Best red wine picks for 2025

Top 10 recommended red wines

What are the red wine types?

Red wine’s production follows precise methods and refined techniques that make every bottle a unique expression of flavor, land and tradition.

What truly makes each red wine special is the grape variety. Its origin and characteristics shape the wine’s profile in distinct ways. Some of the most iconic red wine types include:

How is red wine made?

The winemaking process of red wines unfolds in three key stages:

1. Harvesting: winemakers carefully choose the timing of the harvesting to influence the style of the wine. Earlier pics yield fresher and less sugary wines while late picks create riper and fuller body reds.
2. Crushing and destemming:  grapes are gently pressed to release the juice while keeping the skin intact. The grapes are removed from the stems to prevent excessive bitterness although some wine makers might leave a portion of them to add structure and complexity to the wine. 
3. Fermentation: natural grape sugars are converted into alcohol by yeast. During this process a thick layer of skins called cap forms on top of the tank. Winemakers regularly push it down or pump juice over it to ensure even flavor and color integration.
4. Pressing: once fermentation is nearly complete, the wine is pressed to separate the solid elements of the cap. Gentle pressing preserves freshness while heavier pressing extracts more tannins and gives more body.
5. Aging: red wine rests in barrels or stainless steel developing complexity and harmony. Aging can last from a few months for fresh wines to several years for structured reds.
6. Fining and filtration: winemakers may choose to clarify the wine to remove haze, sediment or harsh tannins for a more polished finish.
7. Bottling: the finished red wine is transferred to bottles with a small dose of sulfur dioxide for stability (some winemakers might choose not to perform this step. The wine can then be enjoyed immediately or cellared for further development.

And the color? The rich red hue comes naturally from the grape skins which release pigments during fermentation. The longer the contact with the skins the deeper and more intense the color.

Understanding the types of red wine by body

The term body refers to the wine’s structure and the sense of how dense, voluminous and mouth coating feels on the palate. The body is influenced by non volatile components like grapes, sugars, minerals, winemaking technique and other substances that shape the wine’s texture and overall character.

The different types of red wines are typically grouped into light bodied, medium bodied and full bodied based on how “heavy” or “light” they feel. Let’s explore them in detail:

• Light bodied red wines: brisk and transparent, they race across the tongue with a clean and quick finish. They present lower alcohol, higher acidity and low tannins.
• Medium bodied red wines: supple and balanced, they run on the palate without too much heaviness thanks to moderate alcohol and fine grained tannins.
• Full bodied red wines: dense and mouth filling, they run slower across the palate with a lingering and layered finish. Full bodied reds have higher alcohol, firmer tannins and sometimes a more noticeable sweetness. 

Pro tip: swirl the wine in your glass. The way it moves and the “legs” it leaves behind can give you clues about its body even before you take a sip! Thick, slow tears usually point to higher alcohol or glycerol which often correlates with a fuller body.

Body Type	Top Producers	Grape Varieties	Structure & Flavor
Light bodied	Domaine Drouhin, Jean Foillard	Pinot Noir, Gamay, Frappato	Delicate, bright acidity, low tannins, red fruits
Medium bodied	Château Petrus, Casanova di Neri	Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese	Balanced, well integrated acidity, moderate tannins, red and dark fruits
Full bodied	Napa Valley, Bruno Giacosa	Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Nebbiolo	Rich and bold, deep acidity, robust tannins, intense dark fruits and spices

Light bodied red wine

A light bodied red wine is typically low in tannins, high in acidity and lower in alcohol. It often features fresh red fruit flavors and a crisp, refreshing profile. These wines are easy to drink and pair well with lighter dishes like salads, seafood or grilled vegetables.

Medium bodied red wine

A medium bodied red wine strikes a perfect balance between richness and lightness. They have moderate tannins, acidity and alcohol with flavors that often include ripe fruits, gentle spice and a smooth texture. Versatile and food friendly they pair well with everything from pasta to grilled vegetables.

