red wines

How to choose a red wine

Start with body and tannin. Pinot Noir is a useful place to explore lighter to medium-bodied reds, while Cabernet Sauvignon often offers more structure. Syrah and Shiraz are names for the same grape, with styles that vary by region and producer. These are starting points, not guarantees: check each bottle's tasting notes.

Pair the bottle with the whole dish

For steaks and other rich meat dishes, consider a fuller-bodied red. A lighter red can suit roast poultry, duck, mushrooms or a less intense cheese board. A sweet or spicy sauce may change the pairing more than the meat itself.

Everyday meals, dinner parties and gifts

Compare current prices, grape and producer to find a bottle for your budget. If you are choosing a gift, start with a style the recipient enjoys. For other colours and occasions, explore all wines, white wines or Champagne and sparkling wine.

Explore red wines by grape

Compare Pinot Noir for its different regional expressions, Cabernet Sauvignon for structured styles, and Syrah or Shiraz for another range of fruit and spice character. Read the individual notes: a grape name does not guarantee one flavour or body.

For a geographic route, explore French wines and Italian wines.