Cardinal
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Cardinal California
Cardinal is a red wine grape with signature aromas of red cherry, plum, grape note. Structure: Medium body, Medium acidity, Low tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Blackrose and Coarna Neagra.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Anchor on red-cherry plum fruit with mild muscat hint.
- Check frame as low-tannin and moderate-acid.
Confidence signals
- Cardinal profile
- Coherent medium/medium-axis frame typical of Cardinal.
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: California · Puglia · Mediterranean table-grape zones
- Classic styles: Historic California red table cultivar from Reine des Vignes and Alphonse Lavallee parentage · Early-ripening red-fruit profile with low tannin and broad global table use
Common questions
Is Cardinal a red or white grape variety?
Cardinal is a red wine grape variety.
What does Cardinal smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Cardinal include red cherry, plum and grape note. Structural profile: Medium body, Medium acidity, Low tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Cardinal?
Documented tells for Cardinal: Anchor on red-cherry plum fruit with mild muscat hint. and Check frame as low-tannin and moderate-acid..
What is Cardinal most often confused with in blind tasting?
Cardinal is most commonly confused with Blackrose, Coarna Neagra and Queen Nina. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Cardinal grown?
Classic regions for Cardinal include California, Puglia and Mediterranean table-grape zones.