If you want to learn more about the many types of red wine, you're in the right place. A nice glass of red wine can help you relax after a long day at work or add depth to your meal. Finding the perfect wine for the occasion is part of the fun, and helps you discover what you do and don’t like.
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For newer wine connoisseurs, it can feel overwhelming to choose from the various types of wine available. Beyond just reds, whites, and sparkling wines, the different types of red wine can be broken down even further.
Ready to explore your red wine options? The Wine Cellar Group is here to help you get started. Below, we’ll go over the most popular types and their flavor profiles. This complete guide will help give you an idea of which red wine will match your flavor preferences and fit the occasion perfectly.
Understanding Red Wine
What is red wine? To put it simply, it’s wine made from red grapes. If you want to be more specific, the grapes are technically called black grapes. However, the dark skin of the grape is what creates that vibrant red color in the finished product.
The differences in flavor between red and white wines are primarily in their textures and flavors. Red wines will typically have a fuller and smoother texture compared to white wines, which are usually lighter and more crisp.
Red wines also tend to lean more towards fruitier, berry flavor profiles such as cherry, blackberry, and strawberry. White wines have a more citrus profile, such as orange and lemon.
Popular Types of Red Wine
While all red wines are made with black grapes, they’re not all the same. The flavor and style of the wine can vary depending on the type of grape used, the region in which it’s made, how the makers age the wine, whether or not they add sugar, and more.
It can feel overwhelming to keep track of all this while standing in the wine aisle, so we’ll go over some of the most popular types of red wine and their key features. You can reference this guide whenever you need it, and your knowledge of wine will continue to expand the more you explore your options.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wine options you’ll find in any store. And it’s for a good reason—this full-bodied wine has a medium acidity level and vibrant fruit flavors that appeal to any flavor palate. Cabernet originates from the Bordeaux region in France, but in recent years its production has expanded to Spain, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and of course California.
This rich wine typically has dark fruit flavors such as cherry that pair wonderfully with a heavier meal such as steak or a dark chocolate dessert. If you’re looking for a nice bottle to try, the Shroud Mountain Cab bottle has a vibrant blackberry and black plum profile with a delicate note of cinnamon from the oak aging process.
Pinot Noir
This classic red originates from the Burgundy region of France, though countries such as the United States and New Zealand have also started producing their own bottles. It’s a lighter wine that has a smooth finish and lighter fruit notes. Since it’s a fruitier wine, you can pair it with a variety of dishes, from game birds such as duck to a simple grilled salmon.
The Purple Owl Pinot Noir from Wine Cellar Group is a silky red wine option that’s perfect for any occasion. The delicate black cherry and raspberry flavors pair with hints of violet to create a smooth drink that engulfs your palate.
Merlot
Merlot is a well-rounded wine that stands on its own and creates excellent blends. This drink is medium-bodied with medium acidity levels and medium tannins. It’s also from Bordeaux, and France is the go-to producer for many wine enthusiasts.
While the flavor profile can vary depending on the maker, common notes include plum, blackberries, vanilla, and spice. Pair it with a richer meal such as a roast dinner or lamb for a full-bodied dining experience.
If you’re looking for a classic Merlot-based blend, the Château Moulin du Prieur has an earthy-spice profile and cassis notes that pair beautifully with hearty pasta dishes and charcuterie boards with firm cheeses.
Syrah or Shiraz
Named for the grapes it’s made from, this wine has a medium acidity and high tannins that create a rich finished product that’s aged to perfection. This grape originated from France, though its production has expanded far beyond that. The flavor can vary between the Old World and New World options, with Old World Syrah being more earthy and New World Shiraz being more fruit-driven. Both pair beautifully with barbecued foods such as ribs or wings as well as hard cheeses.
Our Black Stump Durif Shiraz creates magic with notes of blueberry and chocolate. The added spicy bramble notes take this drink to the next level and create a structured, strong finish.
Malbec
Originating from France and expanding to vineyards in Argentina, Malbec is a deep, rich red wine with a high alcohol level and a full body of flavor. The strong blueberry and plum flavors bring lingering notes of pepper and tobacco, creating a strong drink that pairs with rich, meaty dishes. The bold flavors need a bold meal to counterbalance it, such as a steak or a spicy dish.
At Wine Cellar Group, our J Opi Malbec brings smoky vanilla flavors with juicy red berries and a light floral finish. This dry red wine perfectly fuses fruit and oak to create a bold, well-rounded sip.
Zinfandel
This drink has roots in Croatia and has expanded to Italy and parts of California. With a high alcohol content and a kick of acidity, this rich red wine typically has dark fruit flavors such as blackcurrant, raspberry, and blackberry. Some bottles may have extra notes of black pepper and smoke, making it the perfect pairing for a meaty dish with rich flavors.
For a velvety sip with subtle fruity and spicy notes, look no further than the Capital Z Zinfandel. This wine brings intense, mouth-filling notes of red and black fruits that pair with barbecued meats, hearty stews, grilled veggies, and more!
Tempranillo
If you’re looking for a medium to full-bodied red with a vibrant ruby color, consider a Tempranillo. This beverage originated from Spain and Portugal, and its high tannin levels create an acidity that pairs with bold notes of strawberry and cherry. Pair this bottle with a delicate dish with mushrooms or a rich steak for a well-rounded dining experience.
Our Palacio Conde GR Tempranillo is the top tier of Spanish red wines, and the extended aging process creates a soft vanilla finish. You can pair it with a strong cheese or tapas for a spice-kissed finish.
Sangiovese
A Sangiovese is better enjoyed young, but letting it age creates a very high acidity and tannin level that makes this medium-bodied wine stand out from the rest. It was originally grown in Italy, though now it’s also produced in areas of Washington and California. Strong cherry and herb flavors with a hint of leather make this savory wine a great pairing with pasta dishes or herb-crusted chicken.
For a wine that pairs well with pizza and pasta dishes, try the Collezione di Paolo Chianti. This red-purple wine brings an aroma of cherry and violets that balances well with Pecorino cheese and spicy Sopressata.
How To Choose The Right Type of Red Wine for You
With so many different types of red wine to choose from, how do you know which is the right one for you? The first thing to consider is your taste preference. Do you prefer a fruitier wine or a more acidic one? Also, think about the occasion and what foods you’ll be pairing the drink with, and find a red wine that matches both.
Try different options and learn your flavor preferences so you pick a bottle you’ll actually like. Explore new bottles, go to wine tastings, or visit a local Wine Cellar Group location to find the perfect bottle for you.
Red Wine FAQ
Which types of red wine are sweet?
While many red wines are considered dry, certain Ports and Zinfandels tend to be fruitier due to a higher sugar content.
Which red wines are dry?
Most red wines are considered dry because of a lack of sugar in the finished product and higher levels of tannins and alcohol.
What type of glass should I use for red wine?
Red wine glasses come in a variety of shapes and styles, and each impacts how the wine releases certain aromas and flavors. A good rule of thumb is to look for one with a circular base and slender stem.
What temperature should red wine be served at?
You should serve lighter reds around 54℉, medium-bodied reds around 57℉, and fuller red wines around 61℉.
How long does opened red wine last?
The tannins give the wine its color and slow the oxygenation process. The deeper the red color of the wine, the longer it will last after you open the bottle.
