What are the best red wines?
There is no single best red wine; the best one is the style you enjoy at a price you accept. For a smooth, easy glass start with Pinot Noir, Merlot or Grenache. For a bold, powerful red choose Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz or Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah are among the most widely grown and sold red varieties.
Free download
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF): How long liqueurs, spirits, wine and mixers last, opened and unopened. 25 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What is a good red wine to start with?
Match the wine to how you like to drink. Light and fruity: Pinot Noir, Gamay (Beaujolais). Soft and easy: Merlot, Grenache/Garnacha. Rich and structured: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, Tempranillo.
Most popular types of red wine compared
| Wine | Body | Typical taste | Good with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Light | Red cherry, cranberry, earthy | Salmon, duck, mushrooms |
| Merlot | Medium | Plum, black cherry, soft tannins | Roast chicken, pasta, burgers |
| Grenache / Garnacha | Medium | Raspberry, strawberry, spice | Grilled meats, tapas |
| Sangiovese | Medium | Cherry, tomato-like acidity | Tomato pasta, pizza |
| Syrah / Shiraz | Full | Blackberry, pepper | Barbecue, stews |
| Malbec | Full | Plum, blackberry, cocoa | Steak |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Full | Blackcurrant, cedar, firm tannins | Steak, lamb, hard cheese |
What is the best smooth red wine?
Smooth usually means low tannin and ripe fruit. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Grenache and Beaujolais are the usual picks. Tannin is the dry, grippy feel on your gums; young Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo have more of it.
What are the strongest red wines?
Strength means alcohol by volume (ABV), printed on the label. Most reds fall around 12 to 15%. Ripe, warm-climate wines such as Zinfandel, Shiraz and some Grenache and Malbec often sit at the high end, while Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are often lower. It varies by producer and year, so read the label.
How to pick a good bottle
- Choose by grape or region you already liked, not by price alone.
- Check the vintage and ABV on the label.
- Ask the shop for a wine in your price range that is similar to one you enjoyed.
- Serve most reds slightly below room temperature, light ones a little cooler.
Awards and top-10 lists vary from critic to critic, so we do not rank bottles. Taste is personal; try two or three styles side by side.
People also ask
What is the most popular red wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah/Shiraz are among the most widely grown and sold red varieties.
What is the smoothest red wine?
Wines with low tannin and soft fruit, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Grenache and Beaujolais, taste the smoothest to most people.
Which red wines are strongest?
Full-bodied reds from warm regions, such as Zinfandel and Shiraz, are often among the higher-alcohol reds, but ABV varies by bottle, so check the label.
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
