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Red Wine Styles and Varieties
Red wine is not a one-size fits all product. There are many factors to take into consideration, such as taste, price, and occasion.
Understanding wine label terms will help you quickly decide if you are likely to like a particular red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety that’s known for its high tannins. It also has a bold taste, especially if it comes from a region with favourable climate. A wine from a certain French appellation may have characteristics that are specific to that region.
The lighter-coloured wines tend to be young wines, and are classified as medium-bodied or light-bodied. Deep ruby or garnet-coloured wines are typically medium-bodied or full-bodied.
Red wines are also classified as sweet or dry, depending on the amount of sugar left after the fermenting process. It is classified as dry if the residual sugar level is low. However, higher levels of sugar ensure that it is sweet.
We cover the following for each type of red wine:
- Wine Style and Structure
- Wine producing regions
- Wine and food pairings
- Blended with other grape varieties
What are the Different Types of Red Wines?
Red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Other popular reds are Shiraz, Pinot Noir. Malbec. Zinfandel. Grenache. The grape variety is the name of many red wines. There are also other red wines that are popularly named by the region in which they are produced, not their grape variety. Rioja is one of these.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Style
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its powerful, full-bodied reds that are low in acidity, rich in flavours and bold. The grape is also high in tannins. This, combined with its thick skins and thick tannins, gives it a great potential for ageing.
Wine Regions
Cabernet Sauvignon is a French grape variety that originated in the Bordeaux region. It is usually blended with other varieties such as Merlot, to make Bordeaux blends. This grape is now grown in many wine regions around the world, including Australia South Africa Chile, and Spain.
Food and flavour pairings
Due to the grape’s wide distribution, there are many different notes of taste around the world. Some notes are consistent, regardless of region. Expect intense dark fruit flavours like blackcurrant, cherry and tobacco in oaked varieties. It’s vital to ensure that Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t overpower the food when pairing it with it. This wine is a great pairing with a juicy steak, burger or other meaty dish. This wine is perfect for pairing with strong cheeses or indulgent, rich dark chocolate desserts.
Merlot
Style
Merlot is a versatile red wine that can be used to make blends as well as produce some exceptional wines on its own. Merlot is a medium-bodied, well-rounded wine that has a low acidity level and comparatively high alcohol content. The varieties from cooler climates have higher tannins whereas the ones from warmer climates have more fruitiness and lower tannins.
Wine Regions
Merlot is a variety that originated in Bordeaux. It has been widely grown throughout the world, both in New World and Old World areas. Merlot is not only produced in France, but also in Australia or Chile.
Food and flavour combinations
Merlot is a wine that can be found in many different countries. Merlot is often bursting with the fruity flavors of blackberries, plums and lighter red fruits. Fruit cake, chocolate, vanilla, and spicy notes are not uncommon. A velvety texture and smoothness with age is also common. When it comes to matching Merlot with food, it is an all-rounder. However, richer dishes (as well as many reds) tend to work best.
Shiraz (Syrah)
Style
Shiraz is a popular black grape variety that’s grown all over the world. The grape is called Syrah in Old World countries, while Shiraz is used in the New World. Shiraz is generally known for its full-bodied, high tannins, and medium acidity. The thick, dark-coloured skins give it a deep, purple color. The grape is the same, but it can have a different name and style in the Old World versus the New World. In Old World areas, Syrah has a more earthy taste while Shiraz is fruitier.
Wine Regions
When it comes to the New World, Australia is the largest producer of Shiraz. The hot climate of areas such as, which produces top quality, fruity Shiraz, has been internationally recognized. In the New World, Australia produces the most Shiraz. The hot climate in areas like McLaren Vale is well-known for producing high quality Shiraz.
Food and flavour combinations
Old World Syrah has a herbaceous note with hints black pepper and spice, while aging gives it leathery notes. New World Shiraz is lighter, with sweet liquorice, vanilla and blackberry notes. These wines are rich and go well with barbecued food such as burgers or ribs. Also, hard cheeses that have a good acidity make a great combination.
Pinot Noir
Style
Pinot Noir is notoriously hard to grow. However, the results are often exceptional. This medium-bodied, light-coloured red is low in tannins with a lot of fruity flavours. Pinot Noir is used to make sparkling wine, including Champagne.
Wine Regions
New World countries such as the USA Australia New Zealand have all adopted this variety. These New World countries have a warmer climate, which tends to produce fuller versions.
Food and flavour combinations
You can expect to taste smooth, red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry with earthier notes at the finish. New World wines will have less earthy flavours and more sweetness. can pair this wine with a wide range of foods. A juicy pan-fried duck or other game birds are great matches. You can also choose grilled salmon, especially if you are looking for a variety that has lower tannins.
