“What’s the red wine variety with six letters?” or “Which red wine fits a four-letter grid?” If you ever wondered about these questions, you are at the right place. Wine and crosswords go together like, well, wine and cheese. Let’s make things easier by breaking down the most common red wine variety crossword clue by letter count, so you’ll never get stuck again.
Quick Reference Table: Red Wine Varieties by Letter Count
| Letters | Word | Typical Clue Example |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | PORT | “Sweet red wine (4)” |
| 5 | MEDOC | “Bordeaux red (5)” |
| 6 | SHIRAZ | “Australian red (6)” |
| 6 | MALAGA | “Spanish wine (6)” |
| 6 | BEAUNE | “Burgundy red (6)” |
| 6 | CLARET | “British term for Bordeaux (6)” |
| 6 | GRAVES | “Bordeaux wine region (6)” |
| 6 | MALBEC | “Argentine favorite (6)” |
| 6 | MERLOT | “Popular red grape (6)” |
| 7 | CHIANTI | “Tuscan red (7)” |
| 7 | POMMARD | “Red Burgundy (7)” |
| 8 | CABERNET | “Famous red grape (8)” |
| 9 | PINOTNOIR | “Burgundy grape (9)” |
| 10 | BEAUJOLAIS | “Light French red (10)” |
A Closer Look at Each Red Wine Variety
PORT (4 letters)
A fortified sweet red wine from Portugal, known for its rich flavors and dessert pairing. Crosswords love “Port” for its classic status and handy four-letter fit.
MEDOC (5 letters)
A respected red wine region in Bordeaux, France. If your clue hints at “Bordeaux red” with five boxes, “Medoc” is your friend.
SHIRAZ (6 letters)
Australia’s answer to Syrah. “Shiraz” is bold, spicy, and a regular in both wine shops and crossword puzzles—especially when the clue nods to Aussie reds.
MALAGA (6 letters)
A Spanish wine region famous for sweet fortified wines, though not always red. If the grid calls for “Spanish wine (6),” Malaga sometimes fits.
BEAUNE (6 letters)
A small but renowned town in Burgundy, France, known for Pinot Noir-based reds. Watch for clues about “Burgundy red.”
CLARET (6 letters)
The British term for Bordeaux reds. If your puzzle goes old-school or British, “Claret” often pops up.
GRAVES (6 letters)
Another Bordeaux region, known for both red and white wines. When you see “Bordeaux wine region (6),” think “Graves.”
MALBEC (6 letters)
Originally from France, now Argentina’s star red grape. Malbec is dark, fruity, and beloved by crossword creators for its strong consonants.
MERLOT (6 letters)
A silky, approachable red grape. “Merlot” is easy to drink and just as easy to slot into a six-letter crossword clue.
CHIANTI (7 letters)
Italy’s iconic Tuscan red, made mostly from Sangiovese. If you see “Tuscan wine (7),” “Chianti” is almost always right.
POMMARD (7 letters)
A village in Burgundy famed for structured, age-worthy Pinot Noirs. “Red Burgundy (7)” often leads here.
CABERNET (8 letters)
Whether “Cabernet Sauvignon” or “Cabernet Franc,” this grape is a crossword staple. Think “Famous red grape (8).”
PINOTNOIR (9 letters)
A classic Burgundy grape, beloved for its elegance. When the clue says “Burgundy grape (9),” it’s almost always “Pinot Noir.”
BEAUJOLAIS (10 letters)
A light, fruity red from France, best known for “Beaujolais Nouveau.” Ten boxes and a clue about “Light French red”? You’ve found your answer.
More Tips for Solving Wine Crossword Clues
- Count the boxes first—always your best hint.
- Check for region clues: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Rioja? Match the clue to the table above.
- Watch for synonyms: “Claret” for Bordeaux, “Shiraz” for Syrah, etc.
- Mind the spelling: Especially with French wines!
Still thirsty for crossword tips? Dive into our detailed guide for sweet wine clues:
👉 Sweet Wine Crossword Clue: Solving the Puzzle by Letter Count
Or explore another puzzle favorite:
👉 Spanish Sparkling Wine Crossword Clue: Solve It by Letter Count
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re solving crosswords over coffee or with a glass of red in hand, this classic red wine variety crossword clue will help you fill in the blanks. Count those letters, scan for clues, and—if you get stuck—refer back to this guide. Enjoy!