Frequently Asked Questions
What is red wine?
Red wine is a type of wine made from dark-skinned grapes that are fermented with the grape skins, giving the wine its colour, tannins and structure.
How is red wine made?
Red wine is made by fermenting grape juice together with the skins, seeds and sometimes stems, which extract colour, flavour and tannins during fermentation.
What does red wine taste like?
Red wine can range from light and fruity to bold and complex, with common flavours including red berries, black cherries, plum, spice, chocolate and earthy notes depending on the grape and style.
What grapes are used to make red wine?
Common red wine grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo and Grenache.
Is red wine always dry?
No. While many red wines are dry, some styles can be fruitier or slightly off-dry depending on winemaking style and region.
What is the difference between red wine and white wine?
Red wine is fermented with grape skins, giving it colour and tannins, while white wine is usually fermented without skins, resulting in a lighter, crisper style.
What food pairs well with red wine?
Red wine pairs well with red meat, grilled dishes, pasta with rich sauces, cheese and hearty vegetarian dishes depending on the style.
Is red wine stronger than white wine?
Not necessarily. Alcohol levels depend on the wine, but red wines often feel more full-bodied due to tannins and structure rather than higher strength.