Dry red wine is the most preferred among drinkers compared to rose and white wine.

It is considered the healthiest alcoholic drink and is easy to pair.

Wondering what kind to place in your wine rack?

Types of wine

Dry red wine is a non-sweet wine with high tannin content. Photo: pixabay.comSource: UGC

Read on to discover the best dry red wines based on the verdict of wine-tasting experts.

Dry red wine is not sweet and has high tannin content that leaves a smooth mouthfeel.

What is dry red wine?

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Dry red wineis non-sweet wine that has undergone the entire fermentation process.

Its sugars are completely consumed by yeast during production.

Dry red wines are also characterized by high tannin levels, which make them taste better as they age.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon from the Knights Valley. Photo: kb-wineSource: Twitter

They can be paired with different types of food and can also be used to cook.

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Cabernet Franc

Heritage Cabernet Franc from Alba Vineyard. Photo: winecasualHQSource: Twitter

In most cases, manufacturers blend it with other red wine types to get a hearty tannic feel.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow well in hot climates.

It is characterized by earthy, vegetal, and fruity flavours.

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3.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is softer and less tannic than most dry red wines.

It is also lighter and more acidic.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir dry red wine. Photo: boogs_sideSource: Twitter

The grapes do well in dry climates and chalky or clay soil.

It tastes a lot like the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlots alcohol levels range between 13% and 14%, depending on the climate.

Merlot

Tinhorn Creek Merlot red wine brand. Photo: TinhornCreekSource: Twitter

The grapes are grown in France, Chile, California, and Australia.

Malbec

Malbec is a deep purple-red and acidic wine with fruity flavours, including black cherry and plum.

It is characterized by high alcohol levels of between 13% and 14%.

Malbec

Cahors Malbec 2018. Photo: Delbert73Source: Twitter

Malbec tastes different depending on where the grapes are grown.

Common regions are Argentina, France, USA, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

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6.

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Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is known for its violet and spice aromas.

It is mainly blended in French Bordeaux style wines to add colour and tannin.

Modern wine manufacturers have discovered that it also tastes great on its own.

Petit Verdot

Dehesa Del Carrizal Petit Verdot 2016. Photo: DehesaCarrizalSource: Twitter

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah wines have high levels of acidity and tannins.

They have varying flavours, including blueberry, blackberry, espresso, black pepper, and plum.

The Petite Sirah grape is grown in France, California, Australia, Mexico, Chile, and Israel.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah red wine. Photo: Friscokid49Source: Twitter

This throw in of wine is best taken young and fresh to taste its rich fruitiness and mellow tannins.

Carmenere grapes have a long growing season and do well in sunny climates.

Chile is a leading global producer.

Carménère

Montes Alpha Carménère 2018. Photo: MontesWinesSource: Twitter

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9.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is characterized by cherry and plum aromas and has aunique tartfinish.

It has an alcohol level of between 13% and 14%.

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The wine is best enjoyed when you pair it with food, mostly meats.

Sangiovese grapes do well in hot and dry climates and are mostly grown in Italy.

Other Sangiovese growing regions include France, Argentina, the United States, and Australia.

Sangiovese

Krupp Brothers Sangiovese 2016. Photo: wwhuhSource: Instagram

It can be manufactured alone or paired with other red grapes.

Tempranillo grapes are mostly grown in Spain.

you could also find vineyards in Mexico, California, and Portugal.

Tempranillo

Messina Hof Tempranillo 2018. Photo: Messina_HofSource: Twitter

Shiraz is the sixth most grown grape across the globe and has its origins in France.

It is now common among winemakers inSouth Africa, USA, and Australia.

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12.

Shiraz dry red wine

Angove McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016. Photo: SideHustleWinoSource: Instagram

Winemakers can produce 100% Grenache wines or blend them with more tannic grapes like the Syrah or Mourvedre.

Mourvedre grapes are late-ripening hence require warm climates.

They are mostly grown in Spain, France, USA, South Australia, and South Africa.

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Cinsault

Cinsault wines have floral, fruity, and ripe strawberry notes.

It is also light making it a perfect blend for red wines like Grenache and Mourvedre.

The wine is majorly grown in the Southern Rhone Valley of France.

Grenache

Grenache dry red wine brands. Photo: lawnbowlSource: Instagram

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is an Italian wine with a unique complexity compared to other red wines.

It has an ethereal rose petal and is also high in tannins and acidity.

Italy is the leading producer of the Nebbiolo grape.

Mourvedre

Mourvedre dry red wine brand. Photo: lesjamellesSource: Instagram

It is also planted in smaller quantities in California, South Africa, Chile, and South Australia.

Barbera

Barbera is a juicy Italian red wine with a strong black fruity flavour and high acidity.

Barbera grapes can grow in a variety of soils and can withstand hot climates.

Cinsault

Cinsault dry red wine brand. Photo: corkageonlineSource: Twitter

Common brands are the Barbera dAlba and Barbera dAsti.

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17.

Gamay

Gamay is a light-bodied French red wine with delicate fruity flavours and relatively high acidity.

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Gamay is best enjoyed when still young.

Beaujolais and Loire Valley regions of France are the primary producers Gamay grapes.

The grapes, which do well in cooler temperatures, are also planted in Canada and Oregon.

Nebbiolo

Albino Rocca Nebbiolo D’Alba 2018. Photo: mr._bollaSource: Twitter

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a red light-bodied dry wine characterized by strawberry and red fruit flavours.

It has an alcohol content of between 14% and 16% with medium acidity.

The grape is mostly grown in California but has its origins in Croatia.

Barbera

Barbera d’Asti. Photo: midtownwineSource: Twitter

Beaujolais wines are best enjoyed young and should not be aged for longer than seven years.

The grapes are mostly grown in the Beaujolais region of France.

Find out the answers to the questions as they provide some helpful information to our readers.

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Is dry red wine healthy?

It has antioxidants called polyphenols that reduce inflammation in the body.

These dry red wine benefits make it the healthiest alcoholic drink option, but only if taken in moderation.

Gamay French red wine

Biddenden Gamay Noir 2018. Photo: BiddendenVineSource: Twitter

Is dry red wine good for cooking?

Dry red winescan be used for stewing, deglazing pans, or flavouring desserts.

Ensure you choose brands that have high acidity and lower tannin levels to avoid making bitter meals.

Zinfadel

Zinfadel brand. Photo: DutcherCrossingSource: Twitter

The best dry wine for cooking includes Merlot, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir.

Otherwise, your food will have an obnoxious wine taste.

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Beaujolais

Beaujolais Nouveau 2020. Photo: monmetier_mapassSource: Twitter

Here is top 5

Is Pinot Noir wine sweet or dry?

It is a dry red wine.

It also has higher acidity and lower tannin levels compared to other red wines.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco brand. Photo: ilarietta1977Source: Instagram

These characteristics give it a smooth mouthfeel and also make it a better option for cooking.

Is Merlot red wine sweet or dry?

Winemakers manufacture Merlot as a dry red wine.

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A little residual sugar may be purposely left behind to make the wine rich and sweet.

Festivities are not complete without a great quality bottle of wine.

Which dry red wine is your favourite?

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Get wine specials South Africa from leading wine stores across the country.

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The brand gained recognition across South Africa followingDJ Zinhles appointment as its new CEO in October 2020.

The rose wine brand is produced in the Rhone Valley of Southern France using the skin contact method.

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South Africa is also recognized globally for its thriving New Worldwine industry.

Recognized for her exceptional talent, she clinched the Writer of the Year Award.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Alice is an engaged member of the Rotaract Club of Kabete.

For inquiries, reach out to her at alicenjoro01@gmail.com