Let’s start with the classic European red wines
“Old World” wines hail from regions with a long history of viticulture, such as Europe and the Mediterranean. The characteristics of these wines are often shaped by traditional winemaking techniques and a strong connection to the land.
🇫🇷 Red wines of France
France, a cornerstone of the wine world, boasts a diverse range of red wines. The Bordeaux region, world-renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends, produces wines of elegance, structure, and longevity. Burgundy, on the other hand, is synonymous with Pinot Noir, a delicate and complex grape variety that yields wines of finesse and subtlety. Further south, the Rhône Valley offers bold, full-bodied wines like Syrah and Grenache, which are at once spicy and fruit-forward.
Let’s explore some of the most notable French red wines in detail:
🍷Cabernet Sauvignon
French Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly from the Bordeaux region, is renowned for its elegance and structure. Boasting a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, these wines exhibit dark fruit flavours, often accompanied by notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. With a high tannin content, Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon wines are ideal for ageing, often reaching their peak after several years.
🍷Burgundy Pinot Noir
Burgundy’s Pinot Noir wines captivate with their delicacy and complexity. These light-bodied reds reveal layers of red fruit, earthy undertones, and floral aromas. With a silky texture and refined tannins, Burgundian Pinot Noir wines are prized for their ability to express their unique terroir and vintage conditions.
🍷Loire Valley Cabernet Franc
The Loire Valley in central France is renowned for producing excellent Cabernet Franc wines, especially in appellations like Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny. These medium-bodied wines exhibit moderate tannins and bright acidity, with flavours of red fruit such as raspberry and redcurrant, alongside notes of bell pepper, pencil shavings, and earth. The freshness and elegance of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc make it a versatile, food-friendly wine, complementing roasted poultry, charcuterie, and vegetable dishes.
🍷Rhône Grenache
Grenache, a key grape variety in the Rhône Valley, produces red wines that are fruit-forward, spicy, and full-bodied. Often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre, Grenache contributes ripe red fruit flavours, such as raspberry and strawberry, as well as a hint of white pepper and allspice. These wines typically have moderate tannins and a lively acidity that balances their robust character.
🇮🇹 Red wines of Italy
Italy’s diverse climate and geography give rise to an array of red wine styles. Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region, are powerful, tannic wines with remarkable ageing potential. Tuscany, home to the famous Chianti, is a treasure trove of Sangiovesese-based wines, balancing acidity and earthy flavours. Amarone della Valpolicella, a rich, full-bodied wine from the Veneto region, is made using partially dried grapes, resulting in a unique raisin-like character and concentrated flavours.
Here are some of the best-known Italian red wines
🍷Piedmont Barolo
Barolo, produced from the Nebbiolo grape in Italy’s Piedmont region, is a powerful and tannic wine with a distinctive character. Displaying aromas of tar, roses, and cherries, Barolo wines offer a full-bodied palate, high acidity, and pronounced tannins. The ageing potential of these wines is remarkable, often requiring a decade or more to reach their peak.
🍷Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape, grown primarily in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Typically medium to full-bodied, these wines exhibit a deep ruby colour and a flavour profile that includes red and black fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, with hints of pepper and spice. Moderate acidity and soft tannins make Montepulciano d’Abruzzo an approachable and versatile wine, well-suited for pairing with a range of Italian dishes.
🍷Sicilian Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola is a red wine produced from the grape variety of the same name, which is native to the island of Sicily. This bold, full-bodied wine is known for its deep, inky colour and intense flavours of black fruits, plum, and black pepper, often accompanied by notes of chocolate, tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs. With its robust structure and moderate to high tannins, Nero d’Avola pairs exceptionally well with hearty meats and rich tomato-based dishes.
🍷Puglia Primitivo
Primitivo is a red wine made from the Primitivo grape, primarily grown in the Puglia region of southern Italy. This grape variety is genetically similar to Zinfandel and produces wines with a similar flavour profile. Primitivo wines are typically full-bodied, with rich flavours of dark fruits, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as notes of spice, chocolate, and leather. The wines often have high alcohol content and robust tannins, making them a perfect match for grilled meats, game, and strongly flavoured dishes.
🇪🇸 Red wines of Spain
Spain, the world’s third-largest wine producer, is renowned for its Tempranillo-dominated reds. The Rioja region, in particular, excels in producing age-worthy wines with a velvety texture and flavours of red fruit, leather, and tobacco. Another noteworthy Spanish wine is Ribera del Duero, which boasts powerful, dark fruit-driven expressions of Tempranillo.
Here’s a list of some of the most known Spanish red wines
🍷Rioja Tempranillo
Spanish Tempranillo, particularly from the Rioja region, is celebrated for its velvety texture and age-worthy profile. Aromas of red fruit, leather, and tobacco are complemented by a medium to full-bodied structure and well-integrated tannins. As these wines age, they develop complex secondary and tertiary flavours, highlighting their unique regional identity.
🍷Jumilla red wine
Jumilla is a wine region in southeastern Spain that has gained recognition for its high-quality, fruit-forward red wines made predominantly from the Monastrell grape, also known as Mourvèdre. Jumilla wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with flavours of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and black plum, as well as notes of leather, smoke, and Mediterranean herbs. The region’s hot, dry climate and limestone-rich soils contribute to the concentrated flavours and deep colour of these wines. With their moderate acidity and well-integrated tannins, Jumilla wines are an excellent match forgrilled meats, stews, and flavourful Spanish dishes.
🍷Duero Toro
Toro is a Spanish wine region located along the Duero River in northwestern Spain, known for producing powerful and robust red wines from the Tinta de Toro grape, a local variant of Tempranillo. Toro wines are characterised by their deep, dark colour and intense flavours of black fruit, accompanied by spicy, toasty, and earthy notes. The wines typically have a full body, high alcohol content, and firm tannins, making them well-suited for ageing. Toro’s unique terroir, with its high altitude and extreme climate, contributes to the distinctive character of these bold and expressive wines.
🍷Catalonian Priorat
Priorat is a highly regarded Spanish wine produced in the steep, slate-rich hills of Catalonia. Made predominantly from Grenache and Carignan grapes, along with some international varieties, Priorat wines are bold, full-bodied, and highly concentrated. These wines exhibit complex flavours of dark fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, as well as minerality and notes of licorice, graphite, and balsamic. The powerful structure, high tannins, and pronounced acidity make Priorat wines ideal for ageing, often requiring several years to soften and reveal their full potential.
🇬🇷 Red wines of Greece
The rich history and diverse terroir of Greece have given rise to a wide array of indigenous red wine varieties, reflecting the country’s unique viticultural heritage. Greek red wines are gaining international acclaim for their distinctive character and ability to express their regional identity. From the bold, full-bodied Agiorgitiko of the Peloponnese to the elegant, aromatic Xinomavro of Macedonia, Greek red wines offer an exciting journey into the world of ancient winemaking traditions and the rediscovery of long-forgotten grape varieties.
Let’s take a look at four red wines of Greece
🍷Peloponnese Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko, also known as St. George’s grape, is a red wine grape indigenous to the Peloponnese region of Greece. It is particularly associated with the Nemea appellation, where it produces a diverse range of wines, from fresh and fruity to full-bodied and age-worthy. Agiorgitiko wines typically exhibit flavours of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, along with notes of spice, chocolate, and dried herbs. The wines have a medium to full body, smooth tannins, and moderate acidity, making them versatile and enjoyable with a variety of food pairings, including Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
🍷Macedonia (Greece) Xinomavro
Xinomavro is a red grape variety native to the Macedonia region of northern Greece, particularly associated with the Naoussa appellation. This grape produces red wines with a high acidity, firm tannins, and a medium to full body, drawing comparisons to Italy’s Nebbiolo. Xinomavro wines showcase flavours of red fruit, such as strawberry and sour cherry, along with earthy, spicy, and tomato leaf notes. With their ageing potential and complexity, Xinomavro wines are well-suited for pairing with hearty meat dishes, roasted vegetables, and mushroom-based recipes.
🍷Ionian Mavrodaphne
Mavrodaphne is a red grape variety primarily grown in the Peloponnese and Ionian Islands of Greece. While best known for producing sweet, fortified wines, Mavrodaphne can also create dry, still red wines with a distinctive character. These wines typically have a full body, moderate acidity, and velvety tannins, displaying flavours of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, as well as notes of chocolate, coffee, and spice. Mavrodaphne’s unique flavour profile makes it an intriguing option for pairing with rich, flavourful dishes, including game, stews, and dark chocolate desserts.
