Red Wine Types – All you need to know.

Red wine is one of the most appreciated alcoholic drink in the world. But having so many types can make you feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which bottle of wine to buy or what works best with your Sunday roast. But, rest assured – we are here to help! In this article, we will give you all the details you need to know on red wine – types and food pairings. Moreover, we will pinpoint the best offers that you can find on our online liquor store – www.gmp.ae. And there are plenty!

Cabernet Sauvignon – most popular

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular type of red wine in the world. It’s versatility makes it a real crowd pleaser at any party and works with about any meal. Cabernet Sauvignon is dark in colour with aromas of tobacco, black cherry, plum, blackberry and green bel pepper. It’s very rich in tannins – the substances that create a drying, rubbing sensation on your tongue

Main Regions: France – Bordeaux, California

Food pairings: red meat, especially if it’s fatty, hamburger, lamb, cheeses, dark chocolate

Our suggestions: Jacob’s Creek Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon Terrapura Classic

Merlot – the fruitier red wine

Merlot is a softer, easier to drink wine compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. See here a comprehensive chart of red wines from lightest to boldest. Merlot has fewer tannins, hence the smoothness, it’s less acidic and has a slightly fruitier flavor. Primary Merlot flavors are cherry, plum, chocolate bay leaf and vanilla.

Main Regions: France, South Africa, Italy, Chile

Food pairings: Poultry – chicken, duck and turkey, mature cheeses

Our suggestions: Casillero Merlot Red, Just Roberto Merlot

Shiraz/Syrah – most planted grape in Australia

This variety of grape is called Syrah in Europe and Shiraz in USA, South America and Australia and all the other countries. Shiraz red wine is bold, full-bodied at it’s main aromas are dark berries and spices.

Main Regions: Rhône Region in France, Australia, SUA, Canada

Food pairings: goes well with Mediterranean foods like gyros and shawarma, blue cheese and charcuterie plates

Our suggestions: The Black Craft Shiraz, Bin 555 Shiraz

 Pinot Noir – the elegant red wine

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape variety in the world and it’s 1000 years older than Cabernet Sauvignon. This red wine is popular in Germany, making the European country the 3rd largest producer after France and US. Pinot Noir is a bit more expensive compared to other red wines due to the difficulties in growing the grape. Pinot Noir is a lighter type of red wine and has aromas of fresh fruits like strawberry or raspberry.

Main Regions: Burgundy – France, Germany, Italy

Food Pairings: fish (yes! you can have red wine with fish!), duck, camembert cheese

Our suggestions: Promesses de France Pinot Noir, Jacob’s Creek Pinot Noir

Malbec – it’s grape variety grows best in Argentina’s highlands

Even though is French by origin, Malbec is the most popular red wine in Argentina. Malbec is a full bodied red wine with medium tannins and medium acidity. It has aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and blueberry. It’s a well-known fact that Malbec is difficult grape to grow, but the variety found perfect conditions in Argentinian high altitudes. The wine produced here is more long lasting due to it’s acidity and the warmer climate makes the fruits ripen equally.

Main Regions: South-West France, Argentina

Food Pairings: steak, pork, lamb, fattier fish like salmon

Our suggestions: Promesses de France Malbec, Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec