10 Best Light Red Wines to Try Right Now
February 18, 2026
Lighter, more refreshing red wines are becoming more and more popular among Australian wine fans, and it makes sense. Light red wines have all the qualities you enjoy about red wine, including depth, complexity, and gorgeous colour, but without the full-bodied weight or harsh tannins that may at times be too much to handle. Light reds are incredibly versatile and truly exciting to discover, whether you're hosting a summer dinner party, spending a relaxing time on the patio, or just trying out new varieties.
At Just Wines, one of Australia's most trusted online wine destinations, you will find a carefully curated selection of light reds from both local and international producers, making it easier than ever to buy red wine online and have it delivered straight to your door. If you are ready to explore the lighter, more elegant side of red wine, this guide to the 10 best light red wines to try right now is the perfect place to start.
What Is a Light Red Wine?
When people talk about light red wine, they usually mean bottles with less tannin, a lighter colour, and more zingy acidity than the big, bold reds. These wines tend to clock in at 11% to 13.5% alcohol, so they feel delicate and easy on your palate. They're all about fruit, think red berries, cherries, raspberries, and flowers, rather than the deep, earthy flavours you get from heavier reds.
Most of the time, light reds come from cooler regions or grapes with thin skins. That means the wine picks up less tannin during fermentation, so it ends up tasting smooth, almost silky, and definitely refreshing, not heavy or mouth-drying. When you pour one, you’ll notice the colour: pale ruby, maybe a bright garnet, and nearly see-through, almost like a polished jewel. If you’re curious about the lighter side of red wine, these bottles are a seriously fun place to start.
Key Characteristics and How They Differ from Full-Bodied Reds
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They don’t dry your mouth out, lower tannins make them smooth, not grippy, as you’d get with Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. Additional read: Cabernet Sauvignon vs Shiraz
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The alcohol stays pretty modest, usually between 11% and 13.5%. Full-bodied reds often go past 14%.
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They pop with acidity, which keeps things crisp and lively, never flat or dull.
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You can see right through them, pale to medium ruby, nothing like the inky, almost black colour of heavy reds.
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The flavours are bright and fruit-forward: red berries, cherries, and some florals. You won’t find much leather or spice here.
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You don’t have to wait years or fuss with a decanter. Most light reds are ready to drink right away.
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They’re surprisingly food-friendly, going with all sorts of dishes that would just get bulldozed by a heavy red.
Top 10 Lighter Red Wines You Need To Try
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is probably the king of light reds. It’s grown everywhere from Burgundy to New Zealand, Oregon, and Australia, and it shows off with scents of cherry, strawberry, rose petals, and a bit of earthiness. Pinot Noir feels silky and has just the right touch of acidity, which makes it a dream at the dinner table. If you want a red wine that feels elegant but never heavy, Pinot is always a solid pick, whether you’re shopping in person or searching to buy Pinot Noir online.
Gamay
Gamay is the grape that gives us Beaujolais, though you’ll also spot it in the Loire Valley. It’s bright, juicy, and practically dripping with flavours, think red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of fresh violets. With almost no tannins and zippy acidity, it’s the kind of wine you want to chill down and drink all afternoon. Beaujolais Nouveau drops every November and, honestly, it’s become a ritual for a reason. Super light, super fun, and a perfect way to dip your toes into the world of Gamay.
Grenache
Grenache pops up all over southern France, Spain (where they call it Garnacha), and even in Australia. It usually lands in that light to medium-bodied zone. Expect lots of red fruit, strawberry, raspberry, and a little touch of spice if you’re paying attention. It does run a bit higher on the alcohol side compared to other light reds, but the soft tannins and easygoing feel keep it super drinkable. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it shines with tapas or just on its own.
Sangiovese
If Italy had a national grape, Sangiovese would be it. It’s everywhere, especially in Chianti. Depending on who makes it, Sangiovese can lean light or a bit more robust, but you’ll always get that pop of cherry, zippy acidity, and a little earthy or herbal kick. The lighter styles are just made for Italian food, think pasta with tomato sauce, grilled meats, or a hunk of aged cheese. And if you’re shopping around, especially online in Australia, you’ll find plenty of great Sangiovese at all kinds of prices.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco comes from Emilia-Romagna in Italy, and honestly, it’s probably the most fun wine on this list. It’s a sparkling red that can be dry, semi-sweet, or straight-up sweet, but all versions have this deep ruby colour and flavours of blackberry, cherry, and violets. The gentle fizz makes it crazy versatile. Forget the old reputation, modern dry Lambrusco is a hit with natural wine fans and sommeliers, and it’s way cooler than people realise.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is the grape behind Italy’s heavy hitters, Barolo and Barbaresco. But if those sound intimidating, don’t worry. Younger, lighter Nebbiolo, like Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d’Alba, is way more approachable. These wines are paler, softer, and show off those classic Nebbiolo notes: rose petals, tar, cherries, dried herbs. You get all the aroma and character without the big tannic punch of an old Barolo.
