As we slip into silk pyjamas and thick sock and cocoon ourselves in warm throws on the sofa, what greater indulgence than the comforting embrace of a glass of red wine, to be wrapped up in on a drizzly evening. Red wine boasts a rich portfolio, offering a diversity of profiles from bright, fruit-forward notes to deep and earthy undertones. Hence, what better time to put yourself at the mercy of the vast world of red wine. Start tasting and exploring what really works for you. Find your trusty companion to after work recuperation, or your favourite roast side pairing. Whether you’re a casual drinker or want to add to your vino education, understanding how to categorise red wines by the dominant flavours they present, will enable you to get the most out of your tasting experience. Here, we break down common flavour categories of red wine, as well as showing you the wines that fall within each category, to help you select a wine based on your taste preferences.
1. Red Wines with Rich Plum and Cherry Flavours
These wines tend to be smooth, bold, and fruit-forward, featuring ripe red and black fruits like plums, cherries, and blackberries. They’re versatile and can be enjoyed with various dishes or on their own.
- Merlot: Known for its softness and velvety texture, Merlot features flavours of black cherries, plums, and subtle hints of chocolate. It’s approachable and pairs well with roasted meats and stews.
- Zinfandel: Zinfandel delivers ripe fruit flavours of black cherries and plums with a jammy texture. Its spicy undertones make it an excellent match for BBQ or grilled meats.
- Montepulciano: This Italian wine brings rich, fruity flavours of plum, cherry, and red berries, along with smooth tannins. It’s ideal for pairing with pasta and pizza.
- Chianti: A Sangiovese-based wine, Chianti offers vibrant cherry and plum flavours, with an earthy, herbal undertone. Its high acidity and savory qualities make it perfect with Italian dishes like pasta and pizza.
2. Red Wines with Chocolatey and Indulgent Flavours
For those who love indulgence, some red wines provide layers of cocoa, coffee, and mocha alongside fruit flavours. These wines have a round, luxurious mouthfeel, making them ideal for pairing with desserts or rich, savoury dishes.
- Syrah/Shiraz: This full-bodied red is bold, featuring flavours of blackberries, dark chocolate, and espresso, often with peppery and smoky notes. It’s perfect for grilled meats or rich dishes like lamb.
- Malbec: Malbec is rich with dark fruits, chocolate, and tobacco notes. Velvety and indulgent, it pairs well with beef and game meats.
- Petite Sirah: Petite Sirah offers intense flavours of dark berries, cocoa, and spice with firm tannins. It’s a great match for robust meats or aged cheeses.
- Amarone: Made from dried grapes, Amarone is bold and luxurious, featuring flavours of dried figs, raisins, and dark chocolate. This full-bodied wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like braised meats or aged cheeses.
3. Red Wines Embracing Berry Flavours
Berry-flavored wines are vibrant, bright, and bursting with red and black fruit notes like raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry. These wines are often medium-bodied and range from dry to semi-sweet, making them versatile for a wide range of foods.
- Pinot Noir: Known for its light, delicate body, Pinot Noir offers flavours of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries, often with earthy undertones. It pairs well with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or mushroom dishes.
- Gamay: Best known for Beaujolais, Gamay is a light, fruity wine packed with strawberry and cranberry flavours. It’s refreshing and great for lighter meals like salads or charcuterie.
- Grenache: Known for its rich, fruity character, Grenache delivers flavours of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries, with a touch of spice. It’s ideal for Mediterranean dishes or tapas.
- Côtes du Rhône: This blend (usually of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) offers a balance of red and black fruit flavours like raspberries and blackberries, often with earthy and peppery notes. It pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, grilled meats, and stews.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: This Rhône Valley classic blends Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre to offer ripe red and black fruit flavours, with complex herbal and spicy undertones. Robust and structured, it’s a perfect pairing for roasted meats and game.
4. Lighter and Elegant Red Wines
For those who prefer softer, less tannic wines that are easy-drinking, these lighter red wines offer elegance and balance. They’re perfect for lighter fare or casual sipping.
- Tempranillo: Spain’s flagship grape, Tempranillo, delivers flavours of dried figs, cherries, and herbs. Its light to medium body makes it perfect for tapas, grilled vegetables, or roasted chicken.
- Barbera: Known for its bright acidity and light body, Barbera showcases fresh red fruit flavours like cherries and raspberries. It pairs well with Italian cuisine, especially tomato-based dishes.
- Gamay: Light and refreshing with bright berry flavours, Gamay is a wonderful option for those seeking an elegant, fruit-forward wine to enjoy with charcuterie or roasted poultry.
5. Earthy and Savoury Red Wines
If you enjoy complex, earthy flavours, these wines are more nuanced, offering savoury characters like leather, herbs, and spices. They’re perfect for pairing with rustic dishes or slow-cooked meals.
- Sangiovese: The backbone of Chianti, Sangiovese delivers tart cherry flavours with high acidity and savoury, herbal notes of dried herbs and leather. It’s the ideal match for pasta and roasted meats.
- Nebbiolo: Known for its elegant structure and high tannins, Nebbiolo wines like Barolo and Barbaresco offer flavours of cherries, roses, and tar, making them perfect for ageing. These wines pair well with rich dishes like truffle risotto or osso buco.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: One of the world’s most famous red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon brings robust flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy undertones. Its tannic structure makes it a great match for steak, lamb, or grilled portobello mushrooms.
- Bordeaux (Red): Typically, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, red Bordeaux offers a refined mix of dark fruits, tobacco, and earthy notes. Its complexity makes it ideal for pairing with roast meats, lamb, or aged cheese.
- Château Margaux (Bordeaux): This prestigious Bordeaux wine offers a balance of ripe dark fruits, earthiness, and elegance, with flavours of blackcurrants, cedar, and herbs. Known for its finesse, it pairs excellently with beef, lamb, or rich sauces.
- Rioja: Rioja, made primarily from Tempranillo, offers a balanced mix of red fruit flavours like cherries and strawberries with earthy, leather, and oak notes, especially in aged styles like Reserva and Gran Reserva. It pairs beautifully with lamb, roasted meats, and Spanish-style tapas.
6. Red Wines with Spicy and Peppery Flavours
Certain red wines have a distinct spicy kick, with flavours like black pepper, clove, or even tobacco. These wines are perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their glass.
- Carmenère: Known for its green pepper and spice notes, Carmenère offers smooth flavours of black fruit and herbs, with a slightly smoky finish. It pairs well with grilled meats and smoky dishes.
- Mourvèdre: Also known as Monastrell in Spain, Mourvèdre delivers flavours of blackberries, black pepper, and herbs. It’s perfect with game meats, sausages, or BBQ.
- Cabernet Franc: Earthy and herbaceous, Cabernet Franc offers red fruits with peppery spice. It’s a lighter alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon and pairs well with roasted vegetables or pork dishes.
From rich and indulgent to light and fruity, different red wines can provide a vast difference in drinking experience. Whether you enjoy the rich indulgence of chocolatey wines, the refreshing brightness of berry-forward wines, or the earthiness of more rustic varieties, there’s a red wine to suit every palate and occasion. Take the time to explore and get to know these different categories over the coming months, experimenting with different varietals to find your perfect match!