The best red wine to buy: our favourite bottles for every taste

“What’s a good red wine?” is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: it depends what you like. Some people love a light, fresh red they can chill in summer; others want something rich and velvety for a winter stew. The trick is to know which style you enjoy, then pick the best bottle in that style.

Here’s how to find your perfect red, with our favourite bottles in each style.

Start with body: light, medium or full

The easiest way to describe red wine is by its weight in your mouth, which wine lovers call “body”. Think of the difference between skimmed milk, semi-skimmed and whole milk.

• Light-bodied reds are fresh, juicy and low in tannin: Pinot Noir, Gamay (Beaujolais) and Valpolicella.
• Medium-bodied reds are the all-rounders: Merlot, Rioja, Chianti and Côtes du Rhône.
• Full-bodied reds are rich and powerful: Malbec, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo.

If you’re not sure, start in the middle. Medium-bodied reds suit the widest range of food and moods.

The best light reds

Light reds are perfect if you find big reds a bit heavy. They’re lovely lightly chilled and brilliant with chicken, salmon and charcuterie.

Louis Jadot Fleurie is a gorgeous Beaujolais cru with juicy red cherry fruit. Moillard Burgundy Pinot Noir is silky and fragrant, and Nautilus Estate Pinot Noir from New Zealand is riper and fruitier.

The best medium-bodied reds

This is where most of our bestsellers live. Beronia Rioja Reserva is smooth, spicy and endlessly versatile; it’s the bottle we’d recommend to almost anyone. Castello di Albola Chianti Classico is savoury and fresh, perfect with pasta. Domaine Brusset Côtes du Rhône is warm and peppery, and Montes Classic Series Merlot is soft and plummy.

The best full-bodied reds

Full-bodied reds are made for steak, barbecues and cold nights. Terrazas de los Andes Malbec is velvety and rich, Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz is plush and chocolatey, and Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and elegant. For a treat, Castelforte Amarone della Valpolicella is rich, raisiny and wonderfully indulgent.

The best value reds

You don’t need to spend a fortune to drink well. Cune Crianza punches well above its weight, Our Selection Mendoza Malbec is generous and smooth, and Our Selection Côtes du Rhône Villages is an award-winning bargain. For parties, McGuigan Black Label Red is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Smooth reds for people who “don’t like red wine”

If you find red wine too dry or harsh, look for soft, fruity styles with low tannin. Apothic Winemaker’s Blend is rich and velvety with a hint of sweetness, and Cali by Snoop is soft and fruity. A lightly chilled Beaujolais is another great way in.

Red wine for special occasions

When you want to impress, look to the classics. Batasiolo Barolo is the “king of Italian wines”, Faustino I Gran Reserva is a mellow Rioja legend, and M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape is rich and complex.

How to serve red wine

Most reds are best a little cooler than room temperature, around 16–18°C for fuller reds and 12–14°C for lighter ones. A warm red tastes soupy and alcoholic, so don’t be afraid to pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes. Big reds benefit from half an hour in a decanter or jug; our decanting guide explains why.

FAQs

What is the smoothest red wine?

Merlot, Malbec and Rioja Reserva are all known for their smooth, soft textures.

What’s the best red wine for beginners?

A Rioja Crianza, a Côtes du Rhône or a fruity Merlot. All are approachable and easy to enjoy.

Should red wine be chilled?

Lighter reds benefit from a short chill. Even fuller reds taste better just below room temperature.

See every bottle on our red wine list, or read our guide to the best white wines.