Red wines have complex flavor profiles that can make it difficult to decide which one is the best to drink by itself. However, there are some wines that are particularly well suited for drinking alone, often because of their simplicity. Here is a guide to some of the best red wines for enjoying on their own.
Types of Red Wine
Red wines can be enjoyed on their own or paired with food. Red wines come in a variety of styles and differ in terms of flavors and body. From light and fruity to bold and hearty, there are many types of red wine to choose from. In this article, we will discuss the different types of red wine, what they taste like, and which ones are best to drink by themselves.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, dry red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This variety of grape is known for its dark inky color and intense flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon wines have defined characteristics such as medium to high tannins, good acidity and aromas of blackberry, cassis, mint and cedar. In cooler climates, this variety often develops notes of eucalyptus and bell pepper.
The structure of Cabernet Sauvignon wines makes them a great choice for pairing with red meats like filet mignon or ribeye steak. They also pair well with herbs like rosemary or thyme and bold cheeses like blue Brie or Gruyere. This grape variety can live in many different climates around the world making it popular among wine enthusiasts everywhere. Popular regions produce this wine include Bordeaux in France, the Napa Valley in California and Tuscany in Italy.
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most popular red wines for those who enjoy drinking wine by itself. It often has a medium body and can be both sweet and tart at the same time. Merlot is a great choice for beginners in the wine world, as it typically pairs well with many dishes and offers an approachable flavor profile to those new to wine tasting. It can range from light-bodied with flavors of cherry, plum, blackberry, currant and dried herbs to full-bodied with bold notes of blackberry jam, sugarplum, tobacco, sage and cassis. Merlot is also a grape used in creating bold “super Tuscan” blends that taste great enjoyed alone or paired with food.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, which literally translates to “black pine” in French, is a classic thin-skinned red grape variety. The grape originated from Burgundy, France and has been planted in the region for centuries. Pinot Noir has since become one of the most popular red grapes in the world and can be found in almost every major wine producing country. Its thin skin makes it more susceptible to temperature variations, pests, and diseases, so Pinot Noir wines require skillful viticulture and winemaking by experienced hands. This unique grape produces light-to-medium bodied wines that range from pale ruby red to deep violet in color. It is typically medium bodied with aromas of fresh fruits like cherries, raspberries and strawberry and balanced taste with hints of spice and earthiness that gives it a pleasant finish. These qualities make Pinot Noir an incredibly versatile food pairing wine as it can be made sparkling or still, dry or sweet depending on the preference of its producer. Pinot Noir is truly one of the most special grapes out there as its combination of versatility, complex flavor profile and unique characteristics have made it beloved for centuries by experienced winemakers all over the globe!
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine that originated in the Rhone Valley of France. It features aromas of blackberry and smoky oak, along with flavors of raspberry, black pepper and licorice. Syrah/Shiraz often has a lower acidity than other red wines, making it ideal for drinking on its own. These wines are usually bold and intense, so they pair well with strong flavors such as grilled meats. California offers some excellent varieties of Syrah/Shiraz, as does Australia’s Barossa Valley.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a hearty, versatile red wine that originated in Croatia and comes in different levels of sweetness. While sweet “White” Zinfandel is popular in America, there are also several drier styles, such as Primitivo and Frappato, that can be served with food.
The style of Zinfandel varies by region. In the cooler parts of California’s North Coast appellation (Marin, Lake, Mendocino counties), the wines display tart raspberry flavors with some earthy notes and moderate tannins; these tend to be lighter bodied wines. The warmer Central Valley appellation produces richer styles that are higher in alcohol and opulent fruit character; these wines tend to lean towards jammy nuances as opposed to fresh fruit aromas.
Zinfandels can pair well with roasted red meats, grilled steaks or ribs, gourmet burgers or smoked pork sandwiches. It also pairs nicely with Mexican cuisine or tomato-based dishes like spaghetti and chili.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Red Wine
Choosing the right red wine to drink by itself can seem daunting at first. There are a few factors that you should keep in mind when selecting a red wine to enjoy. The most important factors include the type of wine, the region of origin, the producer, and the price. Additionally, food pairings, as well as personal preferences, can influence your choice. With all these points in mind, let’s take a closer look at these factors.
Tasting Notes
When selecting a red wine to enjoy on its own, it is important to consider the flavor and aroma notes that characterize the particular varietal you are interested in. Red wines with appealing tasting notes should provide a pleasant drinking experience. A wine’s flavor might be described as fruity, spicy, smoky, earthy, nutty or other descriptors. Common fruits used for measuring a red wine’s ability to describe their flavors include plums and cherries as well as other desired elements like cocoa, cinnamon or licorice. It is also essential to note the aroma characteristics of a particular bottle of red wine; these aromas can range from honey-like to cedarwood or martini olive.
In addition to considering aroma and flavor profiles when selecting your preferred red wine, it is recommended that you analyze information about the actual varietal you are considering purchasing. Varietals have their own individual attributes that add complexity and dimension when tasted such as tannins (bitter agents found in grapes) or acidity levels (which define a wine’s balance). Finally, knowing what region your chosen bottle of red originates from will help guide both taste expectations and realistic price points — although many varietals are now being produced in multiple regions throughout the world.
Alcohol Content
Alcohol content is an important factor to consider when choosing a red wine. Generally, you can expect the alcohol content to range from 11.5–15% ABV (alcohol by volume). On the lower side of the spectrum, you may find young, light-bodied wines that are fruity and fresh. These wines tend to have a lighter body and are less likely to weigh heavily on your palate. As you progress up in the ABV scale, they will become more full-bodied, leaving behind a more complex flavor profile that is traditional of an oaked red wine. Be aware that higher ABV wines tend to cost more because their production requires more grapes or a longer aging process than those with lower alcohol content.
Price
Price can be an important consideration when selecting a red wine to drink on its own. While there is no need to spend a fortune, you should avoid buying the cheapest wines available, as it is unlikely that the flavor or complexity will be satisfactory. It is worth bearing in mind that some wines are released at higher price points due to their reputation rather than quality; these wines may not actually be any better than more moderately priced bottles.
When looking for good quality red wines to drink by itself, choose bottles priced between $10 and $20 per bottle. This range usually offers good value and an enjoyable drinking experience. If you have a little more to spend, consider looking for bottles from lesser-known regions or small-scale wineries; oftentimes these have surprisingly complex flavors without costing too much more than entry-level varieties from major producers.
Recommended Red Wines to Drink By Themselves
If you’re looking to enjoy a great red wine all by itself, you’ll want to pick one that is fruity and well balanced. Red wines can come in various styles, such as bold and tannic, to light and sparkling. It’s important to pick wines that will balance the flavors and add complexity. We recommend a few great options that you can enjoy without needing to pair it with food.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with medium to high acidity and a recognizable tannin structure. Its flavors range from black currants and cedar to tobacco, leather, figs, blackberries and leather over a base of medium-sweet oak. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with many foods but can also stand alone as an excellent companion for nights just hanging out with friends or when you want to take your time enjoying a glass of wine. Some suggested bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon that are perfect for by themselves are J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Castello di Volpaia “Volpaia” Chianti Classico 2015 or Lyeth Estate California Meritage 2014.
Merlot
Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with light tannins that make it approachable and pleasing to drink alone. Merlot has a range of flavors, from dark fruit like blackberry, cherry and plum to savory flavors like espresso, black pepper and smoked meat. Depending on the region in which it is grown, Merlot can be more reminiscent of candied fruits or tobacco. Many of the considerations for pairing this wine also apply for drinking Merlot solo. Serve it young – usually within five years of purchase to enjoy its freshness and brightness – at between 55°F-65°F degrees Celsius. Take special care to store properly, as cool temperatures are essential for longer storage potentials. Enjoying a glass of Merlot on its own can make a great accompaniment after dinner or with lighter dishes like fish, chicken and vegetarian fare. Look for bottles from Argentina’s Northwest Valley (Cafayate) or Washington State; both areas are renowned for growing great Merlots that are perfect on their own or with food.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red wine known for its delicate fruit flavors and silky mouthfeel. The varietal originated in France and is now cultivated around the world in temperate climates. Pinot Noir tends to have aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, currant and more, along with characteristics such as subtle earthiness or smokiness, hints of black tea or tobacco, light oak aromas or spicy mushroom. Pinot Noirs aren’t overly powerful wines but can be vivid and expressive under the right conditions such as cool temperatures, low yields and careful processing. These wines are enjoyable for their subtle complexity and can be enjoyed by themselves or paired with a variety of foods.
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah or Shiraz grapes are thick-skinned with a powerful flavor. These red wines usually have distinct flavors of cedar, pepper, blueberries, blackberries and plums. Syrah wines are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed alone or paired with poultry, pork, game and spicy dishes. Depending on the area where it was grown, a Syrah wine’s color can range from garnet to purple-tinged black. Full-bodied Syrahs taste smoky, with leathery tannins that give the wine structure without aggressiveness. In warmer climates such as warm climates such as Australia or California, this grape produces darker colored wines with bolder flavors that have aromas of pepper, dark fruits and even toast or vanilla. However in cooler regions like France and Northern Italy the resulting wine is lighter in color but still rich in flavor.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a robust, full-bodied red wine that has a flavor profile full of enticing notes including ripe berries, hints of pepper and clove, and even subtle hints of chocolate. Still always get the most out of this delicious varietal, make sure to choose one with good acidity.
Such wines will provide more complexity to the already bold flavors present in Zinfandel. By itself Zinfandel stands up brilliantly as a pairing for barbecued meats, rich cheeses and any other hearty dishes. For many years, zinfandel was mistaken for an Italian variety known as primitivo yet this is just a US name as they are almost identical.
Today you can find zinfandels sourced from California in particular with many producers now offering single varietal wines that are not only of breathtakingly quality but offer excellent value too. A great zinfandel will often have aromas of bright fresh fruits like cherry or raspberry on the nose while lively acidity keeps it vibrant on the palate rounded off with smooth tannins giving it a structural backbone that stretches melds flavors together beautifully on finish.
