Whether you are a casual wine drinker or a connoisseur, the classic red wine will have graced your glass on multiple occasions. Indeed, there is a red wine for every occasion, be it a quiet meal or a dinner party. The ubiquitous red wine can be found everywhere, from bar cabinets to wine cellars to investment portfolios, and has been one of the more traditionally popular types of wine in the world.
There are many popular red wine varietals produced in wine regions around the world, from Napa to New Zealand. We have curated a list of the most popular red wines for you to try this year, from the pocket-friendly to the limited edition.
Pinot Noir
The classic grape’s name means ‘pine and black’ and it is loved worldwide for its bold red fruit flavours and warm floral notes. It is a somewhat tough grape to grow because of its delicate skin and difficulty in ripening. The Pinot Noir is a Burgundy mainstay and is also found in cooler climates across France, Oregon, California, and New Zealand, among others.
The 2012 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru. The DRC is among Burgundy’s most famous and sought-after wine producers, known for their limited production of high-quality Pinot Noir. The 2012 DRC is a dark and structured vintage with floral notes, strong tannins, and a smoky minerality. Aromas of dark fruit and olives with earth tones on the nose complement the flavours of wild berries and herbs. Pairs well with fatty dishes of meat and game birds.
Merlot
A popular Bordeaux red, the Merlot boasts of fine ageing, easy-drinking, and deep fruit flavours like plum and cherry. Thanks to its reliable ripening and thickness of skin, it is currently the second most widely cultivated red varietal in the world, from Southwest France and northern Italy to the Pacific Coast and Chile.
Try this: The Dogwood & Thistle Merlot 2019. From the family owned Coombsville vineyards in Napa Valley. A rich but well-balanced vintage with a natural acidity that shines through and 16% Cab Sauv that is blended in. There is both a lightness and a depth about this American Merlot that is well-loved for its bramble fruit flavours and notes of berries. Pairs well with lamb and is ideal for wine and cheese nights.
Syrah
The Syrah or the Shiraz is the quintessential red wine from Australia. Otherwise known as Hermitage or as Côte-Rôtie in the Rhône valley, this is a full-bodied and structured wine with dark fruit notes. The Mourvèdre, or Mataro, is a popular Syrah blend from Southern France and South Africa in addition to Australia. It is deeply aromatic and textured with peppery notes.
Try this: The 2019 Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvèdre. From Australia’s most famous wine estate. The Penfold reds are typically a blend of Cab Sauv and Shiraz grapes. An atypical South Australian dry red, the 2019 Penfolds blend is a deep coloured, medium-bodied vintage. Flavoured with summery fruits and enhanced by fine tannins, it smacks of tomato-leaf and sour-cherry and a hint of cedar oak. Pairs well with beef and venison.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably one of the top two popular red wines in the world, rivalled only by Burgundy Pinot Noir, and ahead of its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot. Today it is cultivated nearly all over the world, including the New World wine regions like Napa Valley and Maipo Valley. This pervasiveness is mainly due to the adaptability of the vines to different soil types and climates. But irrespective of the territory, Cab Sauv wines all share a deep hue, good acidity and tannin, and notes of blackcurrant, spices, and cedar.
Try this: The 2015 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon. From Napa Valley’s most notable winery for the world’s best Cab Sauv that has a waiting list running into thousands. The low yield and high demand make it one of the more expensive red wines in the world. heavy price tag. Blended with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this bold and structured vintage is both intensely deep and adequately balanced. It features layered flavours of black and red fruits, and complex aromas of black cherry, cigar box, graphite, and spring florals. Pairs well with heavier meats like beef and venison.
Tempranillo
Spain’s signature grape, Tempranillo, is much loved for its starring role in the wines of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Tempranillo is used to produce rosé wine, and its blend with Garnacha (or Grenache) combines Spain’s two core red varietals to produce both red and rosé wines across the country. These are hardy bush wines that offer a variety of flavours, from red cherries to blackcurrants to tobacco.
Try this: The 2015 Viña Ardanza Reserva from La Rioja Alta. A classic and savoury Garnacha-Tempranillo. With medium-high depth, supple tannins, splendid balance, and a pleasant structure in the mouth, this timeless vintage shines with flavours of ripe fruit, sweet liquorice, and spices. Additional notes of sweet spices and stewed red fruits complement the elegant palette. It is worth mentioning that this 2015 vintage was a gold winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in its year. Pairs well with lamb dishes.
There are several other popular red wines you can try, such as Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Malbec. We recommend the Carlo Giacosa Barbaresco ‘Montefico’ 2016 made from Nebbiolo and the 2017 Clos de los Siete Malbec by Michel Rolland.
