Remember that scene from the movie Godfather, when Vito tells Michael that he’s been drinking too much wine for his old age? Well, Michael’s reply is epic; he says, “It’s good for you”. And we wine aficionados couldn’t agree more! A good meal and a glass of wine is a great combination. In the world of wines, red wines have certainly gained a lot of popularity in recent years. These wines get their flavor and color from the skin of a wide range of grapes with different colors like red, deep purple, blue, etc.
Apart from their distinct color spectrum, red wines have a unique taste that’ll elevate your drinking experience. One of the best things about red wines is that they can be paired with different kinds of foods. All you wine lovers will definitely love to discover the different types of red wines in this blog. We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re tempted to sip on some delicious wine as we take you through the world of red wines. Let’s get started!
10 Different Types Of Red Wines
Shiraz or Syrah
This wine has two names; in France and other European countries this red wine is known as ‘Syrah’ and in Australia it’s known as ‘Shiraz’. The names refer to the grapes from which these delicious wines are made, ‘Syrah’ and ‘Shiraz’. Syrah or Shiraz is an excellent choice of red wine for those who enjoy medium-high tannins (the dry and bitter taste you get on your palate after drinking wine). Each sip of this red wine has a peppery, spicy, and fruity flavor. In terms of its alcohol content, this wine has a medium to high alcohol level. Since this wine has a bold and intense flavor, you can pair it with spicely cooked foods like steak or beef. If you’re hosting a BBQ party at your home, this wine would be a perfect drink to gorge on with some spicy BBQ chicken.
Merlot
If you want to introduce wine to a friend, you can never go wrong with Merlot. It’s one of the most popular wines in the world of red wines. In terms of the taste, Merlot has a moderate acidity and tannins with a relatively high alcohol content. This versatile wine has flavors of cherries, berries, and plums. If you’re sipping on some Merlot wine soaked in oak barrels, also known as oaked wine, you’ll get the subtle flavors of chocolate and vanilla on your palate. So, you don’t have to worry about your mouth puckering up. That makes it a perfect drink for introducing red wine to your friends at a dinner party. Right from pasta, vegetarian dishes to poultry, you can pair this wine with almost any food.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold flavor, high in tannins, moderately acidic, and full-bodied – all of these makes Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wines in the world. So, if you’ve never had red wine before, Cabernet Sauvignon can be a great starting point. On the palate, this wine has notes of black cherry and blackcurrant. If you’re tasting an Italian or a French variety, then you’ll get to experience herbal and olive notes with a fruity flavor. Some of the best dishes to pair with Cabernet Sauvignon are rich meat dishes like lamb, steak, roasted beef, etc. Other dishes that you can pair this wine with are spaghetti, risotto, burgers, fried tofu, etc.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is another type of red wine that is mostly grown in the US, especially in California. This wine is known to be bold and so its alcohol content is relatively high. White Zinfandel tastes totally different from red wine; it has a sweet flavor to it and is known to taste like candy, berry, and melon. Unlike the white wine, this red wine has flavors of black pepper, cherry, plum, and blueberry. Those who have a liking for a spicy and tobacco-like finish will absolutely love this wine. Pasta, spaghetti, cheese lasagna, etc are some of the best dishes that can be paired with Zinfandel.
Fun Fact: Zinfandel is known to be the only wine varietal to have its own annual festival called the ‘ZAP Wine Festival’. During this extravagant festival, wine lovers, especially fans of Zinfandel, come together to indulge in an adventurous ride of wine tasting and food pairings. This festival is known to take place at One Market, Palace Hotel and other popular venues around San Francisco.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a silky smooth wine that doesn’t have a compelling tannin taste. It’s also one of the oldest wines and its history can be dated back to Roman times. The name comes from a noble family called Pinot; today it’s predominantly considered as a French wine. It has flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spices with a very soft and velvety taste. Savoring this wine with some Japanese dishes is a different experience altogether. Several dishes like sushi, salmon, duck, chicken, and lamb can also be paired with this wine. No wonder Pinot Noir is also considered to be one of the most food-friendly wines in the world.
