Red wine is treasured across the world for its depth of flavour, level of sophistication, and easy pairability with a number of popular cuisines and dishes. Show In this guide to red wine, we explore the prominent red wine varietals available, the common flavours and characteristics of each, and how best to consume and match food with each one. Red Wine VarietalsConsidering how many red-wine-producing grapes and blends that exist in the world, it would take a lifetime to explore each and every one of them in fine detail. That being said, most of the bottles of red wine found in bottle shops, bars, and restaurants across the world can be narrowed down to the following individual grape types or blends, explored below. Just 32 red wine varieties make up a majority of the wine available in the marketplace. If all red wines were placed on this chart, there would be hundreds! By the way, it’s possible to find a wine that doesn’t line up exactly as depicted. Still this chart helps discover which red wines are bolder than others. Where does boldness in wine come from?A combination of several fundamental traits in wine define how bold it is. For example, the tannin level in wine indicates boldness, and so alcohol level. Higher alcohol wines tend to taste bolder. On the other hand, wines with lower alcohol, less tannin, and higher acidity are lighter-bodied.  Buy the book, get a course. Get the Wine 101 Course ($50 value) FREE with the purchase of Wine Folly: Magnum Edition. Shop NowAnother common way to identify a wine’s position in the spectrum has to do with its dominant fruit characteristics:
Tips: Wines may taste different than depicted depending where they’re grown and how they’re made. Climate Affects Boldness in Red WineThe fascinating thing about wine grapes is the wide range of climates in which they can grow. However, you’ll notice that certain varieties grow only in cool climates and vice versa. Cooler climates tend to produce lighter red wines with higher acidity. Everyone has heard of Pinot Noir, but did you know there are at least 13 common light red wine varieties? Do You Know All 13 Light Red Wine Varieties?Light red wines are awesome because they pair well with a wide variety of foods. Plus, they tend to have lower tannin. It makes this style of wine a great choice for those just getting into red wine. I’ve listed them for you from lightest to richest (keep in mind that every wine is a bit different, so results will vary!). LambruscoThe common winemaking method for Lambrusco makes it the lightest red wine on our list. In fact, if you want to nit-pick, Lambrusco di Sorbara is the lightest of them all. Lambrusco is the name of several wine grapes native to Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy (Same region as Parmigiano-Reggiano). There are about 15 kinds of Lambrusco grapes, but about 6 are commonly known. If you’re looking for great quality, start with Lambrusco di Grasparossa and Lambrusco di Sorbara. Buy the book, get a course. Get the Wine 101 Course ($50 value) FREE with the purchase of Wine Folly: Magnum Edition. Shop NowWhat does Lambrusco taste like? Typically a little bubbly, Lambrusco ranges from strawberries to blueberries with a pleasant hint of bitterness. Read More About Lambrusco GamayGamay (aka Gamay Noir) is better known as Beaujolais, which is the region in France where Gamay originates. Family wineries like Pasquier-Desvignes have been producing Gamay in Beaujolais since the 1400s. Gamay is a “drink now” wine, meaning it should be consumed within a year or two after being bottled. In fact, Beaujolais Nouveau is designed to be enjoyed as soon as a month or two after its release, between Late October and January. What does Gamay taste like? Gamay can taste quite similar to Pinot Noir, falling more on the earthy side with flavors of cherry, herbs, and sometimes banana. The banana flavor in Gamay is a result of a winemaking process called carbonic maceration. Read More About Gamay ZweigeltZweigelt was created during the age of viticulture experimentation in the 1900s, which also brought us Pinotage and Müller-Thurgau. Zweigelt is a hybrid of St. Laurent and Blaufrankish made in Austria. Winemakers may use oak or blend Zweigelt with other indigenous varieties, such as St. Laurent, to make the wine less “juicy” and more complex. Because of its lack of tannin and often acidity, you’ll want to drink it young. What does Zweigelt taste like? With a purple hue it has flavors of fresh berries with somewhat crunchy tannins. Read More About Zweigelt Pinot NoirPinot Noir sets the benchmark for light red wine. It is the most widely grown wine variety, originally cultivated by Cistertian monks in Burgundy, France. Pinot Noir’s high acidity and low alcohol make it a great wine for long term aging. What does Pinot Noir taste like? Since Pinot Noir is so widely cultivated, each of the major regions have very different taste profiles ranging from bitter cranberry to black raspberry cola. Pinot Noir is a highly aromatic, lower tannin wine. Pinot Noir Serving Temperature: 59°F – 64°F Just cool. Read More About Pinot Noir St. LaurentThis special Austrian grape is in the same family as Pinot Noir! Wines