Types of Red Wine to Try in 2025: A Beginner's Guide

We all have our favourites. Some swear by crisp whites, while others always reach for a bold bottle of red. But here’s a question: how well do you actually know your red wines? Most people can name a few, but understanding what makes each unique is what turns everyday sipping into a real appreciation.

This red wine guide is all about making those differences clearer. From light-bodied reds perfect for beginners to robust dry red wine styles, we’ll walk through the most popular red wine types, their origins, their flavour profiles, and why they’ve become timeless classics. Whether you’re trying red wine for the first time, looking to buy red wine online in Australia, or simply want to deepen your knowledge of red wine varieties, this is for you.

So, let’s take a journey through the noble grapes that shaped history and continue to delight today.

The Most Popular Types of Red Wine

• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied, elegant red with flavours of cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes.

• Merlot: A medium-bodied, soft red known for juicy plum and raspberry flavours.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied and powerful red with firm tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar.

• Shiraz (Syrah): A full-bodied, bold, and spicy red packed with blackberry, plum, and peppery flavours.

• Grenache: A medium-bodied red, often spicy, with warm berry-forward flavours like strawberry and hints of cinnamon.

• Tempranillo: A medium- to full-bodied red from Spain with flavours of cherry, plum, tobacco, and fig.

• Sangiovese: Italy's most popular grape, a medium-bodied red with cherry and tomato-leaf notes and high acidity.

• Nebbiolo: A full-bodied, powerful Italian red with high tannins, light colour, and notes of rose, tar, and cherry.

How Do Red Wines Get Their Names?

Ever stood in a wine aisle and felt a little lost? You're not alone! Let's break down one of the biggest points of confusion. When it comes to red wine, there are generally two ways a bottle gets its name.

Most of the time, the name you see on the label is simply the type of grape used to make the wine. You've probably heard of the big players on this team: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo , Tempranillo, Grenache, and Sangiovese. When you grab one of these, you know the wine's character is defined by that specific grape.

To help you get familiar, here are the main types of red wines you'll find:

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the most beloved red wine varieties, originally hailing from France’s Burgundy region. Known for its thin-skinned grapes, this varietal produces wines that are light in colour, with low tannins and an elegant, silky texture.

The beauty of Pinot Noir lies in its subtlety. You’ll find flavours of strawberries, cherries, and raspberries layered with gentle earthy notes. Because of its structure, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for long-term aging, developing even more complexity over time.

For red wine beginners, this grape is a great starting point, it’s approachable and versatile, pairing beautifully with dishes like roast chicken, salmon, or creamy mushroom pasta.

Top regions: Burgundy, Oregon, New Zealand, Sonoma Coast

Australian regions: Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania

 

Merlot

Merlot is often considered one of the best entry-level wines for newcomers. It’s widely grown in France’s Bordeaux region, but today it’s found in vineyards all around the world.

Merlot delivers juicy red fruit flavours like strawberries, raspberries, and plums. With medium tannins and a soft finish, it feels smooth on the palate. Interestingly, Merlot changes character depending on where it’s grown: in cooler climates it develops more earthy flavours like tobacco and tar, while in warmer areas it leans into ripe, fruit-forward notes.

If you’re exploring red wine types for the first time, Merlot is one to put on your list—it’s friendly, comforting, and rarely disappoints.

Top regions: Bordeaux, California, Chile, Italy

Australian regions: Coonawarra, Margaret River, Yarra Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

When people think of red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is usually the first to come to mind. Known as one of the world’s most planted red wine varieties, it’s a full-bodied style famous for its depth and power.

Expect rich flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, and plum, often complemented by oak aging that adds vanilla, cedar, and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also known for its firm tannins, which give the wine a bold structure and make it perfect for aging.

It’s a classic pairing with steak, lamb, or slow-cooked beef, basically anything hearty enough to stand up to its intensity. For those learning the difference between Merlot and Cab Sav, the latter is always more powerful, structured, and designed for longevity.

Top regions: Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Chile, Tuscany

Australian regions: Coonawarra, Margaret River, Barossa Valley

Shiraz (Syrah)

In Australia, Syrah is better known as Shiraz, and it’s one of the country’s most celebrated red wine types. This varietal thrives in warm regions, producing full-bodied wines with big, bold flavours.

Shiraz is all about richness, think blackberries, plums, and spice, sometimes even hints of dark chocolate or pepper. It’s versatile too: lighter styles can feel juicy and vibrant, while richer Shiraz wines are dense, smoky, and powerful.

If you’re a fan of bold reds, Shiraz is a must. It’s also an ideal partner for grilled meats, barbecues, and charcuterie boards.

