10 popular types of red wine

You can’t beat a delicious glass of red – there’s a bottle to suit every occasion, from date nights to laid-back barbecues and festive celebrations. Red wines are diverse in style, ranging from deep and rich to lively and fruit-forward. They’re made worldwide, from Argentina to Australia, South Africa to France, and beyond. Some countries are particularly famous for their unique styles – think Italy’s Chianti and South Australia’s punchy Shiraz.

Our guide to the ten most popular types of red wine will help you find your new favourite – or discover something completely new to try.

10 best types of red wine

Shiraz

Also known as Syrah, Shiraz’s style can vary depending on where the grapes are grown. However, this red is almost always bold and full-bodied. Australian Shiraz is known for its weighty black fruit, cracked black pepper and chocolate flavours, while French Syrah has more pronounced savoury notes and restrained fruit intensity.

With its robust structure, medium-high acidity and bold flavours, Shiraz pairs well with chargrilled steaks, tender beef cheeks with garlic roasted potatoes and spiced lentil dishes. Looking for a Shiraz to try? Patronus Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2021 is a big, bold and lavish wine from South Australia’s famous Barossa Valley.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red with an easy-drinking acidity and silky texture. Bursting with a variety of red fruit and spice notes, with occasional earthy undertones, Pinot Noir is a lighter alternative to heavy reds. Originally from France’s prestigious Burgundy region, the Pinot Noir grape (one of the oldest varieties in the world) is grown across the winemaking world, from the US to Germany. Australia has some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines (if not the oldest) in the world.

Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from roast duck and grilled salmon to soft cheeses such as Brie and mushroom-based recipes. Pick up Domaine Lucien Camus-Bruchon Bourgogne 2019, a raspberry-rich Pinot Noir from Burgundy, which is delicious with wild mushrooms and creamy chicken.

Merlot

Ranging from medium to full-bodied, this red is known for its smooth, plush texture and accessible style. Typically, Merlot has a medium acidity and moderate tannins. Highly regarded as an appraochable red, Merlot is made in regions across France, Italy, Chile, the US and Australia.

The wine has prominent notes of juicy plum, black cherry and herbs. Sweeter aromas of chocolate and vanilla develop in oak-aged Merlot. Thanks to the soft tannins and fruity flavours in a smooth Merlot, the wine pairs very well with roast chicken and mildly spiced charcuterie. Irvine Spring Hill Eden Valley Merlot 2020 is a delicious Merlot made for easy drinking, perfectly balanced and brimming with fruitiness.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This bold, full-bodied red is one of the most popular red wines in the world and is available in a range of styles. In cooler climates such as Bordeaux and Argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon wines offer depth and structure, while those from warmer regions like South Australia and Chile present a riper, more complex style. Typical flavours to look out for include blackcurrant and plum, plus hints of vanilla, spice, bay leaf and a savoury green capsicum note.

With its bold, hearty character, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with rich foods such as roast lamb, strong cheeses, mushroom risottos and seared tuna. Try RedHeads Catbird Seat Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, a rich, South Australian red with dark cherry and spice hints.

Primitivo

Primitivo is originally from the southern region of Puglia in Italy but is also grown in Australia, in regions such as the Margaret River, McLaren Vale and the Hunter Valley. It is an intense, full-bodied red famous for its smooth tannins, high alcohol content and moderate acidity. This variety is genetically identical to another grape, Zinfandel, which is extensively grown in the US.

Primitivo is popular thanks to its deep flavours of dark fruits, including prune and blackberry, plus warming hints of liquorice. If you’ve selected an oak-aged bottle, look for hints of sweet spices and tobacco.

Pour a glass with hearty dishes such as pasta tossed in hearty meat sauces, roasted game or bean stew – the wine’s bold flavour profile and robust structure make it a perfect pairing. Try Il Papavero Primitivo 2022 – a fruity and robust Italian option with concentrated flavours and a mellow roundness.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo, a full-bodied red, is mainly produced in Spain’s Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. With its deep ruby colour and moderate acidity, this versatile wine offers ripe fruit flavours of strawberry and raspberry. Tempranillo can have hints of blackcurrant, prunes, cedar and vanilla when aged.

For a taste of Spain, pair a glass of smooth Tempranillo with traditional Spanish dishes such as tapas, paella or grilled fish. Try the aromatic Palacio del Conde Gran Selección 2016, with juicy notes of redcurrant and strawberry.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a medium- to full-bodied red wine celebrated for its high acidity and firm tannins. Expect flavours of ripe red fruits, particularly cherries. This grape variety thrives in Tuscany, one of Italy’s premier wine regions. Here, Sangiovese is used to create refreshing, fruity yet savoury with a distinct earthy note. Sangiovese is the heart and soul of Chianti wines.

Thanks to its sturdy structure and vibrant character, Sangiovese is a perfect match for traditional Italian dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese and lasagne, grilled meats and hard cheeses including aged Asiago and Pecorino. Try the award-winning Collezione di Paolo Chianti 2021 – a delicious and silky wine with juicy cherry and chocolate hints.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is a popular red thanks to its complex flavours, high acidity and robust tannins. The grape thrives in its native Italy and is also grown in California, Argentina and Australia.

This grape is the lifeblood of Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy’s star wines. Depending on where your Nebbiolo is from, its flavours can range from red cherry and raspberry to clove and rose, plus a signature hint of tar.

Given its refreshing acidity and sturdy structure, Nebbiolo is an ideal companion for rustic, hearty meals – think beef short rib or herby pork sausages. Try Il Poeta Barolo 2019, a well-structured and silky red from the Barolo DOCG with notes of dried cherry, spice, mocha and violets.

Malbec

Malbec may have French roots but is considered Argentina’s signature wine. A full-bodied red, it is renowned for its deep colour, sturdy structure and intense fruit flavours. Typical notes can include blackberry, plum, blueberry and chocolate. When aged in oak, Malbec can also feature hints of vanilla and tobacco.

With its bold character, dark fruit notes and moderate acidity, Malbec is a must with red meats; chargrilled steak or a slow-cooked lamb stew allows this wine’s intricate flavours to shine. Look out for the aptly named T-Bone Malbec 2021 – it’s a juicy and fresh choice with notes of rich damson and blueberry.

Grenache/Garnacha

A French variety known for its bright red fruits and signature ‘spicy’ kick, the Grenache grape makes balanced, medium- to full-bodied red wines with soft tannins. Grenache wines feature strawberry and raspberry flavours, confectionary notes, plus a warming kick of white pepper. As the wine ages, it may develop hints of vanilla, smoke and tobacco.

This versatile, food-loving red pairs well with barbecued meats smothered in a sweet, tangy glaze. It also complements Mediterranean dishes such as tapas, grilled vegetables, and dishes seasoned with plenty of fresh herbs.

Big, velvety and overflowing with raspberry, blackberry and sweet spices, Cabalié 2022 is a must-try bestselling French red blend, loaded with old-vine Grenache.