So many delicious red wines to choose from--where to begin? Start by learning to choose a wine based on your tastes, possible food pairings or a particular wine region or varietal you'd like to explore. There are a lot of reds out there, so here's some advice to help narrow things down and take it one red bottle at a time.
Instructions
Different Tastes
1. Be bold and choose a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. With fruity and earthy flavors, this red is generally a strong, tannic (bitter) wine--the most in-your-face of the reds.
2. Go with a bottle of Merlot for a smoother, slightly sweeter red wine. Typically softer than cousin Cab, medium-bodied Merlot is a popular red wine and a good place to start exploring your wine taste.
3. Head "down under" with a bottle of Shiraz. Known as Syrah in most regions of the world (other than Australia and South America), this red is another full-bodied, rich and fruity wine. Be ready for some bottles to spice things up a bit.
4. Taste a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir to intrigue your more delicate side. Still expect intense flavor and some smooth fruitiness.
What's for Dinner?
5. Grill up some spicy beef, chicken or sausage and bring out a big red bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Go ahead and throw in some cheddar or bleu cheese.
6. Enjoy a bottle of Merlot while you choose between roasted turkey or beef; a nice beef stew or casserole. If you have a hunter in the family, pair it with some fresh venison.
7. Try pairing kangaroo with a bottle of Australian Shiraz, but perhaps you should choose from more familiar spicy barbecued meats, chili or stew.
8. Wash down a mouthful of chicken, duck or rabbit with a tasty bottle of Pinot Noir. Throw in a few other birds while you're at it--turkey, perhaps?
Tags: with bottle, bottle Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir