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  4. 10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More
  • 10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More 1
  • 10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More 2
  • 10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More 3
  • 10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More 4
  • 10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More 5

10 Best Red Wines UK 2022 | Tesco, Waitrose and More

Whether you’re a fine wine connoisseur or simply seeking an affordable red to help you celebrate a special occasion, it can sometimes be hard to find a quality red wine that compliments the food you’re cooking and has the flavour notes to suit your taste. From the grape on its vine to the supermarket shelf, red wines have come through a time-refined process up until the moment they reach your glass, but which ones are the best?

Here at mybest, we’ve carefully curated a top 10 list of the most fruity and flavourful wines you can buy online this year. From dry to sweeter red wines, we have chosen them for their quality and value. From Merlot to Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, we’ll guide you through the buying process and introduce you to the finest offerings from Amazon, Tesco, Asda and Waitrose. Bottoms up!
Last updated 28/03/2024
Daphne V
Expert
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

Daphne is a wine-based content creator, studying for her WSET diploma. She created Toro Tries Wine to share her love of wine with others and encourage people to try wines they might not normally consider.

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Advice From Wine Professional Daphne V

With Specialist Advice From Wine Professional Daphne V

Daphne is a wine-based content creator, studying for her WSET diploma. She created Toro Tries Wine to share her love of wine with others and encourage people to try wines they might not normally consider.


And if you too are thinking that you want to become a professional in wines, spirits and sake then take a look at Daphne's fantastic study advice and tips on how to get started. Or follow her on Instagram and get a daily dose of aesthetically pleasing wine content! 

How to Choose Red Wine in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Understand Essential Features to Look For in a Red Wine 
  2. Find Out Which Types of Grape Complement Which Dishes
  3. Pick the Wine With the Perfect ABV for You
  4. Choose Between Corked and Screw Top Bottles 
1

Understanding Tannins and Body: How to Select a Red Wine for Your Palette

Understanding Tannins and Body: How to Select a Red Wine for Your Palette

Tannins Come From the Skin, Stalk and Seed of the Grape: Select a Wine That’s High in Tannins for a Dry or Bitter Taste

Tannins, which are commonly mentioned in the discussion of red wine, come from the skins, seeds and stems of the grape. They cause some bitterness and astringency in the wine as well as affecting their overall dryness.


They tend to be more noticeable in younger wines that have had less time for the sharper flavour to soften. Red wines high in tannins tend to be described as ‘full-bodied’ and are more drying to the mouth.

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

Winemakers can control the level of tannins by their winemaking choices, whether they use whole bunch fermentation or leave the must in contact with the grape skins for an extended period. It's not always possible to deduce tannins just by looking at the colour of the wine. 


For example, a Barolo, often quite garnet in colour, contains a high amount of tannins. In contrast, a rich-looking Zinfandel will be much lower. You'll recognise tannins in your wine on your teeth and gums. They have a drying astringent quality to them and lend complexity to a wine.

Choose a Full-Bodied Wine for a Rich Mouth Feel, or a Light-Bodied Wine for a Fresher Taste

Choose a Full-Bodied Wine for a Rich Mouth Feel, or a Light-Bodied Wine for a Fresher Taste

Full bodied wines, on the other hand, are heavier and contain bold tasting notes and more complex flavours. They will contain a higher alcohol content than light bodied wines and they perfectly complement rich flavours.


Falling somewhere in the middle, medium bodied wines can range in their alcohol content and they come in a spectrum of viscosities. Thanks to their versatility, medium bodied wines are easy to pair with a variety of meals. 

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

The body in wine consists of a few components that marry together to produce the perception of the body. This comes from the residual sugar in the wine, the alcohol content, the tannin structure and quality, as well as the grape variety. 


It's the mouthfeel of the wine; a rich red wine with residual sugar will feel mouth coating and full-bodied. A light red such as a Beaujolais will feel leaner and fresher. The difference in mouthfeel between milk and water is a common analogy.

