These different types of wine are generally named after the grape used to produce them, i.e. merlot wine is named after the merlot grape species. There are exceptions to the rule; often in this case the wine is named after the region of production (bordeaux, for example, is a mix of different grape varieties and is named after its "birthplace" in france).
The wikipedia link should take you to a chart of different tastes per variety.
One Response to “What are the differences between the different types of red wines; merlot, shiraz etc.?”
These different types of wine are generally named after the grape used to produce them, i.e. merlot wine is named after the merlot grape species. There are exceptions to the rule; often in this case the wine is named after the region of production (bordeaux, for example, is a mix of different grape varieties and is named after its "birthplace" in france).
The wikipedia link should take you to a chart of different tastes per variety.
References :
http://www.vino.com/knowledge/article.asp?AID=114
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine#By_taste
By gershie10 on Nov 19, 2008