While perhaps lesser known in Australia, the following types of red are heroes in their countries of origin and are becoming increasingly popular in Australia.

Tempranillo- Tempranillo is a black grape variety from the Rioja region of Spain, where it has traditionally been used to produce full-bodied wines. The grapes ripen several weeks earlier than other varieties, and have a thick, black skin. Along with Spain's production of Tempranillo, Argentina, Chile and Mexico now also have extensive plantations. In Australia, it is being planted in wine regions across the country, including the Margaret River region, the Barossa and King Valleys and McLaren Vale, rivaling Sangiovese as the new up and coming variety to nurture into wine.

Sangiovese - A native of Italy, Sangiovese is one of the up and coming stars of the Australian wine market. By 2009, there were an estimated 200 vineyards with Sangiovese plantations in Australia, spread across the Margaret River, Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills regions, among many others. As one of the most important ingredients in Italian Chianti, this humble grape has certainly earned its place among the red wine grapes of the world, and according to some, is to Chianti what Cabernet Sauvignon is to Bordeaux.

Malbec - In 2001, an Argentinean Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon took the wine world by storm when it beat the finest offerings from the Napa Valley and Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Since then, Argentina has brought this variety back from obscurity. In Australia, Malbec has been commonly used in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, although in recent years Merlot has been taking over this role. On the back of Argentina's success, though, there has been more interest in this grape and it is being used in varietal wines more often. 

Zinfandel - The Zinfandel variety is perhaps best known as the basis for many Californian wines, and although its exact origin is unclear, it shows genetic signs of being related to both Primitivo from Italy and Crljenak Kastelanski from Croatia. A temperamental grape, it produces excellent wines when treated correctly. In California, it is often used to make a sweeter type of pink wine known as 'white Zin', or more rugged reds. There has been a growth of this variety in Australia, particularly in the Adelaide Hills and a number of wineries in Western Australia, including Mandalay Wines, Smallwater Estate and Cape Mantelle. 

Carmenere - Once popular in the Medoc region of Bordeaux in France, Carmenere was almost entirely uprooted after it was all too often plagued by coulure, a disease that effects the fruiting of the grape after it flowers. The variety has since found a more favourable home in new world wine regions, particularly Chile, which now produces excellent Carmenere wines. In recent years, Australia has also increased it planting of Carmenere vines. Some Carmenere wines to look out for come from the likes of Brown Brothers, Red Earth and Lethbridge, from Geelong in Victoria. 

Red wine makes an excellent companion to game meats, steak and mushroom dishes.