Red wine

Buy and enjoy red wine: the best varieties for every taste

The importance of red wines

Red wine is much more than just a drink – it represents culture, tradition and craftsmanship. The fascination of red wine lies in its great diversity: each bottle tells a story, whether it's about the region of origin, the vintage that reflects the climatic conditions of a particular year, or the skill of the winemaker. The price of a red wine can vary greatly and is influenced by factors such as origin, quality and market demand, which in turn characterises the diversity and exclusivity of the wines.

Red wines are particularly appreciated for their complex aromas and their potential for ageing. Unlike white wines, which are usually drunk young, many red wines can be aged for years or even decades, gaining depth and character. The key difference in the production process lies primarily in the maceration – the contact of the grape juice with the skins, which gives red wines their deep red colour and the characteristic tannins that give them structure and longevity.

What are red wines?

Red wines are a fascinating category of wines made from blue or red grapes. The special thing about them is that the must remains in contact with the grape skins during fermentation, which is what gives them their intense colour and typical range of aromas. Red wines offer a wide range of flavour profiles – from fruity notes such as cherry, blackberry and plum to spicy and earthy aromas such as tobacco, leather and chocolate.

The diversity of red wines is impressive and is determined by various factors, including the grape variety, the terroir and the vinification process. Each grape variety has its own typical aromas and characteristics. While a Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its strong tannins and dark fruit aromas, a Pinot Noir is appreciated for its elegance and fine structure.

Red wines are not only a delight for the palate, but also an integral part of the wine culture in many countries. They are often served with food and can significantly enrich the taste experience of a dish.

How are red wines made?

The production of red wines is a careful process that begins with the grape harvest. The grapes are harvested either by machine or by hand, with selective hand-picking being preferred for high-quality wines. After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed – that is, the stems are removed – and lightly crushed to release the juice.

The mash, which consists of the juice, skins and seeds, is then brought to fermentation. During alcoholic fermentation, yeasts convert the natural sugars of the grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide. A crucial step is maceration, in which the skins remain in contact with the juice during fermentation. This extracts colouring and tannins, which are responsible for the structure and aroma of the wine.

After fermentation, the wine is separated from the skins and can mature in various containers such as stainless steel tanks, wooden barrels or amphorae. The choice of maturing container has a decisive influence on the taste of the wine. While stainless steel tanks emphasise the freshness and fruit, wooden barrels give the wine additional aromas of vanilla, spices and toasting. Careful control of each step is crucial to the quality of the finished wine.

Factors that make a good red wine

The quality of a red wine is influenced by various factors, including the grape variety, the growing region, the vintage and the winemaking method. A high-quality red wine is characterised by intense aromas, good structure and a long finish.

A well-balanced red wine has a perfect balance between acidity, tannins and fruitiness. These elements determine the flavour profile and structure of the wine. The grape variety and the growing region are crucial for the character of the wine – for example, Cabernet Sauvignon produces tannin-rich, storable wines, while Pinot Noir is known for its elegance and delicate structure.

In addition to the origin, the vintage also plays an important role, as climatic conditions such as sunshine and precipitation influence the degree of ripeness of the grapes. The type of vinification also has a major influence: the duration of the maceration, the type of fermentation and the ageing in barriques or stainless steel tanks can decisively shape the taste, complexity and storage life of a red wine.

The best red wine varieties

The world of red wines is characterised by a wide variety of grape varieties, which are distinguished by different taste profiles and aromas. Some of the best-known grape varieties are:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: full-bodied, high in tannin, with aromas of blackcurrants, cedar wood and spices.
• Merlot: fruity and smooth with notes of plum, cherry and chocolate.
• Syrah/Shiraz: full-bodied with spicy aromas of dark berries, pepper and tobacco.
• Pinot Noir: elegant with fine tannins and aromas of red berries, mushrooms and earth.
• Nebbiolo: complex with strong tannins and aromas of roses, tar and cherries.
• Malbec: dark fruit with soft tannins and notes of blackberries and spices.
• Tempranillo: versatile with aromas of red fruits, leather and vanilla.
• Sangiovese: fresh with aromas of cherries, herbs and fine acidity.
  

These grape varieties form the basis for many of the world's most famous wines and showcase the range and versatility of red wine.

Red wines from different regions

Red wine is produced all over the world. Each wine region produces its own characteristic wines, shaped by climate, soil and winemaking traditions.

• Switzerland: Pinot Noir, Cornalin, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Valais, Dôle, Merlot from the canton of Ticino, and Gamay from the French-speaking part of Switzerland.    
• France: Bordeaux for powerful cuvées, Burgundy for elegant Pinot Noirs, Rhône for spicy Syrah wines.
• Spain: Rioja for classic Tempranillos, Ribera del Duero for powerful Tempranillos.
• Italy: Tuscany for Sangiovese wines, Piedmont for Nebbiolo gems such as Barolo.
• USA: California for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
• Australia: Shiraz from Barossa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra.

These regions are known for their excellent viticulture and unique red wines.

How should red wine be stored?

The right storage is crucial to preserve the quality of a red wine in the long term. A constant temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius in a dark, vibration-free place is ideal. The bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and avoid oxidation.

Frequently asked questions about red wine

Is red wine healthy? 

When consumed in moderation, red wine can have positive effects on the cardiovascular system thanks to polyphenols.

How long can red wine be stored? 

Depending on the variety and how it is aged, between a few years and several decades.

Which red wine is the most popular? 

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely drunk red wines in the world.