International Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon   Merlot   Pinot Noir   Syrah

Major Varieties: Cabernet Franc    Grenache    Malbec    Nebbiolo    Sangiovese    Tempranillo    Zinfandel

Regional Varieties:   Baga    Barbera    Blaufränkisch    Brachetto    Carignan    Carménère    Cinsaut    Dolcetto    Gamay    Graciano    Lagrein    Malvasia Nera    Marzemino    Montepulciano    Mourvèdre    Nero d'Avola    Petit Verdot    Petite Sirah    Pinot Meunier    Pinotage    Touriga Nacional

An Austrian grape, Blaufränkisch originated in Limberg, but it has now spread across all of central Europe, with plantings in Czecholoslovakia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. It was at one point thought to be closely related to Gamay, but that has since been disproven. As a wine, it has medium tannin levels, is spicy and sometimes acidic, and has flavors of dark cherries and berries. These wines often age well, becoming velvety and complex with years of cellaring.