In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 best red wines of 2023 for casual drinking. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global wine market, the trends of global wine consumption, and the recent acquisition in the wine industry, head to 25 Best Red Wines of 2023 For Casual Drinking.
10. Cabernet Franc
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Cabernet Franc is generally a smooth wine to drink with low levels of tannin, making it easy to drink young and when aged. The wine has medium-to-high acidity that makes it refreshingly easy-to-drink.
CabFranc makes an excellent wine for day-to-day casual drinking and is a perfect food partner with various cheeses, roast meats and stronger fish dishes.
9. Lambrusco
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Hailing from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Lambrusco is a wine that effortlessly embodies the spirit of conviviality and refreshment. Driven by its pleasurable appeal, this fresh, fruity bubbly wine, low in alcohol, with an excellent price-quality ratio, is one of Italy’s top sellers.
Lambrusco is still one of Italy’s most exported wines, not only to traditional markets, but also to new markets in the former countries of the Soviet Union – Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, and Kazakhstan.
8. Grenache
Insider Monkey Score: 11
Grenache wine is one smooth operator, elegant, and easy-drinking. It has a long history in Australia and now a new wave of creative winemakers is shining the international spotlight on this ever-evolving expression.
While it shares some qualities with other reds, Grenache also stands out due to its unique characteristics. For instance, Grenache wines are renowned for their versatility and adaptability to a range of food pairings – a quality that makes them an excellent choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
7. Beaujolais Nouveau
Insider Monkey Score: 14
Made from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine that is released each November. Often served chilled, this is a great wine for drinking by itself or with a variety of dishes. Beaujolais’ best quality lies in its easy-drinking nature and ability to deliver pure enjoyment, making it a crowd-pleaser and a delightful companion for casual wine enthusiasts.
Produced in the Beaujolais region of France, Japan remains by far the main export market for the wine with 3.6 million bottles, followed by the U.S. and the U.K.
6. Zinfandel
Insider Monkey Score: 17
Zinfandel gave California its claim to wine fame, and was the most popular grape planted in the Sunshine State until Cabernet took over in the 90s. Zinfandel is easy to love – it’s fruity, spicy, bold and assertive, and easy to drink!
Zinfandel is placed among the Top 10 Best Red Wines for Casual Drinking.
5. Syrah (Shiraz)
Insider Monkey Score: 20
A rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France, Syrah is the most planted grape of Australia, where they call it Shiraz.
Shiraz was responsible for introducing an entire generation of consumers to the wines of the Land Down Under, most notably with its fruit-forward and easy-drinking versions that were often produced in massive quantities. Syrah is the smoothest red wine to drink because it has slightly sweet-tasting notes.
Australia exported 146 million liters of Shiraz wines in 2022, down 3% from the previous year.
4. Malbec
Insider Monkey Score: 23
No casual red wine drinking list is complete without Malbec. Malbec is considered one of the best red wines for any crowd because of its approachability. As the signature red grape of Argentina, Malbec soared in popularity over the past 20 years, and for good reason.
Today, there are more than 134 million liters of this easy-to-drink red wine sold in the international market annually. Malbec has become a brand with which consumers recognize reliable wines at a good price.
3. Merlot
Insider Monkey Score: 24
Merlot is good for casual drinking as it contains low acidity and tannins. Also, it does not have the sharp-tasting notes of other red wine staples. Merlot’s best quality lies in its versatility, making it an excellent choice for casual occasions where a crowd-pleasing and easy-drinking red wine is desired.
Found in vineyards from California to France to Italy to Australia, Merlot is one of the world’s most popular red wines, and America’s second-favorite after Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
Insider Monkey Score: 28
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in the world for a reason – most people love it. With its juicy black fruits, vanilla undertones, and smooth palate, Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy wine to enjoy.
If you’re just starting out on your wine journey, stick to Cabernet Sauvignon from New World regions, like California. These are going to be the fruitiest versions of the grape, tricking your palate into thinking the wine is sweet.
The Cabernet Sauvignon market has witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by the rising demand for premium wines and the increasing popularity of wine consumption globally.
1. Pinot Noir
Insider Monkey Score: 38
Pinot Noir is the perfect entry-level red wine. France has a long history and reputation for producing high-quality Pinot Noir, particularly from the Burgundy region. The United States is also a significant exporter of the variety, with California being the largest producing state.
Many wine experts consider Pinot Noir to be the healthiest red wine because it contains the highest concentration of resveratrol, so it is widely regarded as the best red wine to drink daily. However, one should always be responsible with alcohol.
Pinot Noir’s best quality lies in its versatility and ability to pair effortlessly with a wide range of dishes, making it the go-to choice for casual evenings filled with culinary exploration.
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