Types of Red Wine

Red wine has a charming way of transforming any meal or moment, so we’re here to make choosing the perfect bottle a breeze. 

Related: How to choose your next wine

Whether you’re drawn to the bold richness of a Cabernet Sauvignon, the spicy elegance of a Syrah, or the soft fruitiness of a Pinot Noir, we shed light on the most popular red wines available in New Zealand.

What to expect from red wine

Red wine is richer and fuller than white wine, with bolder flavours, a velvety texture, and a touch more warmth from slightly more alcohol. White wine, by contrast, is lighter, crisper, and often more refreshing. 

Flavours: Red wines are richer and bolder than white wines, with delicious flavours of dark fruits, spices, and earthy undertones. Of course, flavours do vary a lot, depending on the varietal and style. Colours: Red wines range from light ruby to deep purple, depending on the grape variety and age. 

Acidity: Generally medium to high, giving reds a fresh and vibrant taste that balances their richness.

Tannins: Reds have more tannins than white wines, adding a dry, sometimes slightly bitter finish (in a good way!)

Fruitiness: Expect to taste fruit such as cherries, plums, and berries, often with a touch of spice on the side, depending on the varietal.

Popular red wine varietals

Here are our most-loved reds and some advice for picking a good one. 

Shiraz / Syrah

Shiraz (also known as Syrah), is a bold and popular red, loved for its rich dark fruit flavours, hints of spice, and velvety smooth finish. It’s pure indulgence in a glass and matches with richer food.

Learn about Shiraz  / Syrah

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cab Sav is one of the classic red blends, celebrated for its deep blackcurrant flavours, hints of oak and spice, and a finish that wine experts describe as powerful and refined.

More about blended red wines

Pinot Noir

Experts describe Pinot Noir as a ‘delicate yet complex’ red. We love it for its vibrant red berry flavours, silky texture, and subtle earthy notes that make every sip irresistible. 

New Zealand Pinot Noir bats above its weight. Give it a try! 

More about Pinot Noir

Merlot

Merlot is smooth and drinkable, known for its lush plum and cherry flavours, soft tannins, and a velvety finish. It’s an elegant match with lighter meals.

Malbec

A bold and juicy drop, known for its rich blackberry and plum flavours, a touch of spice, and smooth, velvety goodness. 

Keen to learn more about these and other popular varietals in New Zealand? Head to our wine varietals guide.

Popular sparkling red wines

That’s right. Sparkling does not always have to be white! 

Popular sparkling red wines combine bold, fruity flavours with bubbly effervescence, creating a fun, festive, and uniquely refreshing drop. Try these favourites.

Sparkling rose

Sparkling rosé is a charming blend of elegance and fun, with its delicate pink hue, lively bubbles, and bright flavours of citrus and red berries. It’s the perfect wine for celebrations or simply adding a touch of sparkle to your day.

Sparkling ‘blush’

Sparkling blush is a refreshing choice, offering a soft pink hue, playful bubbles, and flavours of ripe fruit. It’s a great fit for special occasions and casual summer sipping! 

Sparkling Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a celebrated wine, offering elegant red fruit and subtle spice flavours. So when it’s combined with lively bubbles, it’s quite the ‘velvety’ sensation. 

Sparkling Shiraz

A bold and bubbly delight, with dark fruit flavours, hints of spice, and a unique fizz that makes it perfect for celebrations or pairing with rich, hearty dishes.

Learn more about sparkling wine

Popular red wine blends

Red wine blends combine the strengths of different grape varieties to create complex, well-rounded flavours. Winemakers work hard to mix grapes to balance things like richness and fruitiness. 

Blends like Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah-Viognier are common in New Zealand wines. 

Learn more about red wine blends

Red wine dryness scale

Red wine ‘dryness’ basically means how dry or sweet the wine tastes, but the technical meaning is actually about how much natural sugar is left after fermentation (the process of making wine).

Compared to its white wine cousins, most reds are on the dry side, offering rich flavours without noticeable sweetness. But there’s still a wide scale.

Here’s an overview below:

Dry red wines

Popular reds on the dry-side are blended reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and varietals like Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz, and Pinot Noir.

Semi-dry red wines

Examples are Merlot, Zinfandel, and some lighter red blends.

Semi-sweet red wines

Try Lambrusco, Grenache, and certain fruit-forward red blends.

Sweet red wines

Have you heard of Ruby Port, Brachetto, and some dessert-style red wines? Give them a try! 

Red wine from lightest to boldest

Red wines come in a range of styles, from light and delicate to bold and full-bodied, each offering its own unique drinking experience. 

It means you can always find a red for any taste or occasion.

Lighter bodied red wine

These wines are ‘softer’, meaning the taste is less intense. Varietals include Pinot Noir, and lesser-known Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Gamay Noir, and Montepulciano. Search our wines and try something new! 

Medium bodied red wines

A medium-bodied red wine strikes the perfect balance—richer than a light wine but not as heavy as a full-bodied one, offering smooth textures and vibrant flavours.

In New Zealand, common medium-bodied reds include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and some types of Shiraz/Syrah.

Full bodied

These wines are beautifully rich with tonnes of flavour and they’re even better aged. We’re talking Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Merlot, Shiraz / Syrah or Durif. 

Low alcohol red wines

Are you looking for a red wine that’s big on flavour but easy on alcohol levels? 

Low and no-alcohol reds are perfect for sipping when you want to keep things light and laid-back. 

Other useful info on red wine

What is a good low-cost ‘table’ red wine?

A good low-cost table red offers smooth, drinkable flavours without breaking the bank. Look for options like Merlot or a blend that are usually lower-priced.

Storing red wine

Do you keep red wine in the refrigerator or chilled?

While red wine is usually best stored at room temperature, chilling it slightly before serving can enhance its freshness, mainly for lighter reds like Pinot Noir.

Can you freeze red wine?

Freezing red wine is possible, but it's not ideal for maintaining its drinking quality. Consider using it for cooking instead! If you have a tiny amount left in a glass, pour into a plastic container and freeze.

How long does open red wine last?

Once opened, red wine usually lasts 3-5 days in the fridge, with a cork or screw cap, though it may start to lose its freshness after a day or two.

How long does unopened red wine last?

Unopened red wine can last anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on the type of wine and storage conditions, with some wines aging well beyond that.

Learn more about storing wine

Serving red wine

Do you have to decant red wine?

Decanting red wine isn’t always necessary, but it can improve the flavour and aromas of wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or older reds that benefit from oxygen exposure.

Best temperature for red wine

Red wine is best served slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C for most reds, which enhances its flavours.

Do I always have to drink out of a red wine glass?

Red wine glasses have a larger bowl for better ‘aeration’ and releasing of aromas. White wine glasses are smaller to preserve the wine's freshness and crispness. 

Learn how to serve wine

Nutritional breakdown

How many calories are in red wine?

A standard glass of red wine contains around 125 calories, while a full bottle (750 ml) has about 600-650 calories.

How many carbs are in red wine?

A glass of red wine contains approximately 3-4 grams of carbs, while a bottle has around 15-20 grams.

How much alcohol is in red wine?

Red wines have an alcohol content of around 12-15%, depending on the variety and region.

Pairing food and red wine

What does red wine pair with?

Red wine pairs wonderfully with rich foods like red meats, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and strong cheeses.

Learn about wine pairing

Cooking with red wine

What’s the best type of red wine to cook with?

Medium-bodied reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz are excellent for cooking, offering rich flavours that complement a variety of dishes. But any wine added to dishes like casseroles, sauces and gravy will still work well and add depth and flavour. 

What is a good red wine substitute?

If you need a substitute for red wine in your cooking, try grape juice or broth mixed with a little vinegar or wine vinegar. It may seem strange, but it mimics the acidity and depth of wine. 

Grab some great wine recipes

Is Pinot Noir red or white wine?

Pinot Noir is a red wine, known for its light body, delicate flavours, and smooth texture. Search for your next drop from our wide selection.

Learn more about Pinot NoirIs Rosé a red or white wine?Rosé is made from red grapes, but it’s neither fully red nor white, as it gets its colour from brief contact with grape skins. Learn more about Rosé