The right wines for you are the wines that taste good to you. The ones you’d be happy to drink again. It doesn’t matter what the critics say, what your best friend says, or what your server in a restaurant says; everyone’s palate is unique and there are no universal rules. The best-tasting red wine for beginners is good. As you get to know your palate, you’ll be more confident in picking out special-occasion splurges.
Best Wines for Beginners to Drink
Pinot Grigio:
Pinot Grigio is a white wine that is popular for its light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing taste. It is originally from the northern part of Italy and is now produced in many parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Pinot Grigio is often characterized by its citrus and green apple flavors, as well as its high acidity. It is typically fermented in stainless steel tanks, which helps to preserve its fresh and fruity flavors.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular white wine that is known for its versatility and wide range of flavors. It is originally from the Burgundy region of France but is now produced in many parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and South America.
Chardonnay can range from light and crisp to full-bodied and oaky, depending on where it is grown and how it is made. It is often characterized by its flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, as well as notes of vanilla and butter from oak aging.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It is originally from the Loire Valley in France but is now produced in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, California, and Chile.
This wine is a great option for beginners because of its bright and approachable taste. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes. It can also be a good wine to sip on its own, especially on a warm day. Overall, Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing and easy-drinking wine that is perfect for those just starting to explore the world of wine.
Merlot
Merlot is a red wine that is known for its smooth and approachable taste. It is originally from the Bordeaux region of France but is now produced in many parts of the world, including the United States, Italy, and Chile.
This wine is a great option for beginners because of its easy-drinking and approachable taste. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, pasta dishes, and pizza. It can also be a good wine to sip on its own, especially if you prefer a softer and more fruit-forward style of red wine. Overall, Merlot is a great wine to start with if you are new to red wines and want to explore different flavor profiles.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that is known for its bold and full-bodied taste. It is originally from the Bordeaux region of France but is now produced in many parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Chile.
Cabernet Sauvignon is often characterized by its flavors of black currant, blackberry, and cedar, as well as its firm tannins and high acidity. It is typically aged in oak barrels, which can give it additional flavors of vanilla, spice, and toast.
Malbec
Malbec is a red wine that is known for its rich and fruity taste. It is originally from the Bordeaux region of France but is now most widely produced in Argentina.
This wine is a great option for beginners who want to try a red wine that is not as full-bodied as Cabernet Sauvignon but still has a lot of flavor. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, pasta dishes, and strong cheeses. It can also be a good wine to sip on its own, especially if you prefer a fruit-forward style of red wine. Overall, Malbec is a delicious and approachable wine that is perfect for those just starting to explore red wines.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a red wine that flavors its bold and fruit-forward taste. It is primarily produced in California, although it has origins in Europe.
This wine is a great option for beginners who enjoy a wine with a lot of flavor and a little bit of heat. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, pizza, and pasta dishes. It can also be a good wine to sip on its own, especially if you enjoy a wine with a lot of personality. Overall, Zinfandel is a fun and fruity wine that is perfect for those who are looking to explore different styles of red wine.
Rosé
Rosé is a type of wine flavor made from a variety of red grapes. It is known for its pink color and its refreshing and fruity taste. Rosé is produced in many parts of the world, including France, Italy, Spain, and the United States.
This wine is a great option for beginners who are looking for a refreshing and easy-to-drink wine. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes. It can also be a good wine to sip on its own, especially on a warm day. Overall, Rosé is a great wine to start with if you are new to wine and want to explore different styles and flavors.
Final Thought
Exploring different types of wine can be a fun and rewarding experience, and there is a wine out there for every taste preference. As a beginner, it's important to start with wines that are easy to drink and not too overwhelming in terms of flavor and complexity. The wines we've discussed, including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Zinfandel, and Rosé, are all great options to start with. Remember to drink responsibly, and enjoy the journey of discovering new wines and expanding your palate. Cheers!
