A Beginner’s Guide to Red Wine for 'National Red Wine Day'
‘National Red Wine Day’, celebrated on August 28, is the perfect excuse to pour a glass, try something new, and learn some wine basics.
If you're not super knowledgable about wine, choosing a bottle can feel intimidating, but you don’t need to be an expert to find something you enjoy... And we're here to help!
From light and fruity to rich and bold, we’ve put together a simple guide to red wine; We’ve also included a few bottles and seasonal pairings to enjoy as summer winds down.
**** Red Wine: The Basics ****
Red wine gets its color from dark grape skins, which remain in contact with the juice during fermentation. The skins also contribute flavor and tannins (*the dry, slightly puckering sensation you may notice after a sip).
Three common terms can help you choose a wine:
-- Body: How light or heavy the wine feels
-- Acidity: Its fresh, bright, or tart quality
-- Tannins: The drying sensation created by grape skins and seeds
**** Popular Red Wines for Beginners ****
Pinot Noir
Light to medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, Pinot Noir’s soft tannins make it especially approachable. It can also be served slightly chilled, making it an excellent late-summer red.
Merlot
Merlot is smooth and easy to drink, with flavors such as plum, blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and vanilla. It’s a dependable choice when you want something rich but not overly intense.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers dark fruit flavors with possible notes of oak, spice, tobacco, or vanilla. Its stronger tannins pair especially well with grilled meats and aged cheeses.
Syrah or Shiraz
These names refer to the same grape, although styles vary by region. Both are typically bold and flavorful, with dark fruit, pepper, smoke, and spice that complement barbecue and other savory dishes.
Zinfandel
Known for jammy berry flavors with pepper and spice, Zinfandel is bold yet casual—perfect for a cookout or relaxed late-summer dinner.
**** The Best Reds for Late Summer ****
A common misconception is that red wine is best for cold weather, a hearty meal, and meant for someone who can handle a strong-tasting vino.
But it isn't so!
Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, and dry Lambrusco are lighter, fruit-forward options that taste delicious with a gentle chill, perfect for these finals days of Summer.
Place the bottle in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving. You don’t want it ice-cold… just cool enough to bring out its freshness and fruit flavors.
Beaujolais, made from Gamay, offers bright cherry and berry notes. Grenache is juicy with subtle spice, while dry sparkling Lambrusco makes a refreshing and unexpected addition to a summer gathering.
**** Easy Seasonal Pairings ****
Late-summer produce such as tomatoes, peaches, cherries, figs, corn, zucchini, and eggplant pairs beautifully with red wine. A few easy combinations include:
-- Pinot Noir with grilled chicken, mushrooms, or cherry and goat cheese salad
-- Gamay with charcuterie, roasted vegetables, or turkey sliders
-- Grenache with tomato bruschetta, grilled peppers, or Mediterranean-inspired bites
-- Dry Lambrusco with prosciutto, Parmesan, pizza, or fresh peaches
-- Zinfandel with barbecue sliders, grilled sausages, or corn on the cob
-- Cabernet Sauvignon with steak bites, aged cheddar, or grilled portobello mushrooms
Note: As a general rule, pair lighter foods with lighter wines and save fuller-bodied reds for richer dishes.
**** Raise a Glass to Something New ****
National Red Wine Day isn’t about knowing every grape, region, or tasting term. It’s an opportunity to explore and discover what you like.
Pick up a bottle you haven’t tried, prepare a few seasonal bites, and invite some friends to taste along with you. Whether you prefer a lightly chilled Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, the best red wine is simply the one you enjoy drinking.
So, cheers to National Red Wine Day and the final flavors of summer!