which helps to produce wines with balanced acidity and ripe fruit flavors. The Columbia River provides irrigation water for vineyards, contributing to the overall quality of the grapes grown in the area. The varied terroir within Columbia Valley allows for the production of a wide range of wine styles, from bold reds to crisp whites. Notable sub-regions within Columbia Valley include Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, and Walla Walla Valley, each with its own unique characteristics and microclimates that influence the wines produced there. Overall, Columbia Valley has gained recognition for producing high-quality wines that showcase the terroir of the region.
United States
The US is a powerhouse for wine, and it’s not just California (though Napa and Sonoma are major players). Washington and Oregon are also big deals, especially for reds like Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, plus crisp whites like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. There’s plenty of experimentation—expect everything from classic European styles to offbeat blends and natural wines. Quality ranges widely, but there’s good stuff for every budget. Basically, US wine is bold, fruit-forward, and not afraid to break a few rules.