🍷Lemnos Limnio
Limnio is an ancient red grape variety indigenous to the island of Lemnos in the northern Aegean Sea. This grape produces medium-bodied red wines with moderate acidity and firm tannins. Limnio wines are characterised by their flavours of red and black fruits, such as cherry and blackcurrant, accompanied by herbal, spicy, and earthy notes. With their well-balanced structure and distinct regional character, Limnio wines are an excellent match for Greek and Mediterranean dishes, particularly those featuring lamb, roasted vegetables, and tomato-based sauces.
Red wines from the Americas
🇲🇽 Red wines of Mexico
Mexico, a country with a long history of winemaking that dates back to the Spanish conquest, is experiencing a resurgence in its wine industry, producing a diverse array of red wines that reflect the nation’s varied terroir. The Valle de Guadalupe, located in the Baja California region, is the epicentre of Mexican wine production, crafting red wines from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Nebbiolo. These full-bodied red wines often exhibit well-integrated tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of black and red fruit, accompanied by notes of spice, leather, and earth. The unique climate and terroir of Mexico’s wine regions contribute to the distinct character and complexity of these red wines, making them a perfect match for the rich and flavourful cuisine of Mexico, as well as a wide range of international dishes.
Here are some of the most known Mexican red wines
🍷Valle de Guadalupe Cabernet Sauvignon
Valle de Guadalupe, located in Baja California, is Mexico’s premier wine region and is celebrated for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These full-bodied reds feature firm tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, and cassis, accompanied by notes of cedar, tobacco, and mint. The diverse terroir of Valle de Guadalupe imparts a distinct freshness and elegance to the wines, making them an excellent accompaniment to red meat dishes, such as steak, lamb, and roast beef.
🍷Parras Valley Tempranillo
The Parras Valley, situated in the northeastern state of Coahuila, is known for producing outstanding Tempranillo wines. These medium to full-bodied reds exhibit flavours of red fruit, such as cherry and plum, along with notes of leather, tobacco, and spice. Parras Valley Tempranillo often showcases soft tannins and moderate acidity, making it an excellent match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and robust cheeses. The unique terroir of the Parras Valley contributes to the rich, complex profile of these wines.
🍷Querétaro Syrah
The Querétaro region, located in central Mexico, is gaining recognition for its bold and powerful Syrah wines. These full-bodied reds often display flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as notes of black pepper, olive, and smoked meat. Querétaro Syrah typically has well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, with a depth and complexity that make it an excellent companion for flavourful dishes, such as grilled meats, game, and hearty stews.
🍷San Vicente Nebbiolo
San Vicente, a wine region in Baja California, is known for producing unique and expressive Nebbiolo wines. These reds are medium to full-bodied, with firm tannins and high acidity, offering flavours of red cherry, raspberry, and rose, accompanied by notes of tar, leather, and anise. The distinctive terroir of San Vicente imparts a particular character and structure to these wines, making them an ideal match for dishes such as roasted meats, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.
🇺🇸 Red wines of the United States
The United States is home to a wide array of wine-producing regions, each contributing unique styles of red wines that reflect the country’s diverse terroir. California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County are famous for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, renowned for their lush fruit flavours and opulent character. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the cooler climate gives rise to elegant and nuanced Pinot Noir wines with bright acidity and earthy undertones. Washington State is celebrated for its robust and well-structured reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, which display a harmony of fruit and complexity. New York State’s Finger Lakes region has also seen success with red wines, particularly Cabernet Franc and Lemberger, showcasing vibrant fruit and delicate herbal notes. In the emerging Texas Hill Country wine region, winemakers are crafting distinctive Tempranillo and Mourvèdre wines that reflect the warmth and diversity of the Texan terroir. These varied American wine regions collectively offer a remarkable range of red wines for enthusiasts to discover and enjoy.
Let’s discover some of the most renowned American red wines
🍷Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California’s most famous wine region, produces some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world. These bold, full-bodied reds display rich flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and black cherry, accompanied by notes of cedar, tobacco, and chocolate. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon often has firm tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish, making it an excellent candidate for ageing. The complexity and depth of these wines make them a perfect match for grilled meats, rich sauces, and robust cheeses.
