The grapes, no fuss

Cabernet Sauvignon makes a dark, full-bodied red with firm tannin, the kind that gives your mouth a slight squeeze.

Malbec is a red grape that makes very dark wine, leaning toward purple, with aromas of plum and blackberry and full body.

Chardonnay is the white grape that changes outfits depending on the winery.

Touriga Nacional is the red grape Portugal shows off.

Merlot makes a soft red with ripe fruit and gentle tannin: it grips your mouth far less than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Syrah is a red grape that makes very dark wine, with ripe fruit, firm tannin and, often, a smell of black pepper.

Pinot Noir is the pale red with light body, little tannin and a smell of strawberry, cherry and raspberry.

Carmenère is a red grape that makes dark-colored wine with ripe fruit and a green touch reminiscent of bell pepper.

Tinta Roriz, Aragonez and Tempranillo are the same grape.

Touriga Franca is the most planted red grape in the Douro, in Portugal, and yet few people know its name.

Cabernet Franc makes a lighter, more perfumed red than its famous daughter, Cabernet Sauvignon: less color, less weight, more aroma.

Sauvignon Blanc is the grape behind the white that wakes up your mouth: light body, high acidity and a smell that recalls passion fruit, lime and cut grass.