2

Malbec Works Wonders With Red Meat: Opt for Wine to Complement Your Meal

Malbec Works Wonders With Red Meat: Opt for Wine to Complement Your Meal

Of course, it’s pretty tricky to narrow down which wine you would like when there's such a vast selection available online this year. However, one way to decide which type of wine you’ll enjoy best is to consider the flavour notes you like, and the food you’ll pair it with.

Full-Bodied Malbec With Hints of Dark Fruits Goes Especially Well With Red Meats

When we think of Malbec, we tend to think of Argentina, when in fact the deep purple grape from which it’s made originated in the South West of France. Malbec grapes usually produce extremely dark red wines, usually with a high tannin structure and therefore lots of body.


Malbec is said to pair particularly well with meats such as a juicy steak, roasted pork or leaner cuts of red meat. Though the flavour varies, black and red fruits are often present, as are sweet spices like cinnamon and vanilla. Malbec from Mendoza in Argentina is hugely popular with wine connoisseurs.

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

It's no wonder that Argentina's signature grape variety, Malbec, goes perfectly with steaks and cured red meat. They are a match made in heaven, with Malbec's tangy, dark fruit flavour profile perfectly complimenting red meat dishes. 


Malbec was historically grown in France and known as Côt, containing quite dense tannins. Argentina's Malbec offering is more approachable and easy to drink. It has softer tannins than its French counterpart and a medium-length finish.

Merlot Is a Good Choice for Less Seasoned Wine-Drinkers and Pairs Well With Chicken or Spiced Meats

If you are new to wine, a French, Kiwi or Australian Merlot may suit you, as it is versatile and soft on the palate. Serious wine snobs sometimes deem it a bit too much of a ‘palate pleaser’, but what’s wrong with being pleasing? It tastes delicious with chicken or spiced dark meats.


Merlot wines are often described as aromatic with herbal notes and even as being ‘jammy’ since they so often have base notes of dark fruits. Wine experts say that reds which are grown in cooler climates have more tannins, while those from warmer areas have fewer.

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

Merlot is often combined in a blend to add body and alcohol, but it has a lot to offer as a stand-alone grape. However, it can be tricky to recognise because it comes in so many guises. 


Sometimes light, fresh and herbaceous. Or if very ripe; thick, and jammy with heavy fruit flavours of black cherry, plum and chocolate. A good quality merlot with its smooth tannins and soft nature will complement spiced meats. You will find that it has a more extended and rounded finish than a Malbec.

Pinot Noir Works Well With Lamb and Cheeses and Is a Good Choice for Those Who Are New to Wine

There is quite a bit of variation in Pinot Noir, which depends on the location of the vineyard. Grown around the world mostly in cooler climates, Pinot Noir is originally associated with the Burgundy region of France. However, there are some exciting Pinot Noirs coming from the cool, elevated region of Victoria in Australia.

Considered a lighter-bodied wine, the gently acidic Pinot Noir with its French origins is a good choice for newbies to red wine and pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods including salmon, roast chicken or casseroles.

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

Pinot Noir is classically known as the heartbreak grape, being such a tricky grape to grow into healthy bunches and susceptible to adverse weather. Typically, Pinot Noirs are more expensive because of the care and attention in producing the grape. 


There are some affordable options out there; their red fruits and light style, with lower levels of tannins, make them much more approachable for people new to wine. Pinot Noir pairs particularly well with duck or mushroom risottos.

Cabernet Sauvignon Is Full-Bodied and Dry; Great Served With Lamb or Goose

One of the most widely-recognised varieties of grape, the Cabernet Sauvignon — another favourite which originates from France — tends to be full-bodied, tannic and full of blackcurrant notes.


The tannin levels in this type of wine mean it’s fairly dry but it’s still a good pick if you’re thinking of serving up lamb or goose. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown as far and wide as Australia, California and South America.

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

Packed with flavour, Cabernet Sauvignon contains a dark fruit aroma profile and is recognisable by its blackcurrant and herbal characteristics. You'll often get a green bell pepper or eucalyptus note running through the wine. 


Cabernet Sauvignon is a flagship grape of Bordeaux but widely grown throughout California, South Africa, Australia and Chile. A robust wine that easily stands up to the intense flavours found in lamb and goose.

Spanish Rioja Is Easy to Drink and Pairs Well With Pork, Chorizo and Mature Cheese

The Tempranillo grape is typically used to make Rioja wine, which originates in the province of La Rioja, Northern Spain. These wines are often fruity with a head-turning scent and almost zingy acidity.


Known for its easy-drinking qualities, Rioja is traditionally paired with local roast pork, chorizo or aged cheese. Particularly if served in a Mediterranean or tapas-style dish including a range of cured meats.


For something even more rich and sweet, explore our 10 best port wines

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

There are a few styles to choose from, but most are recognisably produced from the Tempranillo grape. Tempranillo is known for its red fruit, red cherries and strawberries with additional slightly savoury characteristics; while younger styles such as Joven and Crianza have seen little to no oak. 


More mature styles such as Reserva and Gran Reserva have been aged in New American oak barrels, which gives warm caramel and vanilla flavours. These older styles pair well with steaks, whilst a young Rioja compliments pork ribs and lamb cutlets.

3

A Standard Red Wine With 13% ABV Is Ideal for Seasoned Drinkers, but Choose a Low-Alcohol or Alcohol Free Wine if You’re Cutting Back

A Standard Red Wine With 13% ABV Is Ideal for Seasoned Drinkers, but Choose a Low-Alcohol or Alcohol Free Wine if You’re Cutting Back
The average ABV (alcohol by volume) of a standard bottle of wine is 13.5%. This is probably the ideal percentage to look out for if you enjoy the warm, relaxed feeling of a couple of glasses. But don’t exceed it too far if you want to avoid a dreadful hangover in the morning.


Red wine lovers may scoff at the idea of an alcohol-free vino, but if you’re trying to cut back (for better skin, fewer headaches or even lower blood pressure) a sneaky glass of the virgin stuff helps you enjoy the party and gives your liver a welcome break from booze.


If you're also a fan of refreshing white wine, view our 10 best white wines

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

Try not to let your red wine take you by surprise. Many New World red wines have a higher alcohol content, often very well integrated and undetectable. Warmer climates result in faster and more extensive grape ripening. 


Ripening means more sugar; more sugar means more alcohol. Low or alcohol-free red wines have increased in popularity and availability in the last few years, so absolutely worth exploring if you're mindful regarding your alcohol consumption.

4

Pick a Corked Bottle if You Enjoy a Glass of Aged Red Wine, or a Screw Top for Easy Pouring at Dinner Parties

Pick a Corked Bottle if You Enjoy a Glass of Aged Red Wine, or a Screw Top for Easy Pouring at Dinner Parties
If you’re planning to host a meal, a time-saving screw-top bottle is a good choice. If you want to allow air to gently reduce the sometimes harsh flavour produced by the tannins in your wine (and enjoy the satisfaction of popping the cork!) a traditionally-sealed bottle is best.


The belief that one can assess the quality of a red wine based on the way the bottle is sealed is perhaps a slightly outdated notion. Once upon a time, the mark of a fine wine was the cork, while a screw top indicated a cheaper price tag. Though this isn't always the case, evidence suggests red wines do benefit from the oxygen passed naturally into corked bottles.


If you're looking for a great bottle opener for your corked wine, check out our chosen wine openers.

Daphne V
Wine Professional and Content Creator
Daphne V

When it comes to wine closures, two of the standard options are screw tops and corks. Natural cork allows oxygen ingress, which in turn helps soften tannins whilst allowing the wine to gently mature


It's worth noting that not all wines are suitable for ageing. Those meant for enjoying immediately after purchasing are often screw top closures that prevent any oxidation of the wine. They are also lovely and easy to use when you've forgotten the corkscrew.

