Red Wine: Bold Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Noir & More

How Is Red Wine Made?

The key difference between red and white wine is skin contact. For red wine, the dark grape skins stay in contact with the juice throughout fermentation, releasing colour, tannin, and flavour. The longer the skins remain, the deeper and more structured the wine becomes.

After fermentation, many red wines are aged to develop further complexity. Oak barrel ageing is especially common, adding notes of vanilla, spice, cedar, and toast, along with a smoother texture. Some reds are made to be enjoyed young and fresh, while others are built to age for years or even decades, evolving beautifully over time. This combination of grape, skin contact, and ageing is what gives each red wine its unique personality.

Red Wine by Body: Light, Medium & Full

One of the easiest ways to navigate red wine is by body, which describes how light or heavy the wine feels on your palate.

Light Bodied Red Wine is silky, fresh, and low in tannin. Our light bodied reds include elegant Pinot Noir and juicy Gamay, and many are even delicious lightly chilled.

Medium Bodied Red Wine strikes a perfect balance of flavour and drinkability. Our medium bodied reds include smooth Merlot, savoury Sangiovese, and spicy Tempranillo, making them brilliant all rounders at the table.

Full Bodied Red Wine is rich, bold, and structured. Our full bodied reds feature powerful Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, the perfect match for hearty food.

Popular Red Wine Varieties

Red wine offers a huge range of grape varieties, each with its own character.

Shiraz is Australia's signature red, rich and full of dark fruit, pepper, and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and age worthy, with blackcurrant and cedar notes. Pinot Noir is the elegant choice, delicate and silky with red cherry and raspberry. Merlot is smooth and approachable, full of soft, plummy fruit.

Beyond these classics, you will find juicy Grenache, velvety Malbec, savoury Sangiovese, spicy Tempranillo, and many more, spanning the great wine regions of Australia, France, Italy, Spain, and beyond. Australia is also famous for its red blends, especially the classic GSM and rich Cabernet Shiraz, which combine the best of several grapes in one glass.

What Is GSM Wine?

GSM is one of Australia's most loved red wine styles, and the name is simply a shorthand for the three grapes in the blend: Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre. The idea comes from France's Rhône Valley, but Australian winemakers, particularly in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, have made it their own. Grenache brings juicy red fruit, Shiraz adds richness and spice, and Mourvèdre lends structure and savoury depth. The result is a wonderfully balanced, generous red that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Dry and Sweet Red Wine

Almost all red wine is dry, meaning it has little to no residual sugar and tastes savoury rather than sweet. You will find the full range in our dry red wine collection.

For something different, sweet reds are rich, fruity, and a real treat, from fizzy Lambrusco to warming fortified Tawny. Explore them in our sweet red wine collection.

How to Serve Red Wine

Contrary to popular belief, red wine is best served slightly below room temperature rather than warm. Aim for around 14 to 18 degrees Celsius, with lighter reds towards the cooler end and fuller reds towards the warmer end. On a hot day, even a light red can benefit from 15 minutes in the fridge. Bolder, younger reds often improve with a little time in a decanter, which softens the tannins and opens up the aromas.

Food Pairing Ideas

Red wine and food are a classic partnership. The tannins in red wine love protein and fat, which is why bold reds like Cabernet and Shiraz are so good with steak, lamb, and hard cheeses. Medium reds like Merlot and Sangiovese are perfect with pasta, pizza, and grilled meats. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir suit roast chicken, salmon, and mushroom dishes.

The simple rule is to match the weight of the wine to the weight of the dish. The richer the meal, the bolder the red can be. And if you fancy a different colour, explore our rosé collection too.

Why Buy Red Wine at YourWines?

At YourWines, red wine is at the very heart of our collection. From easy drinking everyday bottles to cellar worthy icons, we have handpicked an enormous range of reds across every style, region, and price point. Whether you are a devoted Shiraz lover, a Pinot Noir enthusiast, or just starting to explore, you will find your perfect red here. Browse the full collection below and discover your next favourite.