To make wine knowledge easy, let's start with the most common types of red wine, which you can begin with to get to know more about wine.
01 . Pinot Noir
Start with one of the easiest drinking type. If you are a first timer, this is a good place to start.
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Body : Light Bodied Red Wine (Meaning it feels light in mouth)
How does it tastes : Red fruits, bright cherries, strawberry, some spice, vanilla,
Common Growing Regions : Australia (Yarra Valley), New Zealand (Otogo Velley), Italy (Northern Region), France (Burgundy), California, Oregon
What to pair it with : Lighter but flavorful meats, like duck, pork, chicken thighs, also mushrooms, and heavy flavored fish types like salmon, and medium firm cheese
02 . Cabernet Sauvignon
A very common red wine. If you like something with heavier and rich, you will like this more than Pinot Noir.
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Body : Heavy, Full Bodied Red Wine (Meaning it feels heavy and viscous in your mouth)
How does it tastes : Dark, ripe fruits, black cherry, black current, plum, cedar, baking spices or oak from barrel-aging
Common Growing Regions : Grown in every wine producing country, but it is the most well known styles from California, France (Bordeaux)
What to pair it with : Grilled meats, roasted meats- beef, lamb and firm cheeses
03 . Syrah / Shiraz
A rich and powerful red wine, with intense fruit flavours and medium-weight tannins (dryness).
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Body : Heavy, Full Bodied Red Wine
How does it tastes : Blueberry, plum, tobacco, cured meat, black pepper, violet
Common Growing Regions : Best known is from California, Chile, similar to Bordeaux blends from France, but it is produced throughout the world
What to pair it with : Smoked meats, roasted meats; lamb; firm cheese
04 . Malbec
Another good option for learner, as it does not have long finish.
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Body : Medium Bodied Red Wine
How does it tastes : Dark berry, cherry, black pepper spice, cocoa, wet earth
Common Growing Regions : Argentina (Mendoza), France
What to pair it with : Pasta, Barbecue or grilled meats, spicy food
05 . Merlot
Slightly heavier taste wine as compared to Pinot Noir, but it is easy to drink as well. Also, it can pair with almost any food, which is good if you are afraid of getting a wrong wine for a meal.
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Body : Medium Bodied Red Wine
How does it tastes : Raspberries, strawberries, mineral, cedar
Common Growing Regions : France (Bordeaux), Washington, California, Italy (Tuscany), Australia (South Australia)
What to pair it with : Many foods from chicken and pork to dark meats
06 . Bordeaux Red Blends (Meritage)
It is a blend of various different wine grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, etc.
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Body : Heavy Bodied Red Wine
How does it tastes : Big, bold, dark fruits; savory flavors; mineral flavors; tannic (drying); cedar, oak, vanilla
Common Growing Regions : Produced throughout the world, notable from California, Chile, similar to Bordeaux blends from France.
What to pair it with : Smoked meats, roasted meats; lamb; firm cheese
07 . Carménère
A unique taste I would say, with herbaceous, peppercorn-like flavours.
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Body : Medium Bodied Red Wine
How does it tastes : Rasberries, Bell Pepper, Black Plum, Paprika, Vanilla, medium tannins
Common Growing Regions : Bordeaux, France and Chile
What to pair it with : Roasted meats, chicken, lamb, beef and savory cumin-spiced dishes.
08 . Cabernet Franc
It is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is loved for its' savory, bell pepper-like flavors, medium-high acidity and mouthwatering taste
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Body : Medium Bodied Red Wine
How does it tastes : Strawberries, Rasberries, Crushed Gravel, Chilli Pepper, medium tannins
Common Growing Regions : Bordeaux, France (Loire Valley)
What to pair it with : Tomato-based dishes or vinegar-based sauces
