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What’s The Best Red Wine

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Best Red Wine For Heart Health

5 Best Budget Red Wines (ALL Under $15!!)

The best red wine for heart health is traditionally pressed. Therefore, you need to find a vinery you can trust. Thus, watch out for certification of the area of origin. When in doubt, use a wine app.

Thus, France is still a sure shot for traditional quality wine. And remember, life is too short to drink cheap wine.

In like manner, more expensive wines have the potential to increase life span while a cheap one does the opposite.

Hence, the best red wine for heart health is:

  • Without added sugar
  • Low in sulfites
  • Low in residual sugar

The single best grape is pinot noir due to the least sugar. Moreover, it should be easy to find since its the most common red burgundy grape.

Also, theres nothing wrong with a genuine Bordeaux. It usually is a Cuvee of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc.

In summary, here are the three most essential tips for leveraging red wine for heart health:

  • The best red wine for health is pinot noir
  • You should drink it with meals
  • And limit consumption to one glass
  • A small one for women
  • A large one for men

If you follow these tips, a glass of red wine a day potentially improves your heart health.

In like manner, red wine improves blood pressure, blood clotting, blood glucose, inflammation, overall risk of cardiovascular disease, and mortality.

Best California: 2017 Paraduxx Proprietary Red

Courtesy of Binny’s

Region: California, Napa Valley | ABV: 14.9% | Tasting Notes: Red plum, Cherry, Sandalwood, Black tea.

Whats a proper Napa Valley red blend that doesnt feature a large percentage of its famous cabernet sauvignon? This doozy from Paraduxx, under the banner of the Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio, is about as Napa as a red blend can get. Its almost half cabernet, but also includes petit verdot, zinfandel, and even a little bit of tempranillo. Overall fruity with creamy tannins.

How To Choose A Red Wine

Theres no substitute for trying wines out and keeping a record of those you liked and didnt. But in the meantime, you can use our guide to the most common varieties to get you started:

  • Malbec goes well with meat, especially beef. Its taste varies greatly depending on where its grown, but plums, berries and spices are common flavours. Its sometimes blended with other varieties, but is often a soloist in Argentina.
  • Merlot is versatile and soft, making it easy drinking for those new to wine.
  • Pinot noir varies enormously, depending where the grapes are grown. Goes well with lamb, duck, guinea fowl, hamburgers, haggis and many cheeses.
  • Cabernet sauvignon is blackcurranty, sometimes grassy, usually full bodied and often tannic . Good with lamb and goose.

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Cabernets Pinots And Beyond

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Liquors / Chloe Jeong

Best Value French:Chêne Bleu Abélard 2011 at Vivino

Silky soft, elongated tannins support a panoply of flavors, from warm cinnamon and brown sugar spices to curry powder-dusted red berry fruit, with generous dollops of black cherry and red licorice.

When it comes to red wine, there are a variety of classic grapes to choose from, including cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. However, the style of each classic red varies greatly from maker to maker.

Take pinot noir, for instance: a hard grape to cultivate because of its delicate skin and difficulty ripening in areas that lack sufficient sunshine. The style of pinot from California is typically ripe, powerful and fruit-forward. The same grape grown in the various Burgundy villages of France returns a much different style: wavering in degrees of ripeness, with some more fruit-forward than others, but remarkably earthy and imbued with ample acidity and firm, taut tannins.

Taking all of the red wine grape varieties into consideration, here are some of the best red wines from around the globeso get that corkscrew ready.

Best Chilean: J Bouchon Pas Salvaje

Whats A Good Sweet Red Wine. KosuKadi » Make Wine at Home ...

Courtesy of Plonk Wine Club

Region: Central Valley, Chile | ABV: 12.5% | Tasting Notes: Red fruits, Cherry, Wild Strawberry, Floral

Never heard of País before? If you love earthy, medium-bodied reds with tons of acid, then this historic grape needs to be on your radar.