🍷Sonoma County Zinfandel
Sonoma County, located in California, is known for its diverse terroir and high-quality wines, including its outstanding Zinfandel. These wines are typically full-bodied and fruit-forward, with flavours of blackberry, raspberry, and plum, as well as notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and clove. Sonoma Zinfandel often has a lush texture, moderate to high alcohol content, and well-integrated tannins, making it an enjoyable pairing for a range of dishes, including barbecued meats, spicy dishes, and rich, tomato-based sauces.
🍷Walla Walla Valley Syrah
The Walla Walla Valley, a wine region straddling the border between Washington State and Oregon, has gained acclaim for its expressive Syrah wines. These full-bodied reds often showcase flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as notes of olive, smoked meat, and black pepper. Walla Walla Valley Syrah typically has well-balanced tannins and acidity, with a depth and complexity that make it an excellent companion for bold, flavourful dishes, including grilled meats, game, and hearty stews.
🍷Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, situated in Oregon, is renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir wines that reflect the region’s cool climate and varied soils. These red wines are medium-bodied, with bright acidity and moderate tannins, offering flavours of red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, along with earthy and floral undertones. The elegance and complexity of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir make it a versatile and food-friendly wine, complementing a wide array of dishes, such as roasted poultry, grilled salmon, and mushroom risotto.
🇦🇷 Red wines of Argentina
Argentina, the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world, is renowned for its bold and expressive red wines, primarily from the Mendoza region at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The country’s flagship red grape, Malbec, thrives in the high-altitude vineyards, producing full-bodied wines with deep colour, robust tannins, and moderate acidity. Argentine Malbec is known for its rich flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and plum, alongside notes of violet, cocoa, and spice. In addition to Malbec, Argentina also excels in producing red wines from other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and Syrah, each showcasing unique regional characteristics. Argentine red wines are celebrated for their intensity and food-friendly nature, making them an ideal match for grilled meats, robust sauces, and hearty dishes.
Here’s a sample of the best Argentinian reds
🍷Mendoza Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina’s premier wine region, is renowned for its full-bodied and expressive Malbec wines. These reds exhibit deep colour, robust tannins, and moderate acidity, with flavours of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, accompanied by notes of violet, cocoa, and spice. Mendoza Malbec often showcases a velvety texture and a lingering finish, making it a perfect match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and robust cheeses. The high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza contribute to the unique character and complexity of these wines.
🍷San Juan Syrah
San Juan, Argentina’s second-largest wine region, is known for its warm climate and diverse terroir, producing bold and powerful Syrah wines. These full-bodied reds often display flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as notes of black pepper, olive, and smoked meat. San Juan Syrah typically has well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, with a depth and complexity that make it an excellent companion for flavourful dishes, such as grilled meats, game, and hearty stews.
🍷Salta Bonarda
The Salta region in northwestern Argentina is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world, producing distinctive red wines from the Bonarda grape. Salta Bonarda wines are medium to full-bodied, with soft tannins and bright acidity, offering flavours of red fruit, such as raspberry, red cherry, and red plum, along with notes of spice, earth, and a hint of smoke. The high-altitude vineyards of Salta contribute to the unique character and freshness of these wines, which pair well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.
🍷Uco Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Uco Valley, a sub-region of Mendoza, is gaining recognition for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These full-bodied reds feature firm tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, and cassis, along with notes of bell pepper, cedar, and tobacco. The high-altitude terroir of the Uco Valley imparts a distinct freshness and vibrancy to the wines, making them an excellent accompaniment to red meat dishes, such as steak, lamb, and roast beef.
🇨🇱 Red wines of Chile
Chile, that long, narrow country stretching along South America’s western edge, boasts a diverse array of wine-producing regions, each crafting unique red wines that reflect the nation’s varied terroir. The country’s flagship red grape, Carménère, was once thought to be extinct, but it has found a new home in Chile’s Central Valley, producing medium to full-bodied wines with flavours of red fruit, such as raspberry and cherry, along with notes of green bell pepper, tobacco, and earth. In addition to Carménère, Chile also excels in producing red wines from other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Chilean red wines are celebrated for their vibrant fruit character, well-integrated tannins, and food-friendly nature, making them an ideal match for a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to spicy cuisine.
Let’s take a look at these Chilean red wines
🍷Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir
The Casablanca Valley, a cool-climate region near Chile’s Pacific coast, is known for producing elegant and refined Pinot Noir wines. These reds are medium-bodied, with delicate tannins and bright acidity, offering flavours of red cherry, strawberry, and cranberry, accompanied by notes of earth, mushroom, and spice. The cool maritime influence in the Casablanca Valley contributes to the freshness and complexity of these wines, making them an ideal match for dishes such as roasted poultry, duck, and mushroom-based recipes.
🍷Aconcagua Valley Syrah
The Aconcagua Valley, located north of Santiago, is gaining recognition for its bold and powerful Syrah wines. These full-bodied reds often display flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as notes of black pepper, olive, and smoked meat. Aconcagua Valley Syrah typically has well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, with a depth and complexity that make it an excellent companion for flavourful dishes, such as grilled meats, game, and hearty stews.
🍷Colchagua Valley Carménère
The Colchagua Valley, situated in Chile’s Central Valley, is renowned for producing exceptional Carménère wines. These medium to full-bodied reds exhibit flavours of red fruit, such as raspberry and cherry, along with notes of green bell pepper, tobacco, and earth. Colchagua Valley Carménère often showcases soft tannins, moderate acidity, and a distinctive herbaceous character, making it an excellent match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and spicy dishes. The unique terroir of the Colchagua Valley contributes to the rich, complex profile of these wines.
🍷Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Maipo Valley, another prominent region in Chile’s Central Valley, is celebrated for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These full-bodied reds feature firm tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, and cassis, accompanied by notes of cedar, tobacco, and mint. The diverse terroir of the Maipo Valley imparts a distinct freshness and vibrancy to the wines, making them an excellent accompaniment to red meat dishes, such as steak, lamb, and roast beef.
Red wines from South Africa and Oceania
🇿🇦 Red Wines of South Africa
South African red wines are gaining international recognition for their quality and diversity. The Western Cape’s Stellenbosch region is particularly celebrated for its Bordeaux-style blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as its intriguing Pinotage, a local hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
Here’s a small list of outstanding New Zealand red wines
🍷Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa’s most famous wine region, is celebrated for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These full-bodied reds feature firm tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, and cassis, accompanied by notes of cedar, tobacco, and mint. The diverse terroir of Stellenbosch imparts a distinct freshness and elegance to the wines, making them an excellent accompaniment to red meat dishes, such as steak, lamb, and roast beef.
🍷Elgin Pinot Noir
The Elgin region, a cool-climate area in South Africa’s Western Cape, is known for producing elegant and refined Pinot Noir wines. These reds are medium-bodied, with delicate tannins and bright acidity, offering flavours of red cherry, strawberry, and cranberry, accompanied by notes of earth, mushroom, and spice. The cool maritime influence in the Elgin region contributes to the freshness and complexity of these wines, making them an ideal match for dishes such as roasted poultry, duck, and mushroom-based recipes.
🍷Paarl Pinotage
Paarl, situated in South Africa’s Western Cape, is renowned for producing exceptional Pinotage wines, a grape variety unique to the country. These medium to full-bodied reds exhibit flavours of red and black fruit, such as raspberry, blackberry, and plum, along with notes of smoke, earth, and a hint of banana. Paarl Pinotage often showcases soft tannins and moderate acidity, making it an excellent match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and robust cheeses. The diverse terroir of Paarl contributes to the rich, complex profile of these wines.
🍷Swartland Syrah
The Swartland region, located in the Western Cape, is gaining recognition for its bold and powerful Syrah wines. These full-bodied reds often display flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as notes of black pepper, olive, and smoked meat. Swartland Syrah typically has well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, with a depth and complexity that make it an excellent companion for flavourful dishes, such as grilled meats, game, and hearty stews.
🇦🇺 Red wines of Australia
Australia has emerged as a global wine powerhouse, with Shiraz (known as Syrah elsewhere) being its flagship red grape. The Barossa Valley in South Australia produces Shiraz wines that are bold, full-bodied, and laden with dark fruit flavours and spicy notes. Coonawarra, another prominent region, is famous for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying cassis, mint, and eucalyptus characteristics.
