Red wine guide and recommendations – by someone who knows wines from the class to glass.
Red wine is versatile and diverse, making it a staple for everything from elegant dinners to casual get-togethers. As someone who holds a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and absolutely adores red wine, I’m here to show you that there’s a red wine for everyone. While some people may think red wine is too strong or bold, the truth is that it comes in a wide variety of styles—from light, fruit-forward sippers to rich, savoury options. This guide will help you explore and enjoy all the wonderful facets of red wine.
Wine Is Personal: Embrace Your Taste
Before we get started, let’s address something important: wine is subjective. What you love might not appeal to someone else, and that’s perfectly okay. The beauty of red wine lies in its diversity—whether you’re a fan of a light, fruit-forward Pinot Noir or a bold and intense Cabernet Sauvignon, your personal taste is what makes your wine journey special.
For those new to red wine, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of varieties and styles. But don’t let that intimidate you! Think of it as an opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover new favourites. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the spice of a Tempranillo or the richness of a Malbec. Keep an open mind, and remember: the best wine is the one you enjoy.
Wine tasting is all about pleasure and curiosity, so pour yourself a glass, savour the flavours, and toast to discovering red wines that elevate your moments. Cheers!
What Is Red Wine?
Red wine is made from red (or black) grapes. The defining characteristic of red wine is the inclusion of grape skins during fermentation. Adding the grape skins gives the wine its rich colour and imparts tannins, contributing to structure, texture, and age-worthiness.
The flavour of red wine varies widely depending on the grape variety, region, climate, and winemaking techniques. From light and fruity reds to robust, full-bodied styles, there’s something for every palate.
What Does Red Wine Taste Like?
Red wines offer stunning flavours, typically grouped into fruity, earthy, floral, and spicy categories. Here are some common tasting notes:
- Fruity: Cherry, blackberry, plum, raspberry
- Earthy: Leather, tobacco, mushroom, forest floor
- Floral: Violet, rose, lavender
- Spicy: Pepper, clove, cinnamon
The tannins in red wine can add bitterness and astringency but create a pleasing balance when paired with the wine’s natural acidity and sweetness. The complexity of red wine’s flavours evolves as it ages, making older vintages a treat to explore.
My favourite red wine grape: After tasting many red wines, I know I love the flavours of cherry, tobacco, and smoke. This means I am often drawn to wines made with Tempranillo. One of my favourite bottles of wine is Marques de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva. This wine has a complex profile, with tobacco-like earthiness and deep cherry notes. I also like silky tannins in wine, and this wine spends extended time ageing in both oak barrels and bottles before release. This ageing process enhances its complexity and brings out silky tannins.
Red Wine Guide and Recommendations
Popular Grape Varieties
Here are some of the most common red wine grape varieties and their signature characteristics:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and full-bodied with blackcurrant, cedar, and green pepper notes. Often aged in oak for added complexity.
- Merlot: Smooth and medium-bodied with plum, black cherry, and chocolate flavours.
- Pinot Noir: Light and elegant with red fruit flavours like strawberry and raspberry, complemented by earthy undertones.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Spicy and robust, with dark fruit, pepper, and smoky notes.
- Malbec: Full-bodied and fruity, offering flavours of blackberry, plum, and cocoa.
- Tempranillo: Known for its savoury, leathery character with hints of cherry and spice.
- Zinfandel: Juicy and fruit-forward with raspberry, blackberry, and black pepper flavours.
When Should I Drink Red Wine?
While some red wines are made to be enjoyed young and fresh, others benefit from ageing, which enhances their depth and complexity.
- Young Reds: Ideal for casual drinking, they’re often fruit-forward and lighter in tannins (e.g., Pinot Noir, Gamay).
- Aged Reds: Some say these are best saved for special occasions, but I say all occasions are special; aged reds (like a fine Bordeaux or Barolo) develop layered flavours over time.
How Long Does Red Wine Last Once Opened?
Once opened, red wine typically lasts 3–5 days if re-corked and stored in a cool, dark place. Full-bodied reds with higher tannins, like Cabernet Sauvignon, tend to hold up longer than lighter reds.
Where to Store Your Opened Bottle of Red Wine
Once you’ve opened a bottle of red wine, proper storage is essential to preserve its flavour and quality. Always re-cork the bottle using the original cork or a wine stopper to minimise oxidation. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator or wine cooler, as this slows the oxidation process. Ideally, keep the temperature between 10-15°C (50-59°F).
Position the bottle upright rather than on its side to reduce the surface area exposed to air. Most opened red wines can last 3–5 days, with full-bodied varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz lasting slightly longer due to their higher tannin content. When ready to enjoy the wine again, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes if it’s a fuller-bodied red. This ensures it reaches the optimal serving temperature, allowing you to savour its flavours to the fullest.
What Temperature Should I Serve Red Wine?
Temperature can significantly affect the flavour of red wine:
- Light-Bodied Reds: Serve slightly chilled, around 12–14°C (54–57°F). Think Pinot Noir or Gamay.
- Medium- to Full-Bodied Reds: Serve at 15–18°C (59–65°F). Examples include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
What Wine Glass Should I Use for Red Wine?
A proper wine glass enhances the aroma and flavour of red wine. Look for glasses with a larger, rounder bowl to allow the wine to breathe and concentrate its aromas. Burgundy glasses are ideal for lighter reds, while Bordeaux glasses suit fuller-bodied wines.
Red Wine Recommendations
Here are some standout red wines to try, spanning a range of styles and budgets:
- Affordable Everyday Picks:
- Campo Viejo Tempranillo – Widely available and of great value.
- Jacob’s Creek Shiraz – A crowd-pleasing choice.
- Torres Sangre de Toro Garnacha – Fruity and approachable.
- Mid-Range Favorites:
- Chateau Musar Jeune Red, Lebanon – Complex and unique.
- Louis Jadot Pinot Noir, France – Elegant and earthy.
- Catena Malbec, Argentina – Full-bodied with rich flavours.
- Splurge-Worthy Wines:
- Château Margaux, Bordeaux – A legendary wine for special occasions.
- Gaja Barbaresco, Italy – Rich, complex, and utterly luxurious.
- Penfolds Grange, Australia – Iconic and bold, perfect for ageing.
Your Turn – Red Wine Guide and Recommendations
What’s your go-to red wine? Are there any hidden gems or classic favourites you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue exploring the world of red wine with you. Cheers!
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