5 Best Red Wines for Beginners and Casual Drinking

4. Syrah (Shiraz)

Insider Monkey Score: 10

A rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France, Syrah is the most planted grape of Australia, where they call it Shiraz.

Shiraz was responsible for introducing an entire generation of consumers to the wines of the Land Down Under, most notably with its fruit-forward and easy-drinking versions that were often produced in massive quantities. Syrah is the smoothest red wine to drink because it has slightly sweet-tasting notes.