Produced from organically farmed vineyards in the heart of Chiles Central Valley, this flavor-packed wine jumps with notes of wild strawberries, red flower petals and wild herbs. For a crowd-pleasing red that promises to satisfy the masses, look no further than this tasty, budget-friendly option.

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Santa Julia Reserva Mountain Blend 2018

The red blend trend has taken hold. Its a new-ish category here in the States, used to describe mostly New World winemakers expressing themselves through untraditional grape combinations. Malbec and Cab Franc is definitely not a traditional blend, but its working here. You get a deep, dark concentration of fruit from the Malbec, lifted by good acidity from the Cab Franc. Youll also get a waft of vanilla and some mocha. This is a great bottle to drink alongside a big pile of meat off the grill and a bunch of friends.

What Is Smooth Wine

When you use the word smooth to describe wine, it usually means it is easy drinking. Smooth is the opposite to tannic, which means that the wine has a bitter quality to it. Tannins are released into the wine from leaves, grape skins and from the oak of the barrels.

As a beginner, it is better to stick to smooth, fruity wines rather than tannic, oaky wines. The fruity flavor notes are also easier to pick out than some of the more floral or oaky flavor notes, which makes these types of wines ideal for beginners.

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Sella & Mosca Terre Rare Carignano Del Sulcis Riserva 2014

This wine is made on an island just north of Sicily called Sardegna. In Sardegna, they call Carignan Carignano. And here, it is softer than most other examples around the globe. It has soft, supple fruit for lovers of wines like Merlot, with a slight tannic frame for the lovers of bigger wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Its very versatile and will pair well with artisanal cheeses, seafood pasta dishes like lobster ravioli or, hell, the entire lobster drenched in butter.

The Health Benefits Of Red Wine

How to open a bottle of Red Wine

Terminology aside, why exactly is red wine good for you? What does it do inside the body, and how are its effects good for you in the short and long-term? Research has a lot to reveal when it comes to answering the health benefits of red wine:

  • Improves cardiovascular health: Perched at the top of red wines health list are its association with the heart and overall cardiovascular benefits. Those struggling with high blood pressure and high bad cholesterol in particular benefit from the polyphenols, resveratrol and quercetin compounds in most red wines. These compounds combine to create a team of plaque-buildup fighting agents, reduce bad cholesterol from compounding and encourages good cholesterol reserve. The wine flavonoid quercetin, in particular, can lower blood pressure by helping to relax arteries and prevent cell stress.

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Stone Cairn Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Andrew Januik selected grapes from the Red Mountain AVA in Washington state for this 100% cabernet sauvignon aged for 22 months in barrels. The vineyards he tapped were Obelisco, Quintessence and Ciel du Cheval, which he believes best express the terroir there. Look for notes of cassis, cocoa, pepper, and a nice balance of tannin and acid.

To buy: $40, noveltyhilljanuik.com

Louis M Martini Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

What a great Napa Cab. This wine has a hefty structure and deep wells of fruit. It is balanced, with a natural acidity holding the depth in place. Itâs framed by well-managed tannins that will only melt away to reveal more over time. This wine defines the mountain on which its grapes were grown. Rating: 94

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Best American Zinfandel: Louis Martini Monte Rosso Gnarly Vine Zinfandel 2016

Courtesy of Vivino

Region: California, Sonoma, Moon Mountain District | ABV: 16.2% | Tasting Notes: Black cherry, Raspberry, Cinnamon, Chocolate.

Dont let the name confuse you, newbies. Louis M. Martini is an iconic winery with the very best Grand Cru vineyard of zinfandel that Sonoma has to offer. A Grand Cru is actually a category of vineyard ranking in Francethe very best vineyards are labeled Grand Cru. In America, we try to emulate the French in winemaking all the time, often using their lingo in order to highlight a comparison. “Grand Cru” has entered the U.S. lexicon to try to highlight vineyards we think are the cream of the crop unlike France, we dont have legal terms to do that work for us.