Cinsault (Cinsaut)
Cinsault grows mostly in southern France, Lebanon, and some spots in South Africa. It makes light, super elegant wines, think bright red fruit, a little perfume, and a silky, almost weightless feel. Tannins are nearly non-existent. You’ll see it blended with Grenache and Syrah a lot in French wines, but lately, single-varietal Cinsault has been getting some well-deserved love, especially from natural wine fans. It’s easy-going, food-friendly, and honestly deserves way more attention than it gets.
Zweigelt
Zweigelt is Austria’s go-to red grape. It’s a blend of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, and you’ll find it everywhere over there. The wine itself? Medium-light, juicy, full of cherry and berry flavours, a little spice, and super soft tannins. Zweigelt really shines with dishes like roast pork, salmon, or pretty much any lighter veggie dish. In Australia, not many people have caught on to it yet, so stumbling across a wine bottle online feels like finding a hidden gem.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto comes from Piedmont in Italy. The name means “little sweet one,” but don’t get fooled, it’s actually dry and has this slightly bitter finish. For a light red, the colour is surprisingly deep, and the aromas are all about black cherry, licorice, and almonds. This is the kind of wine you want to drink young, while it’s still fresh. It’s perfect with pasta, pizza, or a plate of cured meats. Dolcetto isn’t fancy or fussy. It’s just a straight-up good time in a glass.
Trousseau
Then there’s Trousseau, a rare grape from France’s Jura region. Wines made from Trousseau look almost see-through, pale and delicate, but the flavours are all red berries, spice, and this earthy, mineral edge. Natural wine lovers and sommeliers can’t get enough of it because it’s got real character. You won’t see Trousseau everywhere, but if you spot a bottle while shopping for wine online, just grab it. Seriously, it’s worth a try.
How Do You Pick and Serve a Great Light red wine?
Start by thinking about what you like and what you’re eating. If you want something elegant, go for Pinot Noir.
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If you want something fun and fruity, look at Gamay or Lambrusco. Sangiovese and Nebbiolo bring out more savoury notes if that’s your thing.
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Check the alcohol on the label, lighter reds usually sit under 13.5%. Go for recent vintages; these wines are meant to be enjoyed young.
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Serve them a little chilled, just pop the bottle in the fridge for 20 or 30 minutes before you pour.
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No need to decant most light reds; a quick swirl in the glass will do the trick.
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And when you buy red wine online, use the filters to narrow down your options and save yourself some time.
FAQs
1. How long does light red wine last once opened?
Once opened, the best time to consume a red wine is within 2-3 days, if you seal it back or keep it in the fridge. As lighter reds tend to have lower tannins and Abv, they are more prone to oxidation than full-bodied red wines. So, to ensure long-term drinking, always seal the bottle back tightly and store it in the fridge to keep it chilled and fresh.
2. Should light red wine be chilled?
Yes, chilling your reds is important and highly recommended. Keep it in the fridge at 12-16 degrees Celsius for a quick 20-30 minutes before serving. This can help enhance the wine's acidity and fruity flavours, resulting in a more refreshing and lively thing in a glass.
3. What food pairs best with light red wine?
If you are pairing your lighter reds with food, you are going to absolutely love having them with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, charcuterie, pasta with tomato sauce, mushroom dishes, and soft cheeses. The food’s gentle tannins and crisp acidity makes them more friendly at the dining table than fuller reds.
4. Can beginners enjoy light red wines?
Of course. One of the greatest ways to get started with red wine is with light red wines. They are easy to enjoy without any prior understanding of wine because of their approachable flavours, gentle tannins, and refreshing acidity. For those who are struggling with red wine, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Grenache are all great places to start. For more information, read our blog: Smooth Red Wines for Beginners to Try in 2026
5. How do I know if a red wine is light-bodied?
Typically, a light-bodied red wine has a thinner, more refreshing mouthfeel, a lower alcohol content (usually less than 13.5%), and a pale to medium ruby colour. Look for clear signs such as low tannins, high acidity, or serving the wine chilled on the label or product description.
Find the Perfect Red at Just Wines
Light red wines are some of the most versatile, food-friendly bottles out there. Whether you’re after the silky smoothness of Pinot Noir, the lively sparkle of Lambrusco, or the rare charm of Trousseau, there’s a light red that fits your taste and your mood.
If you’re ready to dive in, the easiest way is to buy red wine online from Just Wines, Australia's trusted online wine store. With an expertly curated range of wines from Australia and New Zealand’s regions and beyond. We make it simple to discover new favourites and stock your cellar with quality bottles delivered straight to your door. Explore the core wine range at Just Wines and discover your next light red, delivered right to your door.
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