Buy and enjoy red wine: the best varieties for every taste
The importance of red wines
Red wine is more than just a drink – it is an expression of culture, tradition and craftsmanship. The fascination of red wine lies in its diversity: each bottle tells a story, whether it's about the region where the wine comes from, the vintage that reflects the climate of a particular year, or the skill of the winemaker. The price of a red wine can vary considerably and is influenced by factors such as origin, quality and supply and demand, which in turn shape the quality and diversity of the wines.
Red wines are particularly appreciated for their complex aromas and their ability to age. Unlike white wines, which are often drunk young, many reds can age for years, even decades, gaining depth and character. The difference in production, particularly the contact of the juice with the grape skins, gives reds their characteristic colour and the complex tannins that give them structure and longevity.
What are reds?
Red wines are a fascinating category of wines made from red or black grapes. These wines are known for their rich and complex aromas, ranging from fruity notes such as cherry and plum to earthy tones such as leather and tobacco. The variety of red wines is impressive and depends heavily on the grape variety, the growing region and the specific production process. Each grape variety brings its own characteristic aromas and flavours. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are known for their strong and tannin-rich wines, while Pinot Noir is appreciated for its elegance and fine structure. Red wines are not only a delight for the palate, but also an important part of the wine tradition in many countries. They are often served as an accompaniment to various dishes and can significantly enrich the taste experience of a meal.
How are red wines made?
The production of red wines is a careful process that begins with the grape harvest. During this process, the ripe grapes are harvested by hand or machine. After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed, which means the stems are removed, and the berries are gently crushed to release the juice. This juice, together with the skins and seeds, forms the must, which is then brought to fermentation. During fermentation, yeasts convert the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. A crucial step in the production of red wines is maceration, during which the skins remain in contact with the juice to extract colour, tannins and aromas. After fermentation, the wine is separated from the skins and can be aged in various containers such as wooden barrels, stainless steel tanks, concrete containers or even amphorae. The choice of maturing container significantly influences the final taste and structure of the wine. Wooden barrels give the wine additional complexity and aromas of vanilla and spices, while stainless steel tanks preserve the freshness and fruitiness of the wine. Careful control of each step in the production process is crucial to producing red wines of the highest quality.
Factors that make a good red wine
The quality of a red wine depends on various factors, such as the grape variety, the growing region, the vintage and the production method. Look for wines that not only have intense flavours but also offer good structure and a long finish.
A good red wine should have a good balance between acidity, tannins and fruitiness, as these elements combine to form the flavour profile and structure of the wine. The grape variety and growing region are crucial as they determine the character of the wine – for example, Cabernet Sauvignon produces full-bodied, tannic wines, while Pinot Noir is known for its elegance and finer structure.
In addition to the vineyard, the vintage also plays an important role, as the climatic conditions of a particular year influence the degree of ripeness of the grapes and thus the quality of the wine. Another important factor is the production method, including the duration of maceration and the type of maturation, whether in steel tanks or in wooden barrels (barriques). These techniques can significantly influence the flavour, complexity and aging potential of a red wine.
The best red wine varieties
The world of red wines is characterised by a wide variety of grape varieties, each with its own character and typical flavours. Some of these grape varieties are grown worldwide, while others are only found in certain regions, where they produce unique wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most well-known and widely planted grape varieties for red wine. It originated in Bordeaux, France, but is now grown worldwide. Cabernet Sauvignon is characterised by powerful tannins, deep colour and aromas of blackcurrant, cedarwood and sometimes green bell pepper. This grape variety is excellent for maturing in barriques, which gives it additional complexity and aging potential.
Merlot
Merlot is a softer and fruitier alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon and is often blended with it to create a cuvée, such as the famous Bordeaux wine. Merlot wines are known for their aromas of plums, cherries and chocolate. They have a smoother tannin structure, which makes them more accessible, especially in younger vintages.
