Red wine is something that most people enjoy, even if they don’t always understand it.
Wine is a complicated subject to understand, especially for those who are learning.
It’s easy to drink red wine (obviously), but there’s a contingency of wine drinkers who wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a merlot and a malbec.
If asked what's the smoothest red wine, or what type of red wine is dry versus sweet, they would have no idea. And that’s ok!
Wine is an enormous topic, and no one knows it all.
When learning about wine, you only need a few familiar faces and reference points to keep you from feeling lost and overwhelmed.
How do you talk about red wine? How is it made, and how should it smell and taste? To know everything about red wine would take a lifetime, but the basics are simple enough for anyone to master.
Production
The process of making red wine is not a complicated one. It consists of growing grapes, harvesting, fermenting, bottling, and aging. While the process itself seems simple, creating a truly exceptional one is another matter entirely.
The main difference between red and white wine is that red wine ages on the skins, while white wines are pressed before fermentation to remove them. Red wine is made by allowing the juice of red-skinned varieties to stay in contact with those skins during fermentation (this contact sometimes also occurs post-fermentation, a process called extended maceration).
This is how red wine gets its color, as well as other compounds including tannins, some acids and others that influence taste and texture. Before bottling, some reds may rest for a period of time in oak barrels, which impart additional aromas and flavors.
Styles and varieties of Red Wine
When choosing a red wine type, understanding wine label terms can help you to quickly work out if it’s one you’re likely to enjoy. For instance, certain red grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, are notorious for having high tannins and bold flavours, and even more so if they’re from a warm climate region.
Lighter-coloured red wines tend to be younger wines and are defined as light-bodied or medium-bodied, while deep ruby and garnet red wines are usually medium or full-bodied.
Knowing the most popular red wine grapes will make it easier for you to pick out a wine in a wine shop and provide a guide for choosing the right wine for every occasion.
Let's take a look at the different types of red wine varieties.
Cabernet Franc
Tasting notes: sour cherry, dried oregano, violets, blueberry, earth, black olive, coffee.
Medium-bodied and slightly tannic, Cabernet Franc is well-known for its place as one of the three varietals in Bordeaux wine blends (alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).
However, Cabernet Franc can also make exceptional wines all on its own. When done well, the types of wine made from this black grape are a balance of earth, red fruit, and herbs.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: bell pepper, green olive, herb, cassis, black cherry, tobacco, black pepper
Full-bodied and boozy, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most recognized varietal in the world. This familiar red forms another part of the Bordeaux wine blend. Cabernet Sauvignon blends well with many varietals, which is part of the reason it is so popular with winegrowers worldwide. Dry red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon taste of red and black fruit combined with green and earthy notes like green bell pepper and tobacco.
Grenache/ Garnacha
Tasting Notes: cinnamon, cherry, plum
Medium-bodied and boozy, Grenache looks like a light-bodied red. However, the tannins and acidity weigh heavily on the tongue. Grenache requires a long growing season to reach its full potential and grows best in the wine-growing regions of Spain and southern France.
It forms part of one of the world's most prestigious wine blends, Cotes du Rhone (alongside Mourvedre and Syrah), produced in the Rhone Valley. Wines made with Grenache are known for their spice and fruit.
Malbec
Tasting Notes: sour cherry, vanilla, tobacco, chocolate, oak, smoke
Full-bodied and deep purple, Malbec originated in France. This grape requires long, hot days to fully develop its signature rich fruit flavors of sour cherry and chocolate. Malbec is also present in small amounts in Bordeaux blends. It has also developed a reputation in South America, where it is often paired with grilled meats.
Merlot
Tasting Notes: coffee , raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, plum, dried herbs
Medium-bodied and easy to drink, Merlot is well-known for its versatility and approachability. Merlot goes with a variety of foods, a true middle-of-the-road varietal.
Finding a quality Merlot used to be a challenge as the varietal was known for making watery and weak wines. When made well, this dry red wine often exhibits flavors of chocolate and raspberries.
Nebbiolo
Tasting Notes: cherry, tar, raspberry, rose, anise, violet, truffle
Full-bodied but lightly colored, Nebbiolo is one of the oldest varietals in the world (dating back to the 13th century). The potent tannins make it the ideal wine for aging, and the acidity makes it the best red wine to drink with classic Italian dishes heavy with tomatoes or cream.
Nebbiolo is known for its delicate aromas of violets and roses, as well as potent cherry and cranberry on the tongue.
Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: cherry, blackberry, raspberry, mushroom, forest floor, vanilla
Light-bodied and fruity, Pinot Noir is known for its elegance and complexity. This wine varietal has fruit, flower, and spice notes, predominantly cherry, earth, and warming spices. Originally from France, Pinot Noir is increasingly popular among North American winemakers in both California and Washington.
This versatile wine pairs well with turkey, chicken, duck, and mushrooms.
Sangiovese
Tasting Notes: cherry, tomato leaf, oregano, dried rose
Medium-bodied and tannic, Sangiovese is Italy’s most-planted grape varietal. Typically, Sangiovese tastes of cherries and black stone fruit with subtle herbal undertones.
The heavy tannins on this wine make it the best red wine to drink with braised meats.
Syrah/Shiraz
Tasting Notes: blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, plum, green peppercorn, clove
Full-bodied and meaty, Syrah tends to be intense, peppery, and savory, but it depends on the region. In France, Syrah makes some of the most complex and delicious savory expressions of the grape. In Australia, where the varietal has had great success, Syrah is called Shiraz and makes a notable version with plenty of ripe fruit notes.
This dry red wine pairs well with game, mushrooms, and stews.
Better Off Red
Whether your taste for red wine runs to dry or sweet, bold reds or light ones, there is a world of options for you to explore.
As for which red wine is the smoothest, the tastiest, the best … that is a question of individual preference. So get busy and try some red wines!
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