Red Wines - Some of the Most Popular Varieties
There are many types of red wine varieties available on the market, but some are more popular than others.
These include: Cabernet Sauvignon - this is probably one of the most popular red wines and are generally big, full bodied and tannic.
It is often blended with cabernet franc and merlot and is considered among the finest reds in Australia, California and Chile.
• Pairs well with red meat.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in every red wine growing region, except northern fringes of Germany Merlot - is easy to drink with softness and a good starting point for new red wine drinkers.
• Pairs well with any food.
• Popular growing regions include; Italy, Romania, California, Washington, Chile and Australia.
Pinot Noir - are normally light bodied with soft tannic, they have become increasingly popular recently and are hot on the heels of Cabernets and merlots.
• Pairs well with salmon, chicken and lamb • Popular growing regions include burgundy in France, Austria, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
Shiraz / Syrah - are full of wonderful fruit flavours with hints of pepper and spice.
• Pairs well with meat (steak, beef, stews, etc) • Popular growing regions include California, Australia and Rhone Valley in France.
Malbec - characteristics vary on where it is grown.
It is generally an easy drinking wine, well coloured with tastes of plums, berries and spice.
• Pairs well with any meat dish • Its original growing district is the French Bordeaux region, but is now grown as cot in the Loire Valley & auxerrois in Cahors.
Zinfandel - range from big and hearty to light and delicate.
• Pairs well with tomato sauce pastas, pizzas and grilled & barbecued meats.
• Only found in California.
Choosing the best red wine is never going to be the easiest choice as it depends on a lot of factors, such as budget, what food you are having with it, and personal preference such as light or full bodied etc.
If you are not sure always ask for help.
These include: Cabernet Sauvignon - this is probably one of the most popular red wines and are generally big, full bodied and tannic.
It is often blended with cabernet franc and merlot and is considered among the finest reds in Australia, California and Chile.
• Pairs well with red meat.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in every red wine growing region, except northern fringes of Germany Merlot - is easy to drink with softness and a good starting point for new red wine drinkers.
• Pairs well with any food.
• Popular growing regions include; Italy, Romania, California, Washington, Chile and Australia.
Pinot Noir - are normally light bodied with soft tannic, they have become increasingly popular recently and are hot on the heels of Cabernets and merlots.
• Pairs well with salmon, chicken and lamb • Popular growing regions include burgundy in France, Austria, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
Shiraz / Syrah - are full of wonderful fruit flavours with hints of pepper and spice.
• Pairs well with meat (steak, beef, stews, etc) • Popular growing regions include California, Australia and Rhone Valley in France.
Malbec - characteristics vary on where it is grown.
It is generally an easy drinking wine, well coloured with tastes of plums, berries and spice.
• Pairs well with any meat dish • Its original growing district is the French Bordeaux region, but is now grown as cot in the Loire Valley & auxerrois in Cahors.
Zinfandel - range from big and hearty to light and delicate.
• Pairs well with tomato sauce pastas, pizzas and grilled & barbecued meats.
• Only found in California.
Choosing the best red wine is never going to be the easiest choice as it depends on a lot of factors, such as budget, what food you are having with it, and personal preference such as light or full bodied etc.
If you are not sure always ask for help.