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10 Best Red Wines in the UK 2021 (Tesco, Waitrose and More)
Whether you’re a fine wine connoisseur or simply seeking an affordable red to help you celebrate the holiday season, 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!
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: 16-03-2021
- 26,162 views
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Red Wine in the UK – Buying Guide
When you’re shopping for red wine, you’ll need to consider a few key points first. As there are many bottles to choose from, we’ve focused on the most popular types of wine and chosen our favourites from each grape. Here we explain the pros and cons of each, to help you find the perfect bottle.
Know Your Lingo: Tannins and Body Tell You What to Look for in a Red Wine
If you’re starting from scratch and have no clue how to pick a bottle of red, it’s sensible to get some of the basic vocabulary down first. By clearing up what certain words mean, you’ll have a better grasp on the kind of wine that will best suit your taste buds.
Tannins Come from the Skin, Stalk and Seed of the Grape and Affect Astringency and Bitterness in Red Wines
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.
Body Refers to How Heavy or Light of Wine it is on the Palette; Choose Full, Medium or Light According to Your Taste
Another key element of red wine to look out for is the body, a term which relates to the way a wine feels in your mouth; light and fresh or more intense and heavy. Wines can be full, medium or light-bodied, and it’s really down to your preferences which you decide to go for.
The Type of Grape Influences the Overall Drinking Experience and Which Dishes to Complement It With
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.
Malbec Has a Lot of Body With Hints of Dark Fruits and Sweet Spices and 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.
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.
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.
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.
Rioja Hails From Spain and Is Known for Its Vibrant and Fruity Character
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.
Higher Alcohol Levels Suit Seasoned Drinkers, Low or Alcohol-Free Wines Suit Those 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.
Think About Which Opening Style You Prefer; Screw Tops Suit Dinner Parties, Corks Help Wines Age
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 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.
Top 10 Best Red Wines in the UK
Now to introduce our picks of the best red wines you can buy online in the UK this year, many of which come at brilliantly low prices and that still taste divine. We hope you’ll try a few and add them to your list of permanent favourites!
10
Isla NegraCabernet Sauvignon
£4.50
| Grape Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Isla Negra, Chile |
| Flavour Notes | Candied fruits, ripe blackcurrant, raspberry, Plum & chocolate |
| Alcohol Content | 12 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Cork |
9
TorresNatureo Syrah De-Alcoholised Red Wine
Case of 6
£37.03
| Grape Variety | Syrah/Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Spain |
| Flavour Notes | Cherries, blackcurrant, spice |
| Alcohol Content | 0% |
| Bottle Top Type | Screw top |
8
Casillero del DiabloCabernet Sauvignon
£6.00
| Grape Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Valle Central, Chile |
| Flavour Notes | Cassis, black cherry, coffee, dark chocolate |
| Alcohol Content | 13.5 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Screw top |
7
Tesco FinestArgentinian Malbec
£8.00
| Grape Variety | Malbec |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Mendoza, Argentina |
| Flavour Notes | Blackberry, plum, blueberry |
| Alcohol Content | 13 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Screw top |
6
TriventoReserve Malbec
£6.00
| Grape Variety | Malbec |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Mendoza, Argentina |
| Flavour Notes | Plum, raspberry, vanilla |
| Alcohol Content | 14 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Screw top |
5
FaustinoRioja Organic Wine
£11.29
| Grape Variety | Tempranillo |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Oyón, Northern Spain |
| Flavour Notes | Raspberries, gooseberries, cranberries, blackberries |
| Alcohol Content | 13.5 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Cork |
4
Yering StationThe Elms Pinot Noir
£9.99
| Grape Variety | Pinot Noir |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Yarra Valley, Australia |
| Flavour Notes | Black cherry, spice |
| Alcohol Content | 13 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Screw top |
3
Campo ViejoTempranillo Rioja
£6.69
| Grape Variety | Tempranillo |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | La Rioja, Northern Spain |
| Flavour Notes | Ripe cherries, strawberries, sweet vanilla, spice |
| Alcohol Content | 13.5 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Cork |
2
Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot
£11.99
| Grape Variety | Merlot |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Hawkes Bay, New Zealand |
| Flavour Notes | Dark plums, blackberries |
| Alcohol Content | 13 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Screw top |
1
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir
£14.00
| Grape Variety | Pinot Noir |
|---|---|
| Region of Origin | Casablanca, Chile |
| Flavour Notes | Fresh cherry, strawberry & plum with leather & tobacco. |
| Alcohol Content | 14.5 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Cork |
Compare the Best Red Wines
| Image | 1  Cono Sur | 2  Villa Maria | 3  Campo Viejo | 4  Yering Station | 5  Faustino | 6  Trivento | 7  Tesco Finest | 8  Casillero del Diablo | 9  Torres | 10  Isla Negra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | 20 Barrels Pinot Noir | Private Bin Merlot | Tempranillo Rioja | The Elms Pinot Noir | Rioja Organic Wine | Reserve Malbec | Argentinian Malbec | Cabernet Sauvignon | Natureo Syrah De-Alcoholised Red Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Features | Complex and Enveloping With Woody Notes | From a Beloved Family Winery in New Zealand | A Classy Yet Accessible Choice | A Deliciously Soft and Fruity Pinot Noir | Organic Vegan-Friendly Rioja | A Velvety, Distinctive Malbec | Dry, Perfumed and Intensely Fruity | Silky Smooth With Hints of Coffee and Chocolate | Skip the Hangover With a Fruity Alcohol-Free Syrah | Moreish and Great Value for Money |
| Price | £14.00 | £11.99 | £6.69 | £9.99 | £11.29 | £6.00 | £8.00 | £6.00 | £37.03 | £4.50 |
| Grape Variety | Pinot Noir | Merlot | Tempranillo | Pinot Noir | Tempranillo | Malbec | Malbec | Cabernet Sauvignon | Syrah/Shiraz | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Region of Origin | Casablanca, Chile | Hawkes Bay, New Zealand | La Rioja, Northern Spain | Yarra Valley, Australia | Oyón, Northern Spain | Mendoza, Argentina | Mendoza, Argentina | Valle Central, Chile | Spain | Isla Negra, Chile |
| Flavour Notes | Fresh cherry, strawberry & plum with leather & tobacco. | Dark plums, blackberries | Ripe cherries, strawberries, sweet vanilla, spice | Black cherry, spice | Raspberries, gooseberries, cranberries, blackberries | Plum, raspberry, vanilla | Blackberry, plum, blueberry | Cassis, black cherry, coffee, dark chocolate | Cherries, blackcurrant, spice | Candied fruits, ripe blackcurrant, raspberry, Plum & chocolate |
| Alcohol Content | 14.5 % | 13 % | 13.5 % | 13 % | 13.5 % | 14 % | 13 % | 13.5 % | 0% | 12 % |
| Bottle Top Type | Cork | Screw top | Cork | Screw top | Cork | Screw top | Screw top | Screw top | Screw top | Cork |
| Link |
Want to Delve Deeper Into the World of Wine?
If this article on red wines has piqued your interest, be sure to check out our related articles delving into the world of wine. Here's to your good health!
Summary
And there you have it! Our guide to sourcing the best red wines online from trusted supermarkets like Tesco and Asda. It’s not always straightforward selecting a delicious, high-quality wine that won’t break the bank, but perhaps our list has inspired you to host a tasting party and discover your personal favourite. Cheers!
Author: Annie Hopkins
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