Full bodied red wine

A full bodied red wine is known for its richness, intensity and strong tannins. They often showcase deep fruit flavors and gain added complexity from oak aging. These are the best red wines to pair with steak and are well suited for aging.

Types of red wine by sweetness​

One of the main ways to understand red wine is by exploring the types of red wine by sweetness. This refers to how much residual sugar is left after fermentation, which greatly affects the flavor and mouthfeel. Most red wines fall into three categories:

• Sweet wines like Lambrusco Dolce are fruity, approachable and great for beginners, pairing well with desserts and spicy dishes.
• Semi sweet wines such as Brachetto d’Acqui offer a balance of sweetness and acidity that pairs nicely with spicy foods or soft cheese.
• Dry wines such as Nebbiolo or Cabernet Sauvignon are more structured and complex, with bold tannins that pair perfectly with rich, savory dishes.

Let’s see together some options from the red wine sweetness chart.

Sweetness	Top Red Wines	Common Varietals
Light-bodied	Cabernet by Silver Oak	Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Medium-bodied	Zinfandel by Alexander Valley	Zinfandel, Bracchetto
Full-bodied	Giuseppe Quintarelli Recioto della Valpolicella Classico a Roberto	Corvina

Non alcoholic red wine

Non alcoholic red wine is perfect for those who love the taste of wine minus the alcohol.  Non alcoholic red wine is made like regular red wine: grapes are crushed, the juice ferments with the skins to add color and gentle tannins, then alcohol is removed or reduced to less than 0.5% with gentle heat or special filters. Without the alcohol, it lacks the same intensity of alcoholic red wine, but it still allows you to enjoy the taste without the effects. Non alcoholic reds pair well with pasta, roasted veggies, grilled salmon and soft cheese.

Here’s our choice of non alcoholic red wines:

1. Clean Cabernet Sauvignon by Waterbrook
   Food pairing suggestion: barbecue dishes, cheese platters, hearty pasta dishes.
2. Zero Point Five Pinot Noir by Josef Leitz
   Food pairing suggestion: dark chocolate and desserts, vegetarian stews, charcuterie.
3. 0% Red Blend by Giesen
   Food pairing suggestion: grilled meat, burgers, grilled vegetables.

Red wine food pairing essentials: the perfect matches

To make the best food pairing choice for red wines you need to start from structure: tannins love fat and protein, acidity loves salt and tomatoes, oak and alcohol want richness.  Full bodied red wines pair wonderfully with rich dishes such as steak or hearty stews. For lighter, more delicate dishes or pasta opt for light or medium bodied wines like Merlot.

Below is a table of the best red wine food pairing examples based on the wine body, designed to help you find the perfect match.

Food	Red Wine / Grape	Type & Structure
Chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit	Barone Ricasoli Roncicone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021 – Sangiovese	Dry, soft tannins, vibrant acidity, medium to full body
Cured meats & cold meats	Bricco dell’Uccellone Barbera d’Asti – Braida – Barbera	Dry, well integrated tannins, high acidity, full body
Steak, roasts, braised meats	Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto – Bruno Giacosa – Nebbiolo	Dry, fruity, firm tannins, full body
Pasta dishes, roasts, grilled tuna, and vegetable-based dishes	Valle Dell’Acate Vittoria Il Frappato 2022 – Frappato	Dry, fruity, soft and smooth tannins, freshness, medium body
Aged cheese, parmigiano reggiano, cheddar, gouda	Shafer Relentless – Shafer Vineyards – Syrah/Shiraz	Dry, smoky, firm tannins, balanced acidity, full body
Pasta, club sandwiches, light bites	Château Haut-Brisson, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru  – Château Haut-Brisson – Merlot	Dry, moderate to high acidity, fruity, firm tannins, medium body
Comfort food, burger, pizza, baked casseroles	Chappellet Signature, Cabernet Sauvignon – Chappellet Winery –  Cabernet Sauvignon	Dry, rich dark fruit, structured tannins, full body
Fish, seafood, and shellfish	Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir – La Crema – Pinot Noir	Dry, fruity, grainy tannins, light body

Red wine in the USA: top regions

Red wine in the USA is produced in all 50 states but the most famous California dominates, making up about 90% of the country’s wine production. Renowned regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma are known for bold Cabernet Sauvignon and a variety of other grapes.