are typically darker and richer than Pinot Noir. In fact, I might wager to say that St. Laurent may be the most underrated light red wine on this list. What does St. Laurent taste like? Tasting very similar to Pinot Noir but darker, St. Laurent packs black raspberry flavors with a pleasant earthy note. St. Laurent is often aged in oak making this wine very lush. Read More About St. Laurent Cinsaut (cinsault)Cinsault is one of the 17 sanctioned varieties used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is found mostly in the South of France. Cinsault has long been used in low quality wines because of the vine’s ability to produce high yields of 6 tons per acre (versus pinot noir at 3 tons/acre). However, reducing the yields has produced richer wines which showcase Cinsault’s distinct savory characteristics. What does Cinsault taste like? Meaty aromas that could be described as “hotdog” but mostly Cinsault is savory with hints of pepper and cherry. Read More About Cinsault PinotageChampioned in the early 1900’s as South Africa’s grape, it is actually a cross between Cinsaut and Pinot noir. Pinotage developed a bad reputation from years of use as a value wine. Poor examples were noted as smelling like nail polish remover, hardly even drinkable. Since those dark years it’s seen some much deserved appreciation from higher quality producers. What does Pinotage taste like? Brambly like wild blackberries with a meaty flavor. Read More About Pinotage PrimitivoSouthern Italy’s Primitivo is identical to Zinfandel. That said, the Primitivo wines from Puglia can be a bit lighter in style. A fruit-forward wine, most Primitivo wines are aged in American oak to add spice and vanilla. What does Primitivo taste like? Raspberry jam with earthy hints of clay. GrenacheGrenache is a grape variety made popular by producers from the Rhône in France and all over Spain (where it’s known as Garnacha). It’s used as the primary blending grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is also the “G” in GSM blends. When blended, it adds a very desirable spice and aromatic characteristics to the wine. On its own, Grenache is lighter bodied with higher acidity. What does Grenache taste like? Grenache is floral with slight hints of citrus. The berry flavors in Grenache are cherry, raisin and red currant. Read More About Grenache CounoiseCounoise is one of the sanctioned varieties used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is a low-yield, high quality grape. It is often used in blends to add complexity, spice, and anise. What does Counoise taste like? Light plum, strawberry, pepper and licorice. Counoise has higher acidity with a medium length finish. Read More About Counoise ZinfandelAmerica’s sweetheart grape, zinfandel is known for its intense jammy fruit flavors while still being very light bodied. Read why Your Next Bottle Will be a Zinfandel. What does Zinfandel taste like? Ranging from black raspberry and mocha to spicy strawberry jam. Zinfandel is typically a higher alcohol wine. Read More About Zinfandel Blaufränkisch (Lemberger)A German grape variety that has a dark purple hue with higher tannins than you’d expect in a light red wine. What does Blaufränkisch taste like? American Lemberger producers make wines similar to that of a very rich Pinot Noir. While in Germany the flavor of Blaufränkisch tastes of blackberries with a green earthy finish. Blaufränkish Serving Temperature: 62°F – 65°F Cool room temperature. Read More About Blaufränkisch NebbioloNebbiolo is one of Italy’s most famous grapes, known for its use in Barolo and Barbaresco. It’s a high tannin, light red wine that will dry out the front and insides of your cheeks. Nebbiolo smells like roses, clay and cherries. What does Nebbiolo taste like? Intense tannins, pepper, rose and savory red currant flavors. Read More About Nebbiolo Round out your red wine learning with the “How Wine is Made” poster set – it breaks down how delicious Reds and Whites go from ground to table. Is Shiraz light or dark?Shiraz, as it became widely known in Australia, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown around the world, from Europe to New World countries like the United States, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand.
What wine is light red?Pinot Noir sets the benchmark for light red wine. It is the most widely grown wine variety, originally cultivated by Cistertian monks in Burgundy, France. Pinot Noir's high acidity and low alcohol make it a great wine for long term aging.
Is Shiraz a strong red?Shiraz is an expressive red wine grape that produces a bold wine with an intense flavor profile and complex tasting notes similar to that of Pinot Noir or Malbec. It is one of the most planted grapes in Australia.
Is Shiraz lightShiraz or syrah is another popular medium to full bodied all round favourite produced in both new and old world wine producing countries, from the US and Australia to Spain and France. Expect plenty of dark fruit and pepper and firm tannins in a glass from this bold ruby hue coloured wine.
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Is a Shiraz a light red?
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