Here are some Australian red wines worthy of mention
🍷Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, notably from the Coonawarra region, is a refined and expressive red wine. With a full body, firm tannins, and balanced acidity, these wines feature prominent flavours of cassis, mint, and eucalyptus, often accompanied by hints of cedar and tobacco. The unique terroir of Coonawarra lends a distinctive character to these Cabernet Sauvignon wines, setting them apart from their international counterparts.
🍷Yarra Valley Pinot Noir
The Yarra Valley, located in Victoria, is known for producing elegant and refined cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir. These red wines are medium-bodied, with delicate tannins and bright acidity, offering flavours of red cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry, accompanied by notes of earth, mushroom, and spice. Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is often praised for its complexity and food-friendly nature, making it an ideal match for dishes such as roasted poultry, duck, and mushroom-based recipe.
🍷McLaren Vale Grenache
McLaren Vale, situated in South Australia, is renowned for its Mediterranean climate and diverse range of red wines, including exceptional Grenache. McLaren Vale Grenache is typically medium-bodied, with bright acidity and supple tannins, displaying flavours of red fruit, such as strawberry and raspberry, as well as notes of white pepper, dried herbs, and earth. The fresh, fruity character of these wines makes them a versatile pairing option for a wide array of dishes, from grilled meats to spicy Mediterranean cuisine.
🍷Barossa Shiraz
Australian Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a bold and full-bodied red wine with a robust profile. Originating in the Barossa Valley, these wines showcase dark fruit flavours, often accompanied by spicy notes and a hint of black pepper. With a rich, velvety texture and firm tannins, Australian Shiraz wines are as expressive as they are inviting.
🇳🇿 Red wines of New Zealand
While New Zealand is primarily known for its Sauvignon Blanc, nevertheless the country also produces outstanding red wines, particularly Pinot Noir. The Central Otago region, with its cool climate and diverse terroir, yields Pinot Noirs that are complex, layered, and expressive of their unique environment.
Discover some of the amazing New Zealand red wines
🍷Central Otago Pinot Noir
Central Otago, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines. These wines are typically medium-bodied, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity, displaying flavours of red fruit, such as cherry, raspberry, and currant, as well as notes of earth, spice, and floral undertones. Central Otago Pinot Noir’s elegance and complexity make it an excellent pairing for a wide range of dishes, including roasted poultry, grilled salmon, and mushroom-based recipes.
🍷Hawke’s Bay Merlot
Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is celebrated for its Bordeaux-style red wines, particularly Merlot. These wines are medium to full-bodied, with well-rounded tannins and balanced acidity, showcasing flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and plum, as well as notes of chocolate, cedar, and tobacco. The approachable and fruit-driven nature of Hawke’s Bay Merlot makes it an enjoyable match for a range of dishes, including grilled meats, roast lamb, and pasta with tomato-based sauces.
🍷Waiheke Island Syrah
Waiheke Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, is gaining recognition for its premium red wines, including its expressive Syrah. These full-bodied wines often exhibit flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, accompanied by notes of black pepper, olive, and smoked meat. Waiheke Island Syrah typically has well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, with a depth and complexity that make it an excellent companion for bold, flavourful dishes, such as grilled meats, game, and hearty stews.
🍷Marlborough Pinot Noir
Marlborough, situated at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its diverse terroir and high-quality wines, including outstanding Pinot Noir. These wines are medium-bodied, with bright acidity and supple tannins, offering flavours of red fruit, such as strawberry and cranberry, along with subtle earthy and spicy notes. The fresh, fruit-forward character of Marlborough Pinot Noir makes it a versatile and food-friendly wine, complementing dishes like roast chicken, pork tenderloin, and vegetable-based recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
Store red wine horizontally in a cool, dark place, with a consistent temperature of around 12-15°C and a humidity level of 60-70%.
Light-bodied reds are best served at 12-16°C (53-60°F), while medium to full-bodied reds should be served at 16-18°C.18 (60-64°F)
An opened bottle of red wine can last for 3-5 days if properly resealed and stored in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator.
The number of calories in a bottle of red wine can vary depending on the alcohol content and sugar levels. On average, a 750ml bottle of red wine with 13% alcohol by volume contains approximately 600-625 calories which is the equivalent of a medium-sized cheeseburger.