Malbec
Malbec is largely produced in South America and has been a blending grape in France for decades. Today, this wine has made the shelf of every wine connoisseur. It’s full-bodied, deep red in color, and has a juicy and fruity taste to it. On the palate, this wine has flavors of cherry, plum, and a hint of smoke. In terms of its finish, this wine is not like other red wines that have a prolonged aftertaste. That’s why Malbec is a great wine to pair with meat and other spicy cuisines like Mexican or Indian food.
Sangiovese
This is a type of red wine that’s largely grown in Italy. It’s got a light texture and an exquisite fruity flavor to it. Just a sip of this wine and you’ll feel like there’s so much going on inside your mouth. That’s because Sangiovese has complex yet rich flavors of cherries, jammy fruits, and spices that’ll give you an exciting wine-savoring experience. This wine can be best enjoyed with Italian foods, especially ones with tomatoes, vinaigrette, and balsamic sauces. If you’re going for meat, then duck meat is the go-to dish to enjoy the delightful flavors of Sangiovese.
Nebbiolo
All those who love a strong spirit should definitely try Nebbiolo, which is another popular Italian red wine. Although the color of this wine is pretty light, the taste will certainly astound you. It has a complex taste with flavors of cherries and raspberries. This full-bodied wine is specifically known for its tannic taste which gets better with the wine’s aging. Such a strong wine is perfect to celebrate any special occasion. To complement the strong taste of this wine, you can enjoy strong meats like beef, roasted turkey, goose, duck or pork. Otherwise, cheese pasta is another dish that goes well with Nebbiolo.
Grenache
Need a wine to battle the cold winters? Well, Grenache is what you need, and trust us, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck. Since it’s a strong wood wine, it can easily survive in cold climates. Today, two of the largest producers of Grenache are Spain and France. This wine has subtle fruity and herbal notes along with flavors of strawberries, black cherries, raspberries, and a hint of cinnamon. It goes well with sweet foods, especially Moroccan cuisine. If you’re hosting a barbecue party at your home, this wine can be your go-to drink as it also complements smoky flavors. Some of the best dishes that you can relish with this wine are macaroni and cheese, baked vegetables, bean-based dishes and sausages, etc.
Chianti
Chianti is another sweet wine that is known to have originated in Florence, Italy. This is the one red wine that you’ll find in almost every Italian-American cuisine restaurant. Why? Well, Chianti has lower tannin which makes it an excellent ingredient for cooking. The taste of this wine includes subtle tastes of red fruits, dried herbs, and smoke. It goes without saying that all kinds of Italian foods go well with this red wine. Other dishes you can devour with this wine are lamb, duck, roasted beef, etc.
Fun Fact: Remember Anthony Hopkins’ aka Hannibal Lecter’s famous line from the 1991 film The Silence of The Lambs? He said, “I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti”. Well, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors were the drugs that could help treat Lecter. And what would interfere with these meds? Liver, beans, and wine!
Summing Up
Now that you’ve discovered the different types of red wines, it’s time you buy one for yourself! Whether you need it for cooking purposes or for food pairing, you can try out different dry or sweet flavored wines. So, next time you host a dinner party, go ahead and serve your guests some delicious red wine and entice them with your knowledge of different types of red wines.
FAQs On Different Types Of Red Wines
What Is The Most Popular Type Of Red Wine?
One of the most popular red wines in the world is Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a deep red color and moderate acidity. So you can relish it with your friends over a dinner party. Other popular red wines are Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, etc.
What Is The Difference In Red Wines?
Unlike white wines with less tannin, red wines are known for their high tannin level as they’re fermented with the grape skins. The basic difference between red and white wines is that the former is made with red grapes and the latter with white grapes.
What Is The Smoothest Red Wine To Drink?
The wines that are not too tannic or acidic are the smoothest to drink. Some of the smoothest red wines to drink are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Grenache, etc.
