Red Wine

Red wine is one of the world’s most celebrated and widely enjoyed alcoholic beverages, produced in virtually every wine-growing region and prized for its diversity of styles, flavours, and ageing potential. Made by fermenting the juice of dark-skinned grape varieties, red wine derives its colour, tannin structure, and much of its flavour from extended contact with the grape skins during fermentation — a process known as maceration.

The history of red wine stretches back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing its production in the Caucasus and Middle East as early as 6,000–8,000 years ago. Today, red wine is produced on every continent except Antarctica, with each region contributing unique characteristics shaped by climate, soil, and winemaking traditions.

Winemaking techniques vary widely, influencing style and flavour. Factors include fermentation temperature (cooler fermentations produce fresher fruit notes; warmer fermentations enhance body and tannin), choice of vessel (stainless steel for purity; oak barrels for complexity), and ageing (young, fresh wines vs. mature, tertiary-flavoured wines). Oak ageing can add vanilla, toast, and spice, while bottle ageing can develop earthy, leathery, and savoury nuances.

Styles of red wine range from light and fruity (Beaujolais, Dolcetto) to full-bodied and robust (Barolo, Napa Cabernet). Dry red wines are most common, but semi-sweet and sweet styles exist, such as Lambrusco or fortified Port. Tannin levels, acidity, alcohol content, and fruit concentration all contribute to how a wine feels on the palate and pairs with food.

Food pairing is one of red wine’s great strengths. Light reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay pair beautifully with roast chicken, salmon, and mushroom dishes. Medium-bodied wines like Merlot or Grenache suit pasta, pizza, and charcuterie. Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec complement grilled meats, aged cheeses, and hearty stews.

Globally, notable red wine regions include Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, Tuscany and Piedmont in Italy, Rioja in Spain, Napa Valley in the USA, Mendoza in Argentina, and Barossa Valley in Australia. Each offers distinctive interpretations of red wine based on grape variety, terroir, and tradition.

Our Red Wine selection spans iconic Old World appellations and dynamic New World producers, from ready-to-drink bottles for casual occasions to fine wines built for cellaring. Whether you’re seeking a bright, fruit-driven everyday pour, a structured wine for a special meal, or a rare vintage for your collection, red wine offers a universe of flavours, styles, and stories to explore — one glass at a time.