The namesake gnarly vine of this 2016 vintage was planted all the way back in 1893, which means the same plants have been producing dynamite zinfandel grapes for more than a century. If you want to be a wine pro, Louis M. Martini is a name to know. And Monte Rosso is a site you can safely call a Grand Cru. The wine isnt priced for wine beginners, but after a taste of this, youre not really a beginner anymore.

Best Blend: Trefethen Dragon’s Tooth Red Blend 2017

Top 10 Most Expensive Red Wines In The World: Vintage for ...

courtesy of wine

Region: California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District | ABV: 14.7% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Vanilla, Blackberry, Violet.

With so many red grape varietals to choose from, sometimes its better to try them all at once. Trefethen brings three generations of experience working land in Napas Oak Knoll District, and its 2017 vintage of the Dragons Tooth Red Blend is a tasty sample of Napa malbec, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot. So many of the worlds greatest wines rely on a blend of grapes, and the thing to know is that blends happen in both the vineyard and the winery. There, now you really have something to Google.

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Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

For the serious collectors out there, investing in the Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 Cabernet Sauvignon is worth every penny . This is a pure and quintessential expression of the winery’s signature style favored by major critics. A blend of grapes harvested from Australian cabernet sauvignon vines planted in Napa Valley and a small percentage of old vine Australian Shiraz, the 2018 Quantum vintage has undeniable presence and intensity. Cellar this one for at least five years before drinking.

To buy: $700, totalwine.com

Best Ros: 2020 Pratsch Ros

Courtesy of Wine.com

Region: Austria | ABV: 11.5% | Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Watermelon, Peach, Raspberry

Rosé has been having a moment for a while now, so there are many great options to choose from in a wide range of styles. For beginners, we recommend a light, dry style with lots of fresh, vibrant fruit, like this high-value gem from Austria.

Its made from the zweigelt grape, a locally popular variety that is known for bright berry flavors accented with a hint of black pepper, reminding us a lot of pinot noir. Succulent strawberry, watermelon, raspberry, peach, and pear notes are lifted by vibrant acidity and a hint of hibiscus perfume in this refreshing pink wine that makes a perfect companion to parks, picnics, and pools.

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Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Courtesy of Drizly

  • ABV: 14.8%
  • Tasting Notes: Blueberry, blackberry, creme de cassis, espresso bean, chocolate

The Smith & Hook vineyards that lie in the Salinas Valley in Californias central coast were specifically sought out for the purpose of making delicious cabernet sauvignon. Previous vintages for this bottle have consistently scored high marks from reputable wine critics and since the land is ideal for the varietal, future vintages ought to continue the tradition.

Loaded with ripe sweet blueberry and blackberry jam, matched by decadent creme de cassis, espresso bean and chocolate, this wine goes down like silk on the tongue with a long wild herb finish.

Best Chilean: Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva 2018

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Courtesy of Wine.com

  • Region: Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley
  • ABV: 14%
  • Tasting Notes: Black currant, blackberry, oak, chocolate

Chiles Maipo Valley is the countrys most popular and internationally recognized wine-producing region and due to the natural terroir there, cabernet sauvignon remains its most widely-grown variety. Enter the 2018 Escudo Rojo from the famed Bordeaux Baron Phillippe de Rothschild family banner, and you get to see how the French do Chile, delivering incredible phenolics, mature tannins, and complexity on par with other top cabernet regions like Bordeaux and Napa but at fraction of the price.

This wine has a very nice dry,spicy palate and good woodsy tannins. It goes perfectly with a ribeye steak.

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Best Italian: Girolamo Russo A Rina Etna Rosso

Courtesy of Vivino

Region: Etna, Sicily, Italy | ABV: 13.5% ABV | Tasting Notes: Red berries, Ash, Black pepper, Clove

Love Italian reds from Piedmont, Tuscany, and beyond? If youve never dove into the world of earthy Sicilian reds, specifically from Etna, we cant recommend them enough.