Oregon and Washington also stand out, particularly for their Pinot Noir and Syrah. Depending on the vintage, U.S. ranks between fourth and fifth globally in wine production. Thanks to its innovation and favorable climate, the U.S. continues to be a major player in the global wine industry.
Below are the top US wine regions:

Region	Top US Red Wine	Characteristics
Napa Valley, CA Cabernet Sauvignon	Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – TOR	Structured, spicy, oaked and full bodied
Sonoma County, CA Zinfandel	Sonoma Zinfandel 2022 – Day	Bold and restrained, juicy, smooth
Paso Robles, CA Rhône blends	Côte à côte 2020 – L’Aventure	Full bodied, complex and savory
Santa Rita Hills, CA Syrah	Donna’s Block Syrah 2019 – Melville	Structured, mineral, savory flavor
Willamette Valley, OR Pinot Noir	Estate Pinot Noir 2022 – Willamette Valley Vineyards	Medium bodied, balanced acidity, fruity
Columbia Valley, WA Merlot	Columbia Valley Merlot 2019 – L’Ecole 41	Full bodied, firm and fruity

Red wines from Italy: tradition in every glass

Italy is renowned for its exceptional red wine making, each shaped by the country’s diverse terroirs:

• In Piedmont, the cool, foggy climate helps Nebbiolo grapes in Barolo develop complex aromas of rose, tar and earth.
• Tuscany’s warm hills allow Sangiovese to shine with bright cherry flavors and firm structure, especially in Chianti and Brunello.
• In Veneto, drying Corvina grapes for Amarone results in rich wines with deep, raisin-like flavors.

These are just a few examples. There are many other Italian red wines that offer a wide range of textures, aromas, and flavors, catering to every palate.

Red wines from France: a reflection of the country’s terroirs

France sets the global standard for red wine, offering unmatched variety from region to region:

• In the north, Burgundy crafts delicate Pinot Noir wine with earthy, floral notes.
• The Rhône Valley delivers bold, peppery Syrah.
• The Loire Valley produces lighter reds like Cabernet Franc with herbal finesse.
• Down south, Languedoc blends bring ripe fruit and rustic charm.
• Bordeaux remains the benchmark, with age worthy blends combining power and elegance.

Several red wine types undergo extended aging both in barrel and bottle, which enhances their tannic structure, aromatic complexity and long term cellaring potential.

Legendary red wines: the art of collecting and aging

The world of red wine is closely tied to collecting, with enthusiasts constantly seeking rare and coveted bottles. Expensive red wine brands are prized for their aging potential, prestige and rarity. These bottles represent the pinnacle of winemaking often reserved for special occasions, luxury gifts, or as long term investments.

What truly makes red wines collectible?

• Limited production: often crafted in small batches or under exclusive labels, making them highly rare.
• Historic vineyards: sourced from renowned vineyards with unique terroir that imparts distinctive characteristics.
• Investment value: collectible red wines often appreciate over time, making them appealing as assets.

Wine collectors and investors pay record prices for vintage bottles with great aging potential and critic consensus. The most collected red wine categories are the following:

1. 1. Pauillac 2000 - Château Lafite Rothschild

   

   Has a deep global buyer base and very active secondary market turnover.

   From: $1,700.00

   Buy now
2. 2. Monfortino Barolo Riserva 2019 - Giacomo Conterno

   

   Great longevity and auction demand, trades robustly across venues.

