Red wine
There’s a red wine to suit every palate, from elegant Pinot Noir to bold Cabernet Sauvignon, and you’ll find some of the best here.
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Red wine facts
What is red wine?
Red wine is a drink made from fermenting dark-coloured grapes. It dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of red winemaking found in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), Egypt, and Greece. Red wine offers a range of flavours from red fruits like strawberry and cherry, black fruits such as blackberry and plum, tobacco, chocolate, baking spices, and earthy notes. Popular red wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
What’s the difference between red and white wine?
The most striking difference between red wine and white wine is, of course, the colour. Red wines can be anything from ruby red to purple or even brown in the glass. They’re made from red or black grapes and get their colour via fermentation with the grape skins and seeds. White wine comes from yellow or green grapes and aren’t fermented with their skins. The winemaking process for each differs too: red wines tend to age in oak barrels which allow more oxygen into the wine. That dulls fruit or floral flavours but develops nuttier, richer ones and creates a smoother texture. White wines typically age in stainless steel vats to limit oxidation and hold on to fruity freshness.
What red wine is right for me?
Red wine offers a huge range of flavours and intensity so there’s one to suit pretty much every palate. If you don’t have a go-to grape variety, narrow down by style. Big reds like Cabernet Sauvignon pack a punch, smooth reds like Merlot offer easy drinking while fruity reds like Pinot Noir tend to be lighter and vibrant.
How do I serve red wine?
As a general guide, serve red wine below a little room temperature, somewhere between 14°C and 18°C. Aim for the cooler end with lighter reds like Pinot Noir, and the warmer side for fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. Ultimately though, it’s up to you and your tastes.
How long does red wine last once it’s been open?
Red wine can last three to five days once the bottle is open. Best to store it in a cool, dark place and with a rubber or vacuum stopper if you have one. Fuller-bodied reds might live a little longer than lighter, though the flavours tend to dull as time goes on.
