Grenache

Grenache is an unlikely hero of a grape. Until recently reviled or at best ignored in much of the world, it is the grape chiefly responsible for two of the world's more celebrated reds, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and, a more recent star, Priorat.

Syrah

It is a caste originating in France but it’s produced in all over the world. It is cultivated from France to Australia (where it is the main grape), United States (Washington State and California), besides Italy (cultivated in small scale all over the country to produce some good blends), Spain (used in projects in Rioja for example), Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Uruguay, Brazil (restricted to some producers and in the northeast) In Portugal it found is home in the region of Alentejo and is the most successful foreign grape  in terms of climatic adaptation. The wines have an intense colour. The aromas are complex with very rich tannins. The most present flavours are blueberry, plum, chocolate, tobacco and black pepper but have some differences depending on the region in which they are produced,  more fruity in the warmer regions or with more spicy flavours to plum, olive and green pepper in cooler climes.

Carignan

Carignane in the US, Carignano in Italy, and Cariñena in Spain. Carignan is a curious red wine grape that provokes strong reactions in those who know about it. Yet, despite the fact it was the single most common vine variety planted in the world's most important wine producer France until it was overtaken by Merlot at the end of the 20th century, most wine drinkers have never heard of it. 

Carignan's origins are presumed Spanish although the variety was long since supplanted by Garnacha (Grenache) in its native Cariñena in Aragon. 

As a wine, Carignan can be pretty tough too. The wine produced is typically high in rough tannins and acidity and in southern France the softening vinification method of carbonic maceration routinely has to be used to ensure that wines made from Carignan can be drunk reasonably young.