   From: $1,000.00

   Buy now
3. 3. Soldera Case Basse di Gianfranco - 2020

   

   Archetypal collectible Sangiovese with long aging narrative and reliable liquidity.

   From: $739.99

   Buy now

Red wine record bottles sold at auctions

Here ‘s a quick peek at the wildest price tags paid by collectors for a single bottle of red wine. Records happen when rarity, perfect storage conditions and famous vintages line up. Big formats usually add value and charity auctions can push prices higher hence treat this as fun trivia, a glimpse of how far wine passions (and wallets) can stretch.

• French red wine: 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti — $558,000 (750 ml), Sotheby’s New York, October 13, 2018. 
• U.S. red wine: Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 — $500,000 (6 liter Imperial), Auction Napa Valley (charity), June 2000. 
• Italian red wine: Ornellaia 2010 “Vendemmia d’Artista” — $120,400 (9 liter Salmanazar), Sotheby’s London, May 16, 2013, widely cited as an Italian single bottle auction record.

Red wine serving temperature and other tips

Choosing the perfect red wine involves understanding its body, structure and how it matches your preferences. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert! In the table below we make this process easy by providing key details like:

• Ideal red wine serving temperature
• Alcohol content (ABV)
• Tannin and acidity levels
• Aging potential

Wine Name	ABV	Tannin / Acidity	Aging Potential	Serving Temp
Tenuta di Capraia Chianti Classico riserva 2019	14%	High tannin, medium acidity	5 – 10 years	60.8°F – 64.4 °F
Pala Essentija Bovale 2020	14%	Medium tannins, high acidity	10 – 15 years	60.8°F – 64.4 °F
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2020	14%	High tannins, high acidity	15 – 20 years	60-65 °F
Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2022	13,8%	High tannins, medium acidity	5 – 10 years	60-65 °F
Pio Cesare Barolo 2020	14,5%	Soft tannins, balanced acidity	15 – 25 years	60-65 °F

How to properly store red wine?

To preserve the full flavor and aging potential of red wine, proper storage is key. Here’s 5 tips from the experts:

1. Store wine in a cool, dark place, ideally between 55–65 °F.
2. Lay bottles on their side to keep the cork moist.
3. Maintain a humidity level of 60–70%.
4. For opened bottles, use a vacuum pump or inert gas.
5. Avoid fluctuating temperatures, direct sunlight and vibrations.

How to choose the best red wine for beginners

Choosing the best red wine for beginners is all about experimenting and finding what suits your taste. Start with easy drinking, more fruity reds that keep tannins gentle and alcohol moderate. Pinot Noir is always a friendly starting point. Pick recent bottles and aim for a 12.5–13.5% ABV maximum. Serve slightly cool (15–18 °C) to sharpen fruit and keep the palate fresh and pair with everyday food so that the wine has familiar anchors. Hold off on very tannic or heavily oaked styles at first because they can feel austere.

Here’s our selection of  beginner friendly red wines to start with:

• Pinot Noir
  Body: light and smooth, with soft red fruit.
  Best for: seafood, salmon or veggie dishes.
• Merlot
  Body: medium, soft, and fruity.
  Best for: pasta, burgers or grilled veggies.
• Zinfandel
  Body: bold, jammy, with a hint of spice.
  Best for: BBQ, pizza or spicy foods.

Inside the ratings: what makes red wine truly great?

Every year, professional critics, from Robert Parker to the Wine Spectator panels, guide us through a sensory journey to find the best red wines. Wines are ranked based on detailed criteria, including:

• Aroma: the smell and taste of the wine, especially fruity, floral or spicy scents.
• Color: the wine’s hue and depth which hints at its age or grape variety.
• Structure: the wine’s framework, tannins, acidity, alcohol and body.
• Balance: how harmoniously the wine’s elements work together.
• Aging potential: how well the wine can improve over time in the bottle.

Wines that earn top scores often see a big rise in both value and reputation. A 95 point bottle isn’t simply delicious, it’s a technical and sensory benchmark!