Top 10 Best Types of Red Wine

Red wine is a world unto itself, brimming with countless varieties, flavors, and stories. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to this delightful drink, everyone has their favorites.

Think about that bottle you always reach for - is it complex and bold? Or maybe you lean toward something smooth and fruity? Perhaps your palate craves something altogether unique?
The Top Ten
1 French Bordeaux

French wines are so numerous and diversified that it is impossible to make a choice or even a list. The problem is they are not known as they should be. The French have poor marketing behavior. That's a pity.

In the majority of cases, the wonderful taste of grapes that blend in perfectly with the alcohol is absolutely sublime. French wine, in general, is the best. It's way better than most Italian wine in my opinion.

Certainly, Bordeaux wines are among the best red wines. There are many different kinds of Bordeaux, ranging in price from $4 to thousands of dollars. From Château XYZ to Petrus, there are great wines to be found.

However, some other countries are now also using French grapes and are producing very good red wines as well. These include California, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and of course, Spain.

2 Spanish Rioja

Definitively better than the disgusting and acidic Italian wines.

Yes, a very delicious Spanish red wine.

3 French Beaujolais

Beaujolais wines are made using a special process called carbonic maceration. It first results in a fruity wine without much tannin. In the case of Beaujolais Nouveau, this process is completed in as little as four days. Other AOCs are allowed longer fermentation times. As the grapes ferment longer, they develop more tannins and a fuller body.

Beaujolais is far from the best French wine, but because it's from France, it's the origin of any other wine.

Also great with cheddar cheese.

4 French Bourgogne

French Bourgogne after Chianti? What a shame.

5 Australian Shiraz

It has to be Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz for a quality but reasonably priced red. Rawnsley Estate also does a lovely Shiraz for slightly cheaper.

6 Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, a French-origin grape, is well-handled by Chileans. They know how to work with this famous and globally recognized red wine grape variety.

It should say any Cabernet Sauvignon (I don't drink but I've had "experience" with this wine).

7 Haut-Médoc
8 French Cahors
9 Saint-Émilion

Every year we buy 96 bottles of different French wines, including some Saint-Émilion. We really appreciate it like all French wines, actually.

10 Pomerol
The Contenders
11 Petrus
12 Italian Chianti

Chianti is the king of reds, and the best red to cook with. It is also the best red for eating with cheese. Whether you get a $10 bottle or a $30+ bottle, I have never had a bad one. I can't say that with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz.

13 French Bergerac
14 Californian Zinfandel

Nice wine and largely better than an Italian Chianti, for example.

Nice wine and largely better than a Chianti, for example.

15 Margaux (French)

The famous Chateau Margaux. So good.

16 Argentinian Malbec

The Punta de Flecha 2009 is absolutely nice with a well-rounded taste and finish.

17 South African Pinotage

Simply the best. And only available in South Africa!

18 German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)
19 Georgian Ojaleshi

Ojaleshi is one of the best red semi-sweet wines made from the grape variety of the same name. It is cultivated on the mountain slopes overhanging the banks of the Tsknetis Tskali River, particularly in the Orbeli village and Samegrelo district (Western Georgia). Ojaleshi has a dark ruby color, a gentle bouquet and aroma, and a harmonious, rich taste with a fruity flavor. It contains 10-12% alcohol.

20 California Merlot
21 Saperavi
22 Mukuzani
23 Akhasheni
24 Saint-Estèphe
25 Italian Sangiovese
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