Syrah
Syrah is a powerful grape variety known for its intense aromas of dark berries, pepper and spices. It thrives in warm climates such as the Rhône Valley in France, South Africa, and Australia's Barossa and Clare Valleys. The Clare Valley is known for its significant role in wine production, particularly for the diversity and complexity that results from blending grapes from this region. Syrah wines are often full-bodied and tannic, giving them excellent ageing potential. Depending on the style, they are referred to as Syrah in cooler to temperate climates and as Shiraz in countries with warm and hot temperature zones. These wines go particularly well with savoury dishes such as grilled meat and game.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a demanding grape variety that thrives mainly in cooler climates, such as in Burgundy, France. Pinot Noir is characterised by a light colour, fine tannins and aromas of red fruits, mushrooms and a hint of earth. This grape variety requires a great deal of skill in viticulture and winemaking, as it is sensitive to climate and soil conditions.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is a demanding grape variety from Piedmont in Italy, known for its complex wines with aromas of roses, tar and red fruits. It is used primarily to make the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, known for their powerful tannins and high acidity. Nebbiolo wines are often light in colour, but develop profound aromas and remarkable depth over time. These wines age exceptionally well and are among the longest-lasting wines in the world.
Malbec
Malbec is a powerful grape variety that originated in France but has now found particular fame in Argentina. The wines are characterised by their dark colour and intense aromas of black fruits, plums and sometimes a smoky note. Malbec is known for its soft tannins and full body, which makes it particularly accessible and popular. It goes well with grilled meat, especially Argentinean beef.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the most important grape variety in Spain and forms the basis for many famous wines, particularly from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. This grape produces wines with a medium body and aromas of red fruits, tobacco and leather. Tempranillo is known for its versatility and is often enjoyed both young and after long aging in barrels.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the main grape variety in Tuscany and the centrepiece of many Italian wines, including the famous Chianti. Sangiovese wines have aromas of cherry, herbs and sometimes a hint of tomato leaves. They have a lively acidity and fine-grained tannins, making them an ideal companion for Italian food.
Primitivo
Primitivo is a popular grape variety from southern Italy, grown mainly in the region of Puglia. Primitivo wines are known for their intense fruitiness, with aromas of ripe berries, cherries and a hint of spice. These wines are often full-bodied, with soft tannins and a pleasant, slightly sweet finish. Primitivo goes extremely well with savoury dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce or grilled meat.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger, is an important grape variety in Austria and Hungary. The wines are full-bodied and spicy, with aromas of dark berries and pepper. Blaufränkisch is characterised by a good acidity and strong tannins, which makes it a wine with excellent ageing potential.
Monastrell
Monastrell, also known internationally as Mourvèdre, is a grape variety that is mainly grown in Spain and southern France. This grape variety produces full-bodied wines with intense aromas of dark fruits, herbs and sometimes meaty notes. Monastrell wines have a deep colour and strong tannins, which make them particularly suitable for ageing in wooden barrels.
St Laurent
St Laurent is a red wine variety that is mainly grown in Austria and the Czech Republic. The wines are usually dark red and offer aromas of sour cherries, berries and a hint of spice. St Laurent wines are often velvety and have a balanced structure that makes them versatile.
Red wines from different regions
Red wine is produced on all continents of the world, and each wine region produces its own characteristic wines. The special features of the different regions are shaped by the climate, the soil and the local wine-making traditions.
French red wines
Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world and home to some of the finest red wines. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are mainly grown, often combined to create complex cuvées. Bordeaux wines are known for their longevity and ability to age for decades, becoming more complex as they mature.
Burgundy is home to Pinot Noir, which is used to make some of the most elegant red wines in the world. The wines from Burgundy are characterised by their finesse and their ability to express the terroir, or specific soil and climate conditions, in a unique way.
The Côtes du Rhône region stretches along the Rhône Valley and produces a wide range of red wines, from simple everyday wines to the powerful and complex wines of the northern Rhône, such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. The main grape varieties here are Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.
Spanish red wines from the north of the country
The wines from the Rioja region, be they white, rosé or red, are appreciated worldwide for their fruity aromas, fine acidity and full-bodied flavour. However, Rioja is particularly well known for its reds, in which the Tempranillo grape variety accounts for the majority of the area under cultivation. More than 20,000 winegrowers are active in this region, producing about 75% red wine, 15% rosé and 10% white wine. In addition to Tempranillo, the Rioja region also cultivates the Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo grape varieties.
Ribera del Duero, a wine-growing region in the north of Spain, is known for its powerful and long-lasting red wines, which are mainly made from the Tempranillo grape. These wines often have aromas of dark fruits, tobacco and vanilla and are known for their excellent aging potential.
Priorat, in the northeast of Spain, is a small but prestigious region known primarily for its powerful and mineral reds. These wines, often made from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), are intense and have a striking minerality that comes from the region's unique slate soils.
Italian reds from the east of the country
In Tuscany, the Sangiovese grape variety dominates, forming the basis for some of the region's most famous wines. Chianti, one of the most well-known Tuscan wines, is characterised by its vibrant acidity and aromas of cherries and herbs. Another Tuscan star is Brunello di Montalcino, also made from Sangiovese and prized for its power, complexity and longevity. The Tuscan portfolio is rounded off by Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the so-called Super Tuscans, which often combine international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese.
Piedmont is home to the noble Nebbiolo grape, which is used to make the world-famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. These wines are known for their complex aromas of roses, tar and red fruits, as well as their strong tannins and high acidity, which give them impressive ageing potential. Barbera, another important Piedmontese wine, is popular for its fruitiness and lively acidity, which make it a versatile food companion.
Veneto, known for its diverse wine landscape, produces some of Italy's most popular red wines. The Amarone della Valpolicella, made from dried grapes, is a particularly powerful wine with intense aromas of dark fruits, chocolate and spices. Valpolicella, a lighter wine from the same region, offers fruity aromas and a pleasant freshness, while Bardolino, made from the Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grape varieties, is appreciated for its lightness and accessibility.
Swiss red wines
The cultivation of red wine in Switzerland is diverse and extends over several wine-growing regions, each of which produces its own character and style. In Ticino, Switzerland's southernmost canton, the Merlot grape variety dominates. The mild, almost Mediterranean climate here in the south of Switzerland favours the ripening of the grapes and enables the production of powerful and elegant red wines. Well-known winemakers in this region include Gialdi Vini and Cantina Monti, both of which are appreciated for their high-quality Merlot wines.
The Geneva wine region, in the far west of Switzerland, is smaller but still of great importance. Pinot Noir and Gamay are the main varieties grown here, a grape that thrives in the region and produces wines with a fine balance of fruit and structure. A well-known winemaker in this region is Domaine des Balisiers, known for its elegant and well-structured Pinot Noirs.
In Valais, Switzerland's largest wine-growing region, a wide range of grape varieties are cultivated, with Pinot Noir playing a central role. Diego Mathier, a renowned winemaker from Salgesch in Valais, has made a name for himself with his Pinot Noir Ambassadeur de Diego Mathier red AOC Valais. This wine impresses with its elegant structure, fine tannins and complex aromas that reflect the terroir of Valais.
Swiss red wine-growing is characterised by its diversity and the different terroirs that give the wines their distinctive character. Ticino, the Geneva region and Valais are prime examples of the quality and commitment of Swiss winemakers. These regions contribute significantly to the international recognition of Swiss viticulture and show that Switzerland has much more to offer than just white wines.
A glass of red wine: colour, aroma and character
The colour of a red wine can reveal a lot about its grape variety, its aging process and its origin. Young red wines are often dark red or purple in colour, while older wines tend to have a brick-red or even brownish hue. The aroma of a red wine – also known as its bouquet – can include a wide range of scents, from fruity notes such as cherry, plum and berries to more earthy tones such as leather, tobacco and spices.
The character of a red wine is also determined by its tannins, acidity and body. Tannins give the wine structure and longevity, while acidity provides freshness and balance. The body of a wine – the mouthfeel it leaves – can range from light and elegant to heavy and full-bodied.
What food goes well with a good red wine?
Pairing food and wine is an art in itself and can significantly enhance the enjoyment experience. The key is to match the flavours and textures of the wine with the food.
Red wine is traditionally served with red meat because the tannins in the wine help to break down the proteins and fats in the meat and enhance the flavour. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with a juicy steak, while a Pinot Noir goes well with more delicate meats such as lamb or wild fowl.
Although red wine is traditionally served with meat and white wine with fish, there are some interesting exceptions. For example, a light Pinot Noir can go well with grilled salmon, while a full-bodied Chardonnay harmonises with chicken in a creamy sauce. These unusual pairings show how versatile red and white wine can be.
Red wine can also be an excellent choice with vegetarian dishes. A Merlot goes well with roasted vegetables, while a full-bodied Syrah is a wonderful accompaniment to mushroom or lentil dishes. The earthy flavours of many vegetarian foods harmonise well with the deep, complex notes of many red wines.
How should you store your red wine?
