Dry red wines offer a wide range of flavors and textures, each catering to different tastes and occasions. By understanding the various types of dry red wine, you can choose the perfect one to suit your preferences and pair it with the right foods.

What Is Dry Red Wine?

A “dry wine” has little to no residual sugar, which allows the wine’s true flavors to come through. Winemakers convert almost all the sugar from the grapes into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a wine that tastes less sweet. The dryness allows other characteristics, such as fruitiness, acidity, and tannins, to take center stage.

Popular Dry Red Wine Varieties

Here are some of the most well-known dry red wines and what makes them unique:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Known for its bold, full-bodied profile, Cabernet Sauvignon offers flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and a touch of spice. Many winemakers age it in oak barrels, which adds notes of vanilla, cedar, or tobacco. This dry red wine pairs well with grilled steak, lamb, and hearty dishes.

Merlot

A softer and smoother option, Merlot features flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate, with subtle herbal undertones. Its approachable nature makes it a great choice for those new to dry red wines and pairs well with roasted meats, pasta dishes, and lighter fare.

Pinot Noir

Known for its light body and delicate flavors, Pinot Noir offers notes of red berries like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It often has a silky texture with earthy and floral nuances, making it a versatile wine for food pairings such as poultry, salmon, and mushroom dishes.

Syrah/Shiraz

Full-bodied and intense, Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) presents flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and smoky or meaty notes. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, barbecue, and bold-flavored dishes.

Malbec

Widely associated with Argentina, Malbec is a rich and full-bodied dry red wine that features flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry. It often has hints of cocoa, leather, or spice, making it an excellent choice for grilled meats and spicy cuisine.

Nebbiolo

Known for producing Barolo and Barbaresco wines, Nebbiolo provides a complex taste with high acidity and strong tannins. It often features flavors of cherry, rose, leather, and truffle, making it ideal for pairing with aged cheeses and rich, savory dishes.

Tempranillo

A staple in Spanish wines, Tempranillo offers savory flavors of dark cherry, dried fig, and tobacco. Oak aging adds earthy undertones and hints of leather or spice, making it perfect for pairing with tapas, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.

Sangiovese

The primary grape in Italian Chianti, Sangiovese is known for its high acidity and firm tannins, with flavors of red cherry, tomato, and sometimes earthy or herbal notes. It pairs well with Italian cuisine, such as pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, and cured meats.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a robust dry red wine known for its bold fruit flavors and peppery finish. You’ll often notice hints of blackberry, cherry, and spices. It pairs well with barbecue, spicy dishes, and tomato-based pasta.

Tannat

Known for its high tannin content, Tannat offers robust flavors that can handle fatty meats and hearty dishes. It often displays dark fruit flavors with hints of spice or oak, making it a perfect choice for pairing with rich cuisine.