Discover red wine, from light, fresh and fruity styles to rich, powerful and age-worthy bottles, exploring the grapes, regions and flavours that make each wine distinctive.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety that typically produces medium-full to full-bodied wines known for blackcurrant flavours, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential. It is famous in Bordeaux and Napa Valley, but is grown throughout the world.
Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same dark-skinned red grape. It typically produces dry, full-bodied wines with flavours of blackberry, plum, black pepper and spice. It is most famous in the Rhône Valley and across Australia, where styles range from elegant and savoury to rich and powerful.
Gamay is a light- to medium-bodied red grape best known from Beaujolais. It offers red fruit, floral notes, fresh acidity and soft tannins, making it an approachable, food-friendly wine.
Pinot Noir is an elegant red grape that produces light- to medium-bodied wines with bright acidity, soft tannins and flavours of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, rose and earthy notes. Originally from Burgundy, it now excels in cool-climate regions worldwide.
A light-bodied red wine feels delicate rather than heavy in your mouth. Pinot Noir, Gamay and Frappato are good examples; lighter styles of Grenache can also fit. These wines often offer bright fruit and freshness, but light body does not always mean low tannin.
Guide•11 min read
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