Best Red Wine (Oct. 2026) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

Buyer's Guide: The Best Red Wine to Drink Now

Benefits of red wine

• It’s rich in antioxidants: Red wine has antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins, epicatechin, catechin, and resveratrol that combat oxidative stress in the body.

• Regulates blood sugar: The resveratrol present in red wine helps to lower glucose levels in the blood as well as regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

• Help the digestive system: Red wine has an anti-bacterial nature that enables it to treat digestive disorders and other stomach irritation.

Characteristics To Consider When Buying Red Wine

Tannin 

Tannins are natural polyphenols found in the skins of grapes. They enhance the flavor by adding tactile sensation and bitterness to the wine. This is what determines if the wine is sweet or not.

Tannins dry out your mouth hence giving you a distinctively bitter and dry finish. Research has proven that some of the greatest and most cellar-worthy red wines contain a high quantity of tannin. 

Before purchasing the red wine, take a look at customers' reviews. This will help you know whether the tannins present in the red wine of your choice are assertive and harsh or integrated and gentle.

Body

You may want either a light, medium, or heavy feel in your mouth. Right?

Light-bodied red wines have alcohol-by-volume(ABV) of 12.5% and below. They leave an airy effect in your mouth and have low alcohol content.

The ABV of medium-bodied red wines ranges from 12.5 to 13.5%. These wines have a higher alcoholic content than light-bodied red wines and leave a lingering flavor in your mouth.

On the other hand, full-bodied red wines have an ABV of above 13.5%. They contain a high alcoholic content, give a full mouthfeel, and contain intense flavors.

Alcohol 

The red wine may not meet your purpose if you fail to check its alcoholic level! The higher the level of alcohol in the red wine, the more it warms the throat as well as the back of the mouth.

Taking high-alcoholic red wine may also have adverse health risks. Don’t be shy! Check the percentage of ethanol as well as the ABV in the wine to determine which one is best for you.

Acidity

Perhaps you could be wondering about the right PH for your wine! Here is a fact! The higher the PH, the lower the acidity of the wine and vice versa.

The recommended PH for a bottle of red wine ranges between 3.4 and 3.6. A red wine with a pH below 3.4 means that it is too sour. If the wine has a pH of more than 3.6, it is considered unstable and may not have a long shelf life.

You now know why red wines that contain high acidity are more tart while those with low acidity have rounder and richer tastes.

Oak

Well, oaks impart the flavor of the wine. Some of the flavors that oak rounds out are baking spices, vanilla, dill, caramel, and smoke.

Vintage

This refers to the year printed on the wine bottle. It indicates the year in which the grapes that were used to make the wine were harvested. Vintage influences the fruitiness of your wine! So, always lookout for a perfect vintage.

Price

Is your preferred red wine worth the price? The answer to this question is relative. Sometimes, the price may not equate to quality!

You can go for a cheap wine that you love. However, do not fear to splurge once in a while.

FAQs

What Makes A Good Red Wine?

Choosing a perfect wine depends on your taste and preference. Overall, you should consider the flavor, tannin level, body, and acidity level of each red wine to help you identify the best for you.

If you like bold and pungent flavors, red wines with a high level of tannins are super for you! If you are new to red wine, consider starting out with red wines with low levels of tannins before trying out other types.

What Makes Red Wine Unique?

Red wine is made from dark-colored grapes which are fermented together with their skins. This provides it with a lot of antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Red wine has also been linked to lowering the risks of heart diseases.

What Does The Body Of Wine Mean?

The body of a wine is the feel it provides in your mouth. Full-bodied wines provide you with texture and a rich feel. On the other hand, light-bodied wines give your mouth an airy experience.

Red wine has been proven to have more health benefits than any other type of wine. It contains chemicals that play a great role in combating oxidative stress in the body. To enjoy red wine, you will need to pick on the one that tastes good to you. The above characteristics should guide you to buy a red wine that best suits you.