Five Alternative Red Wines for Pinot Noir Lovers!

There's no doubt that Pinot Noir is one of the most popular and beloved red wines. With its subtle yet complex flavours and aromas, it's a wine that's easy to get lost in. But sometimes, even the most ardent Pinot Noir fan can become a bit bored with the same old thing. That's where these alternative red wines come in! These five reds share some of the characteristics that Pinot Noir lovers appreciate, but they also bring something new to the table. 

Gamay is a red grape variety that is most commonly associated with the Beaujolais region of France. This variety is a cousin of Pinot Noir and it grows primarily next to Burgundy, France (Pinot motherland). It's a medium-bodied red wine with flavours of red fruit, especially red plum, cherry and raspberry. It has a similar fruitiness and lightness to Pinot Noir but with a bit more acidity and a slightly different flavour profile. Gamay is a great choice for those who love Pinot Noir but want to try something a little different. 

Grenache is a grape variety that is grown all over the world but is particularly popular in Spain and the south of France. It's a full-bodied red wine with typical flavours of strawberry, raspberry, cherry and orange rind. Grenache generally has a bit more tannin and body than Pinot Noir, but it also has a certain elegance and finesse that Pinot Noir lovers appreciate. If you're a fan of bolder Pinot wines, Grenache is worth a try.

Nerello Mascalese is a grape variety that is native to the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily. It's a medium-bodied red wine with flavours of red berries with decent earthiness, rose and some dried herbs. Nerello Mascalese is similar to Pinot Noir in terms of its acidity and elegance, but it has a unique flavour profile that is sure to surprise and delight.

Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) is a grape variety that is grown primarily in the northern Italian region of Alto Adige. It's a light-bodied red wine with fun beautiful aromas of rose, strawberry, sour cherry and potpourri. Schiava has a similar delicacy and freshness to Pinot Noir but with a more pronounced acidity and a distinctive alpine character. If you're a fan of light, refreshing red wines, put Schiava on your list! 

Zweigelt is a grape variety that is most widespread in Austria. It's a medium-bodied red wine with flavours of red cherry, raspberry, and spice. Zweigelt has a bit more body and structure than Pinot Noir, but it also has a certain elegance and finesse that Pinot Noir lovers appreciate. If you're looking for a red wine that's a bit more bold and robust than Pinot Noir, but still has a certain refinement, Zweigelt is a great choice.

Pinot Noir is a go-to variety, but it's always fun to try something new. These five alternative red wines offer similar characteristics to Pinot Noir but with their unique flavours and personalities. From the light and fresh Schiava to the bold and spicy Zweigelt, there's something here for every wine lover. So the next time you're feeling adventurous, step outside your Pinot Noir comfort zone and give one of these alternative red wines a try!