In this article, we are going to discuss the 16 best red wines for beginners and casual drinking. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global wine market, the largest winery in the world, the new acquisition in the wine industry, and wine tourism in the United States, head to 16 Best Red Wines for Beginners and Casual Drinking.
5. Beaujolais Nouveau
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Made from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine that is released each November. The wine is light, fruity, and is often served chilled, to be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of dishes. Beaujolais’ best quality lies in its easy-drinking nature and ability to deliver pure enjoyment, making it a crowd-pleaser and a delightful companion for casual wine enthusiasts.
Produced in the Beaujolais region of France, Japan remains by far the main export market for the wine with 3.6 million bottles, followed by the U.S. and the U.K.
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.
3. Merlot
Insider Monkey Score: 11
Merlot is good for casual drinking as it contains low acidity and tannins. Also, it does not have the sharp-tasting notes of other red wine staples. Merlot’s best quality lies in its versatility, making it an excellent choice for casual occasions where a crowd-pleasing and easy-drinking red wine is desired.
Found in vineyards from California to France to Italy to Australia, Merlot is one of the world’s most popular red wines, and America’s second favorite after Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
Insider Monkey Score: 12
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in the world for a reason – most people love it. With its juicy black fruits, vanilla undertones, and smooth palate, Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy wine to enjoy.
If you’re just starting out on your wine journey, stick to Cabernet Sauvignon from New World regions, like California. These are going to be the fruitiest versions of the grape, tricking your palate into thinking the wine is sweet.
The Cabernet Sauvignon market has witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by the rising demand for premium wines and the increasing popularity of wine consumption globally. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the Best Affordable Red Wines for Casual Drinking.
1. Pinot Noir
Insider Monkey Score: 14
Pinot Noir is the perfect entry-level red wine. France has a long history and reputation for producing high-quality Pinot Noir, particularly from the Burgundy region. The United States is also a significant exporter of the wine, with California being the largest producing state.
Many wine experts consider Pinot Noir to be the healthiest red wine because it contains the highest concentration of resveratrol, so it is widely regarded as the best red wine to drink daily, though one should always be responsible with alcohol.
Pinot Noir’s best quality lies in its versatility and ability to pair effortlessly with a wide range of dishes, making it the go-to choice for casual evenings filled with culinary exploration.
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