Bold And Beautiful; 5 Popular Red Wines

Red wine has many layers, complex flavours and intoxicating aromas. It exudes warmth and depth in every sip. Its deep, velvety shades hint at the layers of flavour waiting to be discovered, from the bold fruitiness of ripe berries and plums to the subtle and surprising notes of spice and earthy undertones of oak and tobacco. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a novice exploring the wonderful world of wine, here are five popular red wines you should know about:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines in the world, and the basis for many famous Bordeaux wine blends (where it’s traditionally blended with merlot grape). Loved by many and considered as the ultimate red wine, this full-bodied (heavy in flavour and texture) deep red (sometimes purple) coloured wine bursts with flavours of ripe red fruit such as blackcurrant and blackberry, and sometimes chocolate. It’s often aged in oak to add depth and complexity, resulting in smokey flavours and hints of vanilla- this wine gets better with age. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully well with rich meaty dishes like steak and lamb.
2. Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine that’s known for its delicate and refined aromas of raspberry and strawberry, with a subtle earthiness that sets it apart from other reds. Much lighter in colour and alcohol content to its red counterparts, this elegant and versatile wine pairs well with a variety of dishes including roast chicken, pork and grilled salmon. Pinot noir often doesn’t age well in the bottle (5 years should be enough) due to having fewer tannins. The grape (along with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier) is often used in the production of champagne as it helps to create a wine that’s complex and well balanced. It’s grown in many wine regions around the world, including Burgundy in France.
3. Merlot is a medium to full-bodied red wine known for its soft, velvety texture and smooth finish, with flavours of red fruit (plum, black cherry, and blackberry)and a hint of vanilla and spice. Merlot has the ability to sweeten dry wine (while Cabernet sauvignon dries sweet wine) and is a popular choice for those who prefer a red that’s easy to drink. Merlot pairs well with a variety of dishes like pasta, pizza, and grilled meat.
4. Syrah/Shiraz is a dark skinned red grape that produces full-bodied dark ruby wine with bold, spicy flavours. It includes notes of black pepper, tobacco, and leather, with hints of dark fruit like blueberries. Syrah/Shiraz is enjoyed by those who prefer a wine that’s bold with a long and lingering finish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meat and hearty stews.
5. Zinfandel (sometimes known as Primitivo) is a medium to full-bodied wine with bold, fruity flavours. It includes notes of raspberry, blackberry, and black cherry, with a hint of spice. Zinfandel is a popular choice for those who enjoy a wine that’s easy to drink and pairs well with pizza, pasta and spicy dishes. It is primarily grown in California and is often associated with the region of Sonoma.

Another popular red wine that needs mentioning is Malbec: this is an easy drinking deep purple full-bodied dry red wine popular for its bold flavours of juicy fruit like black cherry and red plum, with notes of vanilla, tobacco, coffee and oak. This grape is primarily grown in the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina.

And there you have it. This is but a tip of the world of red wine, as it’s vast and varied, with a wide range of grapes, styles, and flavours to choose from.

Whether savoured slowly over the course of an intimate conversation or enjoyed with a hearty meal shared among friends, red wine is a true sensory experience that engages all of the senses and lingers in the memory long after the glass is empty.

Looking for a bold, full-bodied wine or a lighter, more delicate one; there’s definitely a red wine out there for you to enjoy.