Top regions: Rhône Valley, Northern Rhône, California

Australian regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley, Victoria

 

Grenache

Grenache is one of those red wine varieties that thrives in blends, but it also shines on its own. Mostly grown in Spain and France, it’s known as “Garnacha” in its Spanish homeland.

This wine is typically spicy with berry-forward flavours and a high alcohol content, making it warm and inviting on the palate. It’s smooth and medium-bodied, often with hints of cinnamon or white pepper. 

Grenache is fantastic when you’re looking for something fruit-driven but not overpowering. For those looking to buy red wine online in Australia, Grenache-based wines offer great value and plenty of charm.

Top regions: Spain (Priorat, Rioja), France (Roussillon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Australian regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is Spain’s pride and joy, often called the “noble grape of Spain.” It’s the star grape behind iconic Spanish wines like Rioja.

Flavours range from cherry and plum to dried fig and tobacco. With medium to high tannins and acidity, Tempranillo is both vibrant and structured. When aged in oak, it develops an added richness, with notes of leather and vanilla.

This is a wonderful example of how red wine taste can vary depending on winemaking. Young Tempranillo is fresh and fruity, while aged versions are deep, earthy, and complex.

Top regions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Portugal (Douro)

Australian regions: Boutique plantings in Victoria and South Australia

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is Italy’s most widely planted red grape, best known for producing Chianti. It’s incredibly food-friendly, offering flavours of cherries, tomato leaf, and subtle spices.

What makes Sangiovese stand out is its balance; it has enough acidity to feel fresh, enough tannins to provide structure, and enough fruit to keep it lively. From rustic, earthy wines to more polished, modern styles, Sangiovese shows just how versatile red wine varieties can be.

Pair it with pizza, pasta, or Mediterranean dishes, and you’ll see why Italians hold it so dear.

Top regions: Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Marche

Australian regions: Adelaide Hills, Victoria, Tasmania

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is another Italian gem, hailing from the Piedmont region, where it forms the backbone of famous wines like Barolo and Barbaresco.

At first glance, Nebbiolo looks light, similar to Pinot Noir but don’t be fooled. It’s a full-bodied dry red wine with firm tannins and high acidity, making it one of the most powerful red wine types out there.

Flavours often include red fruits like raspberries and cherries, layered with rose, tar, and earthy complexity. Nebbiolo may not be the easiest red wine for beginners, but once you appreciate it, it’s unforgettable.

Top regions: Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo, Barbaresco

Australian regions: Heathcote, Adelaide Hills

Exploring Red Wine for Beginners

If you’re just starting your journey, stick to approachable varietals like Merlot and Pinot Noir. They’re softer, fruitier, and easier to enjoy without needing years of wine experience. Once you feel ready, move toward more structured wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo.

The best part? You don’t need to leave your home to try them. Today, it’s easy to order wine online, and if you’re looking to buy red wine online in Australia, you’ll find everything from everyday bottles to premium labels delivered straight to your door.

Understanding Red Wine Taste

Red wine taste varies so widely because of factors like grape type, climate, soil, and winemaking techniques. Some red wine varieties lean toward being fruit-forward and juicy, while others are dry, earthy, and intense.

• Light-bodied reds (like Pinot Noir) are soft, elegant, and refreshing.
  

• Medium-bodied reds (like Merlot, Grenache, or Sangiovese) balance fruit, acidity, and tannins.
  

• Full-bodied reds (like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Nebbiolo) are powerful, structured, and often age-worthy.
  
  

Learning these categories helps you find your favourites faster—and also makes food pairing easier.

Additional Read:

* Difference between white vs red wine?

Final Thoughts

Red wine is diverse, approachable, and endlessly fascinating. From the elegance of Pinot Noir to the depth of Cabernet Sauvignon, every varietal tells a story of its region, its grape, and its winemaker. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned wine lover, exploring different red wine types is one of the most enjoyable journeys you can take.

And thanks to online shopping, it’s never been simpler to experiment. Next time you’re ready to try something new, remember—you can buy red wine online in Australia and have your next favourite bottle at your doorstep in just a few clicks.

FAQs on Red Wine

1. What are the most popular types of red wine?

Some of the most common red wine varieties include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Grenache, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Nebbiolo.

2. Which red wine is best for beginners?

Merlot and Pinot Noir are often recommended for beginners due to their softer tannins and fruit-forward flavours.

3. What is dry red wine?

Dry red wine is a style where nearly all of the grape sugars are fermented into alcohol, leaving little to no sweetness. Examples include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Nebbiolo.

4. How do I pair food with different red wine types?

Light reds like Pinot Noir pair with lighter dishes (poultry, fish), medium reds like Merlot or Grenache go with pasta and roasted meats, and bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz pair beautifully with steak or lamb.