With a huge international industry dedicated just to red wine, it is easy to become overwhelmed. There are at least 30 types of popular red wines routinely stocked on most supermarket shelves. Here we take a brief look at the most common types of red wine and what you need to know about them.
Merlot
It is the fourth most grown wine grape variety, and has such a simple and pleasing taste that it is generally considered the go-to variety for new red wine drinkers.
Fruit: Dark blue grape, also known as Picard or Langon.
Regions: Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Hungary, Italy, Chilean Central Valley, Long Island, Australia.
Wines: Saint-Emilion, Pomerol
Pair with: Everything
Merlot is considered the go-to drink for new drinkers
Pinot Noir
One of the more difficult grapes to grow, but produces a wide range of wines. Generally a fresh and delicate taste.
Fruit: Black skin berry, tightly clustered, also known as Pinot Nero or Blauburgunder.
Regions: Burgundy, Champagne, California, Romania, South Africa, Austria, New Zealand
Wines: Nuits-Saint-Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin
Pair with: Sushi, Chicken, Lamb
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is used in so many wines from light blush wines to rich dark wines. It’s versatility makes it very popular. It has some of the highest alcohol content of any red wine
Fruit: Black-skinned grape
Regions: Originating in Croatia, also notable in California and Apulia (Italy)
Wines: Miro,
Pair with: Barbecued meats or tomato-based dishes
Zinfandel has some of the highest alcohol content of any red wine
Syrah/Shiraz
European growers name the wine Syrah but it is also called Shiraz. A very dark red with longevity, often with a taste of spice.
Fruit: Black berry skin, also called Hermitage,
Regions: Rhone, California, Australia.
Wines: Cote-Rotie, Hermitage
Pair with: Red meats
Cabernet Sauvignon
A very popular red, both in terms of geographical production and market spread, with a rich, intense flavour, usually with an oaky taste.
Fruit:
Regions: Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Stellenbosch, Australia
Wines: Bordeaux classified estates
Pair with: Red meat
Some Malbecs are noted to have many health benefits
Malbec
A very dark red wine but with lower acidity than most. Some blends of Malbec come with some well-recorded health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and blood-sugar-lowering affects.
Fruit: Purple-looking
Regions: France, Argentina, Chile
Wines: Don David, Mundus Bacillus Terrae
Pair with: Meat based meals including Mexican and Indian dishes
Find out more about wines by using the ‘Sommelier‘ category.
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Photo: Lefteris Kallergis