These earthy, soil-driven wines come from the ash-laden volcanic soils of the region, which impart an undeniable mineral quality to the juice. This mouthwatering expression oozes with flavors of red berries, smoky ash, black pepper and clove.

I love a good Nerello Mascalese from Sicily. Theres something about that volcanic rusticity and high-toned cherry notes that strike a chord with me. … If the red wine is mostly mass produced, then its a no-no for me. Sylvester Inda, Wine Manager, CoolVines Powerhouse

How To Choose The Best Red Wine For You

How much should I spend?

When it comes to wine, theres no right answer. Bargain-basement, supermarket reds start at a couple of quid, but you could easily spend around £50 on a heavyweight Barolo or hundreds on a bottle of vintage Margaux. Consider the occasion, what you can afford to spend and who will be enjoying the wine with you.

Weve focused on affordable and mid-range bottles for this roundup, all of which offer good value for money while being completely delicious.

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Vintage or non-vintage red wine?

Vintage wines, whereby the wine is made only from grapes of a single years harvest then often aged to perfection by the winemaker, cost more than non-vintage wine. Mixing vintages to create a non-vintage means that winemakers can usually produce a cheaper and more uniformly consistent flavour by balancing out any irregularities. If you find a non-vintage you enjoy, it will largely taste the same when you buy it year to year.

Wines that specify their years vintage can be more changeable due to weather conditions during the year of harvest hence wine experts referring to certain wines as having a good year.

What styles of red wine are there?

The fun is all in the trying, but there are a few things to think about when seeking out your latest bottle.

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The Best Red Wines For 2021 Are:

  • Best overall Domaine Laurent Mouton givry premier cru, 2019: £32, Tanners-wines.co.uk
  • Best for Sunday roast swigging Morrisons the best valpolicella ripasso, 2018: £9.75, Morrisons.com
  • Best crowd-pleasting rioja Diez-Caballero vendimia seleccionada, 2016: £20.16,
  • Best elegant easy drinking Claus Preisinger bonsai, 2020: £30.50, Shopcuvee.com
  • Best big hitter on a budget Aldi specially selected Lebanese red Bekaa Valley, 2019: £7.99, Aldi.co.uk
  • Best for special occasions Le Strette Bergeisa Barolo, 2016:£39.50, Wanderlustwine.co.uk
  • Best for poultry and white meat Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages, 2020: £10, Tesco.com
  • Best full-bodied finesse Prats + Symington quinta do ataide 2016:£15.95, Slurp.co.uk
  • Best cool-climate complexity Eyrie Vineyards pinot noir, 2017: £45, Grapesmith.co.uk
  • Best elegant chianti Villa antinori chianti classico, 2016: £27.99, Majestic.co.uk
  • Best for pairing with cheese Baron Edmond de Rothschild chateau clarke, 2016: £35.95, Winedirect.co.uk
  • Best silky partner for steak Escorihuela Gascon The Presidents Blend Malbec 2019: £34.99, Finewinesdirect.co.uk

Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo 2017

BEST TRADER JOE

Italys Tormaresca is found in the beautiful Puglia region of the country, where it produces wines that are affordable but rich with flavor. This 2017 vintage is made from 100% primitivo grapes, and aged in French and Hungarian oak barriques. The reddish-purple wine opens with berry and stone fruit aromas, before evolving into chocolate, plum, and candied cherry on the palate.

To buy: $20, vivino.com

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Best Portugal: Herdade Do Esporao Reserva Red 2016

Courtesy of Wine.com

Region: Portugal, Alentejo DOC | ABV: 15% | Tasting Notes: Blueberry, Blackberry, Black cherry, Clove.

With 750 years of wine production under its belt, the Herdade Do Esporao estate in Portugal is more than just a great winery its also a dynamo tourist destination. And if youre lucky enough to find yourself taking selfies among its historic vineyards, its 2016 Reserva Red bottle is the one to seek. Its alive with varietals distinctive of the Iberian peninsula, such as Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon aged in both French and American oak barrels, and full of dark fruit and spice undertones.

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