Of the thousands of red grape varieties, three — cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir — rise above in terms of popularity. But there are other French varieties — Bordeaux and Rhône — that deserve more love and attention.

Malbec has become known mostly as the signature grape of Argentina. But its roots are in southern France, in Cahors and less so in Bordeaux.

• 2019 Chappellet Napa Valley ($75), from high on the highly sought-after Pritchard Hill overlooking Napa Valley; trademark juicy red fruit, earth, tobacco, with concentration, toast, velvety texture.

• 2019 Brandlin Mount Veeder ($75), from a south-facing slope in the estate vineyard; intense blackberry, black currant, woody notes, tea, opulent oak, mouthfilling.

Cabernet franc is a parent of cabernet sauvignon. It’s a significant component of many Bordeaux blends.

• 2019 Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder ($95), estate vineyard planted since the early 1860s; part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio; concentrated fruit, dark cherries, slightly herbal, earthy note, Asian spice, graphite, fine tannins,

• 2021 Owen Roe “Rosa Mystica” ($42). Rosa Mystica was the original name of the estate vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley, now known as Union Gap Vineyard; dark fruits, earth, fresh tannins,

Petit verdot likely is the least-known grape allowed in a Bordeaux blend. We less often see it as a varietal wine, but it can be a treat.

• 2019 Ovis Lake County ($60), a selection of the best block of petit verdot in the Red Hills estate vineyard; deep blackberry, black cherry, herbs, black pepper, clove, rugged.

Syrah is planted extensively in southern France. It is the sole variety in the wines of the Northern Rhône and a significant component in blends of the Southern Rhône.

• 2019 Cuvaison “Diablo” Carneros-Napa ($55), a smal-l lot estate selection; full, rich, ripe dark berries, cocoa, black pepper, firm tannins.

• 2020 Ram’s Gate Richard’s Vineyard ($70), vineyard in the Sonoma Valley known for award-winning syrahs; intense dark fruits, powerful tannins, black pepper.

• 2018 Fulldraw Vineyard FD2 ($55), considered their introduction to Fulldraw wines; a leading family grower and producer of Rhône varieties in Paso Robles; 60% grenache, 40% syrah; estate grown, bright juicy strawberry, black raspberry, concentrated, full-bodied,

• 2021 Horsepower Vineyards High Contrast Vineyard ($133), a project of vigneron Christophe Baron, who founded the now cult status Cayuse in the Walla Walla Valley; specializing in single vineyard Syrah and Grenache wines; impressively complex, vibrant mixed berries, black tea, white pepper, mineral, polished mouthfeel, a stunner.

Grenache is the primary component of the southern Rhône Valley’s famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape and many other wines of southern France.

• 2021 Horsepower Vineyards Fiddleneck Vineyard ($133), dense, black and red fruits, fruit forward, floral, meaty, mineral, savory, full, firm, rich.