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10 Best Red Wines in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Cono Sur

20 Barrels Pinot Noir

Cono Sur  20 Barrels Pinot Noir 1

£14.00

High Mid

A Complex Flavour That Becomes Even Better With Age

2

Villa Maria

Private Bin Merlot

Villa Maria  Private Bin Merlot 1

£12.49

High Mid

Woody Red for Pairing With Meat From a Family Winery in New Zealand

3

Campo Viejo

Tempranillo Rioja

Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rioja 1

£6.69

Low Mid

A Fruity Rioja for Enjoying Alongside Tapas With Friends

4

Yering Station

The Elms Pinot Noir

Yering Station The Elms Pinot Noir 1

£12.99

High Mid

Soft and Fruity Pinot Noir for Your Next Barbecue

5

Faustino

Rioja Organic Wine

Faustino Rioja Organic Wine 1

£9.41

Mid

Organic Rioja That’s Suitable for Vegans

6

Trivento

Reserve Malbec

Trivento Reserve Malbec 1

£8.00

Mid

Aged Malbec for Both Wine Connoisseurs and Newbies

7

Tesco Finest

Argentinian Malbec

Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec 1

£8.00

Mid

Popular Supermarket Wine for Enhancing Your Evening Meal

8

Casillero del Diablo

Cabernet Sauvignon

Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 1

£8.00

Mid

Hints of Coffee and Chocolate for Wine and Cheese Nights

9

Torres

Natureo Syrah De-Alcoholised Red Wine

Torres Natureo Syrah De-Alcoholised Red Wine 1

£6.00

Low Mid

Skip the Hangover With a Fruity Alcohol-Free Syrah

10

Isla Negra

Cabernet Sauvignon

Isla Negra Cabernet Sauvignon 1

£5.00

Low

Everyday Cabernet Sauvignon for Cooking and Sipping

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir

20 Barrels Pinot Noir 1
Source:ocado.com
Reference price
£14.00
High Mid
Reference price
£14.00
High Mid

A Complex Flavour That Becomes Even Better With Age

In at number one and produced in Casablanca, Chile, this Pinot Noir is a complex tasting and sophisticated choice. With leading notes of cherry, plum and strawberry blending delightfully with woody touches of tobacco and toasty leather in the background, it makes for a moreish sip.

This wine is great to drink now, but with its traditional cork topper, it could improve even further — if stored carefully, for as many as five years making it a great pick for the wine cellar. With sellers and reviews calling it ‘enveloping’ and ‘a knockout’ it’s sure to stun.
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot

Private Bin Merlot 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£12.49
High Mid
Reference price
£12.49
High Mid

Woody Red for Pairing With Meat From a Family Winery in New Zealand

Number one on our list is this gorgeous Merlot from a family winery known for sustainability and innovation in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Since it was established in 1961 by George Fistonich, Villa Maria has gone from a one-man-band to a global brand! Villa Maria's documentary 'Vintage' on Amazon Prime is an essential watch for wine connoisseurs too.

With lush dark plums and blackberries on the nose, it moves into woody flavours of oak, cedar and tobacco on the palate. An approachable wine that is ideal with food, it goes particularly well with red meats and Mediterranean style dishes.
No.3

Campo ViejoTempranillo Rioja

Reference price
£6.69
Low Mid

A Fruity Rioja for Enjoying Alongside Tapas With Friends

A wonderful pick if you’re heading along to a dinner party and want a classy yet accessible wine to drink with friends. Made with Tempranillo grapes, this Rioja wine is rich and juicy with flashes of cherry and strawberry. Perfect with poultry, fresh light cheeses, grilled chicken and small bites, it makes for easy drinking.

The intensity of the red fruit flavours is softened with sweet vanilla and a background note of spice, which explains its award-winning status and the reason it sells so well in supermarkets and online. It's a full-bodied wine in a corked bottle, and it's one of our absolute favourites.
No.4

Yering StationThe Elms Pinot Noir

The Elms Pinot Noir 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£12.99
High Mid
Reference price
£12.99
High Mid

Soft and Fruity Pinot Noir for Your Next Barbecue

A gorgeous example of an Australian Pinot Noir from a cold climate, it's soft and elegant with distinctive cherry notes and a hint of tobacco. Smooth with an autumnal feel, the palate is rich and soft with a creamy, woody frame and a lingering finish.