Malbec
Style
We tend to imagine big, juicy Malbecs that go well with big, juicy steaks. These deep, rich, full-bodied reds are aged well and have high tannins and alcohol.
Wine Regions
Malbec is a grape that originated in France and still thrives in the Bordeaux region. However, it can be found flourishing in the sunny vineyards of Argentina. Other New World regions, like Australia, and New Zealand, are now producing some impressive wines.
Food and flavour combinations
Malbec has a powerful, rich flavour of dark fruits such as blackberry or plum. The notes of tobacco and black pepper linger on the palate, leaving a long-lasting finish. New World varieties may have a sweeter vanilla taste. This red wine is an excellent match for rich, meaty dishes. The high tannins in this wine can overpower foods, so it’s best to pair it with something bold and flavoursome that can handle the high tannins. Medium-bodied, slightly lighter varieties are also suitable for pairing with tuna steaks.
Grenache (Garnacha)
Style
This is a real underrated hero in the world of wine. It can be used to create stunning blends or as a stand-alone variety. Grenache has a medium body, is high in alcohol, and is light in color.
Wine Regions
The Old World is the main producer, but Spain and France are also big players. New World wine regions, such as USA, and Australia, are now taking on the Old World.
Food and flavour combinations
On the palate, Grenache has typical fruity notes such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. The flavour can vary according to the region, but notes of red grapefruit and orange peel are common. Grenache’s slightly spicy notes pair well with Mexican food, which is full of spices and herbs. For a low alcohol Grenache try a mild curry. Just make sure you serve it slightly chilled to help with the heat.
Tempranillo
Style
This thick-skinned, old grape variety is the fourth most planted in the world and the most popular red grape in Spain, where it originated. Tempranillo produces reds that are medium-bodied and full-bodied. They start out as ruby, but become more garnet over time. The high tannins are balanced by a moderate acidity and a high alcohol content. This variety is often used as a base for the world-famous Rioja blended wines.
Wine Regions
Tempranillo is a grape that thrives in Spain’s luscious vineyards, but it also enjoys cooler nights. It can also be found outside of Spain in Portugal as well as hot South American areas such as Argentina or Chile. The southern parts of Australia are also ideal for growing this grape.
Food and flavour combinations
The wines produced by this variety have a complex flavour and are usually rich in layers. Younger varieties will have bold notes of cherry, strawberry and raspberry. The age will bring out notes of tobacco and leather. The wine is a smooth and long-lasting finish. The younger varieties pair well with delicate dishes like game or mushrooms. The flavour of aged varieties is intense, so pairings such as steak or barbecued meat are ideal.
Zinfandel (Primitivo)
Style
This grape is rich, powerful and has a long history. It’s most common in the US. Zinfandel is a full-bodied grape with high alcohol, medium tannins, and acidity.
Wine Regions
It is found in California, where the climate is warm and the grapes are a little sweeter. It is also found in Italy, where it was given the name Primitivo during the 18 thcentury. This grape, which originated in Croatia, is rare to find here today.
Food and flavour combinations
Expect to taste dark fruit flavours such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry when you enjoy a glass. Wines from warmer regions tend to have notes of black pepper and smoke. Zinfandel’s richness and sweetness make it a perfect match with meaty dishes, especially those that have a lot of flavour.
Sangiovese
Style
Sangiovese is a variety that has a reputation for being difficult to work with and grow. However, this is changing. The wine style will vary depending on where the grape is grown. However, it usually produces medium-bodied, high-tannin wines with very high acidity. Some are best consumed young while others can be aged up to four or seven years.
Wine Regions
The variety is most famous for its growing in Italy, where it covers over 150,000 acres. This grape variety is hard to find outside of Italy. Only a small amount of it is produced in Washington, and California on the US east coast.
Food and flavour combinations
You can expect fig and cherry on the nose and cranberry on the palate. The wine will take on a savoury note with hints of spice and leather from the light oaking. Pair this unique red wine with food by choosing tomatoey Italian dishes or herb-infused chicken to balance out the savoury notes.
Carmenere
Style
Carmenere, a lesser-known variety, is worth a look for any wine enthusiast. It produces outstanding red wines and is believed to be the precursor to Cabernet Franc and Merlot, two of the most popular red grapes. It is a grape that can be difficult to grow. However, the wines it produces are fruity, medium-bodied and have a smooth texture.
Wine Regions
Carmenere is most commonly found in Chile. It loves the warm climate. It is also the largest producer of wine in the world. However, other countries have also gotten in on the act. For example, the eastern regions of Italy, Argentina and New Zealand all produce less, as do USA.