Storing red wine correctly is crucial to preserving its quality and flavour over the years. Red wine should be stored in a cool, dark room, ideally at a constant temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Fluctuations in temperature can negatively affect the wine and accelerate its ageing. It is also important to store the bottles horizontally so that the cork stays moist and does not dry out, which would prevent air from entering. A dry cork can cause the wine to oxidise and lose its flavour. In addition, the storage area should be free of strong odours, as the cork can absorb them and affect the wine. A good red wine can be stored for many years, but it is advisable to check on it regularly to ensure that it is not oxidised or otherwise damaged. With the right storage, you can ensure that your red wine reaches its full potential and gives you pleasure for many years to come.
Red wines worldwide: major producers and vineyards
Château Cheval Blanc, France
Château Cheval Blanc is one of the most famous estates in Bordeaux and is known for its exceptional red wines, made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. These wines are characterised by their elegance, complexity and tremendous ageing potential.
Bodegas Teso La Monja, Spain
Bodegas Teso La Monja, located in the Toro region of Spain, is known for its powerful and long-lasting wines made from the Tempranillo grape. These wines have intense aromas of dark fruits and spices and are appreciated for their excellent structure and complexity.
Finca Antigua, Spain
Finca Antigua is another notable winery in Spain, known for its modern, fruit-forward wines. Finca Antigua's wines combine traditional Spanish grape varieties with modern winemaking techniques, resulting in expressive and well-structured wines.
Azienda Agricola, Italy
Azienda Agricola is a renowned winery in Italy known for its Sangiovese-based wines. These wines are often powerful and tannic, with aromas of cherries, herbs and a touch of earth. Azienda Agricola stands for the highest quality and tradition in Italian winemaking.
Aragonesas, Spain
Aragonesas is a winery in the Campo de Borja region of Spain, known for its powerful Garnacha wines. These wines are fruity, spicy and have an excellent balance between acidity and tannins. Aragonesas produces wines that can be enjoyed both young and aged.
Sassicaia, Italy
Sassicaia is a red wine from Tuscany, Italy, which was one of the first ‘Super Tuscans’ to achieve international fame. Known for its strong tannins and impressive aging potential, it has set the benchmark for top-quality wines from the region. The wine is mainly made from Cabernet Sauvignon and is characterised by its elegant structure and complex aromas. Sassicaia has secured a permanent place among the world's iconic wines and is a symbol of excellence in Italian winemaking.
Antinori, Italy
Antinori is a renowned red wine from Tuscany, Italy, appreciated for its powerful tannins and impressive aging potential. The Antinori winery, which has a history of over 600 years, stands for tradition and innovation in Italian viticulture. Antinori is particularly known for its ‘Super Tuscans’, which combine international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon with the native Sangiovese grape. This type of wine is complex, elegant and develops remarkable depth and finesse over the years.
Vega Sicilia, Spain
Vega Sicilia is a red wine from Ribera del Duero, Spain, considered one of the world's finest wines. It is characterised by its powerful tannins and remarkable structure, which gives it a long shelf life. The wines of Vega Sicilia, especially the ‘Único’, are complex, multi-layered and develop an impressive depth and elegance over time. The winery itself stands for tradition, excellence and uncompromising quality, which is reflected in every drop.
Wines and vineyards in the New World: USA and Australia
In the New World, vineyards such as Robert Mondavi and Opus One in Napa Valley, and Penfolds and their Penfolds Grange in the Barossa Valley, have made a name for themselves. These vineyards are known for their innovative approach to wine production and their ability to produce wines of outstanding quality. The wines from these regions are often characterised by their fruit intensity, complexity and suitability for laying down.
Frequently asked questions and their answers about red wine
Is red wine good for high blood pressure?
Scientists explain the blood pressure-lowering effect of traditionally produced French red wine with the so-called polyphenols.
Is red wine healthy or not?
A glass of red wine a day protects the heart: this was the conclusion of numerous US studies in the 1980s and 1990s. People who drink red wine in moderation have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than total abstainers. The polyphenols in red grapes are thought to be responsible for this.
Is red wine good for the heart?
In various studies, researchers have discovered that resveratrol activates a signalling substance in the body that protects blood vessels from calcification and thus, for example, reduces the risk of heart attacks. Some scientists conclude from this that moderate red wine consumption could be heart healthy.
Which is the most popular red wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic among red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most well-known and most frequently cultivated red wine varieties.