Designed for easy drinking, this wine goes perfectly with steaks or chargrilled meats and is great on its own, too. Expect silky soft tannins and complex, compelling flavours. Gorgeous!
No.5

FaustinoRioja Organic Wine

Reference price
£9.41
Mid

Organic Rioja That’s Suitable for Vegans

This young wine is a deep purple colour and its initial fragrance is powerfully fruity. With notes of raspberry, gooseberry and blackberry among other fruits, this wine is pleasant and soft on the palate, with tannins that manage to be astringent yet sweet.

This Rioja is made using organic grapes grown in Oyón in the Basque region of Spain and is suitable for vegans since no milk or animal proteins are used in the vinification process. A cork-topped bottle allows a little oxygen to reach the wine which has an ABV of 13.5%.
No.6

TriventoReserve Malbec

Reference price
£8.00
Mid

Aged Malbec for Both Wine Connoisseurs and Newbies

After six months ageing in barrels made of French oak, this wine is beautifully balanced with sweet tannins and has what sellers describe as a velvety finish. The grapes are grown in the renowned Mendoza region of Argentina so are a must-sip choice for connoisseurs and newbies.

As with all Argentinian red wines, this Malbec pairs with grilled meats like steak but works well with tomato dishes too. Notes of plum, raspberry and vanilla give it a bright, jammy flavour. The name ‘Trivento’ refers to the three winds said to make Mendoza one of the world’s top wine-growing regions; Polar, Zonda & Sudestada.
No.7

Tesco FinestArgentinian Malbec

Argentinian Malbec 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£8.00
Mid
Reference price
£8.00
Mid

Popular Supermarket Wine for Enhancing Your Evening Meal

If you’re looking for great value supermarket wine that can hold its own even with the fancier end of your guest list, this is it. A superb wine with intense notes of blackberry and plum, the oaky hints of barrel-ageing and even a perfumed flicker of blueberry across the tongue.

This wine is just as popular with critics as it is with shoppers, with grapes grown in Mendoza, Argentina for warmth and finesse of flavour. Tesco suggest drinking it with red meats or earthy mushroom and pasta dishes. Simply unscrew the cap and enjoy the aroma.
No.8

Casillero del DiabloCabernet Sauvignon

Reference price
£8.00
Mid

Hints of Coffee and Chocolate for Wine and Cheese Nights

Casillero del Diablo (that’s Spanish for The Devil’s Wine Cellar) is one of the most loved and recognised producers of vino for good reason. The legend goes that a winemaker spread a rumour that the devil lived in his cellar to prevent the thefts that had plagued his business.

The result is devilishly good wine. This particular Cabernet Sauvignon is especially popular with wine critics and amateurs alike, because of its black cherry overtones and background notes of dark chocolate and coffee. Ideal with meats, dishes rich in herbs or mature cheese.
No.9

TorresNatureo Syrah De-Alcoholised Red Wine

Reference price
£6.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.00
Low Mid

Skip the Hangover With a Fruity Alcohol-Free Syrah

If you want to enjoy a booze-free evening but aren’t a fan of sugary soft drinks, try this alcohol-free red wine instead! Created by Familia Torres, one of Spains leading producers of premium wines, you can be sure to enjoy the ritual of pouring a glass and raising a toast with friends without the headache.

Made from high-quality Syrah, or better known as Shiraz grapes, Natureo has all the complex flavours and tannins of red wine. With notes of lively, dark cherries and blackberries and a touch of cinnamon spice on a well balanced, juicy palate. It also has fewer calories than your usual bottle of red. Bonus!
No.10

Isla NegraCabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£5.00
Low
Reference price
£5.00
Low

Everyday Cabernet Sauvignon for Cooking and Sipping

This Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown in sun-warmed Isla Negra, Chile, and has notes of red fruits with soft tannins, medium body and a juicy, chocolate-laced finish. The volume is just below your average bottle of wine at 12%.

In Isla Negra, the combination of a Mediterranean climate and permeable organic soils produce grapes bursting with sunshine flavour! The bottle is sealed with a cork so oxygen can gently permeate, helping to continue the ageing process.

Written and researched by Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Red Wines

No. 1: Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir

No. 2: Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot

No. 3: Campo ViejoTempranillo Rioja

No. 4: Yering StationThe Elms Pinot Noir

No. 5: FaustinoRioja Organic Wine

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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