Food and flavour combinations
The wine is full of notes of black and red fruits, as well as a distinctive smokiness, when the conditions are just right. Aromatic notes of herbs will also be present. A touch of dark cocoa is common on the palate. This wine is versatile in its pairings due to its well-rounded character. A strong cheeseboard, a smoked barbecue dish or slightly spicy Mexican food would be a good match.
Barbera
Style
This fruity red wine, which originates from Italy has experienced a recent surge in popularity. Barbera is known to produce full-bodied red wines with high acidity and low tannins.
Wine Regions
Italy is the world’s largest producer of Barbera grapes, accounting for over 80%. Other countries are taking note of the success of this grape and increasing their production. Slovenian winemakers produce some excellent examples, taking advantage of the climate similar to Italy. California, Argentina, and other places also grow small quantities.
Food and flavour combinations
Barbera is a wine that has a strong fruity flavour, with notes of blackberry and dark cherry. Barbera is not aged, but rather enjoyed young. As a result, oak-aged flavours tend to be limited. Italian wines are usually paired with Italian foods, and this wine is no different. You can also try a meaty bolognaise, or a classic pizza with meat.
Nebbiolo
Style
This bold red is not likely to be on your favourites list, probably because it’s relatively unknown. Nebbiolo is a powerful red wine that comes from Northern Italy. It has high tannins and a pale colour.
Wine Regions
This grape is most commonly grown in the Piedmont region Northern Italy for Barolo wines. However, it can be very fussy about climate and growing conditions. This grape is best grown on hillsides in the sun, with soils that are rich in clay or silt. It is not often planted outside of this area. Nebbiolo is a variety that has only been adopted by a few winemakers in the rest of world. There are a few producers in California as well as Australia. However, this difficult variety only thrives at specific locations.
Food and flavour combinations
You can expect to smell a bouquet of floral rose undertones and red fruit aromas. Expect a mouth-sticking tannin with leather flavours, then powerful notes of coffee and cherry. This is not a wine for the weak-hearted. Pair this wine with rich, oily food. Italian rustic cuisine, such as pastas with bold sauces and olive oil drizzled on top is a great choice. You can also try something more oriental, like Chinese or Asian food.
Nero d’Avola
Style
Nero D’Avola, another grape that is widely unknown, is a classic variety grown primarily in Sicily. This grape variety produces wines with a high level of tannins and acidity, as well as a powerful body. In the past, it was often blended with mainland wines to give them more body and color. However, today it can produce some excellent wines on its own.
Wine Regions
It thrives in the eastern part Sicily, where the cooler temperatures reduce alcohol levels. It’s no surprise that this grape isn’t being used by many winemakers in the new world. There are a few vineyards in Australia, and USA that are trialling the variety. Who knows, perhaps Nero d’Avola can make a bigger statement in future years.
Food and flavour combinations
This full-bodied, rich red wine is aged to bring out the deep, rich flavors of black cherry and liquorice. Some are young and fresh, with lighter notes and flavours such as red fruits and plum. Think of the classic pairings for this wine with rich beef stews and barbecued meats.
Gamay (Beaujolais)
Style
This grape produces elegant wines and is most often found in blends named Beaujolais. This grape produces wines that are light in colour, with a low alcohol content and high acidity. Gamay can be enjoyed when young, to enjoy the freshness of the grapes. It is even possible to serve it chilled, which is rare for red wines!
Wine Regions
Gamay is best suited to the granite soils of the Beaujolais Region. However, winemakers from Switzerland also produce some excellent single-varietal Gamay wines that are light, fresh, and fruity. Canada and New Zealand are also producing cool climate wines.
Food and flavour combinations
The aromas of red cherries and blackcurrants are what make Gamay wines so popular. Gamay has a lot of floral notes. Violet tones are common, followed by earthy undertones. This wine is great for food pairings. Christmas Day is a great time to open this bottle, since it goes well with mild turkey, cranberry sauce, and peppery potato.
Pinotage
Style
Pinotage, a man-made grape originally created in South Africa is a mixture of Pinot Noir with Cinsault. What an amazing mix! This grape variety produces full-bodied, rich wines with low acidity, light to medium tannins and intense flavors. This is a lovely wine that’s easy to drink.
Wine Regions
The second most popular grape variety in South Africa is Pinotage. It is also found in very small amounts in Australia.
Food and flavour combinations
Some have a hint of red fruit. Vino from older vines is rich, spicy and savoury with flavours of liquorice and leather. This wine is full of character, and has a long finish. Pinotage is best paired with meaty dishes. Consider venison, steak or a hearty soup.