Light Red Wine Lovers’ Guide: 10 Delicious Types You Need to Try

Light red wines are loved for their fresh fruit flavours, soft tannins, and easy-drinking style. Perfect for beginners and casual enjoyment, these light-bodied reds can be served chilled and complement everyday meals effortlessly. In this guide, you’ll discover what light red wine is, its main characteristics, and the most popular varieties to try.

What Is a Light Red Wine?

Light red wine typically describes red wines that feature lower tannin levels, a gentler colour, and moderate alcohol content, usually around 11-13%. These wines are often celebrated for their clarity, often showcasing ruby or garnet hues, alongside a bright acidity and delightful, fruity aromas.

Key Characteristics and How They Differ from Full-Bodied Reds

• Colour: Lighter and more transparent than dense, inky reds.
• Tannins: Softer, making them easier to drink, especially for new wine drinkers.
• Alcohol: Lower alcohol content contributes to a refreshing, less “hot” feel.
• Aromas & Flavours: Red fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry), florals, and occasional herbal or spicy notes.
• Body: Light and supple, without the heavy, mouth-coating sensation of fuller reds like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Types of Light Red Wine

Light red wines offer a diverse range of styles, each boasting a distinct charm. Whether you're in the mood for something fruity and floral or prefer a refreshing and vibrant sip, these wines are wonderfully versatile and enjoyable. Here are ten of the most popular light-bodied red wines. Discover their diverse flavours, origins, and perfect food pairings!

Pinot Noir

What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is one of the most renowned light red wines, appreciated for its elegance, silky texture, and refreshing acidity. It thrives best in cooler regions such as Burgundy and Oregon, making it a popular choice worldwide.

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

Expect flavours of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry with subtle earthy and floral notes. The gentle tannins make it smooth and easy to drink, which is why it’s often considered one of the best red wines for beginners.

When and how to serve it?

Serve Pinot Noir slightly chilled at 13-16°C (55-60°F) to highlight its fruit and freshness. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or soft cheeses.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, earthy, floral
• Region: Burgundy (France), Oregon, California, New Zealand, Germany
• Food Pairings: Roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses

Gamay

What is Gamay?

Gamay is the signature grape of Beaujolais in France, recognised for producing some of the most famous light red wines. It’s a youthful, lively wine that’s often served slightly chilled, making it a popular choice for casual occasions.

What does Gamay taste like?

Expect juicy strawberry, cherry, and cranberry flavours, sometimes with a playful hint of banana from the winemaking process. With its lively acidity and very low tannins, Gamay is one of the best easy-drinking red wines for beginners.

How to serve Gamay?

Serve at 12-15°C (54-59°F) to highlight freshness. Gamay is perfect for picnics, parties, or laid-back dinners, and pairs exceptionally well with charcuterie, roast turkey, or creamy cheeses like brie.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Strawberry, cherry, banana, violet, light spice
• Region: Beaujolais (France), Loire Valley, Switzerland, Oregon
• Food Pairings: Charcuterie, roast turkey, grilled fish, brie cheese

Grenache

What is Grenache?

Grenache (also known as Garnacha in Spain) is a widely cultivated grape admired for its accessible style. It yields smooth, generous wines that are often enjoyed solo or blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre in classic Mediterranean reds.

What does Grenache taste like?

Grenache presents juicy strawberry, raspberry, and red currant flavours, complemented by hints of spice and herbs. With its soft tannins and ripe fruit profile, it’s an approachable wine that appeals to both novices and seasoned drinkers.

How to serve Grenache?

Best served at 13-16°C (55-60°F). Its lively, fruit-forward profile makes it ideal for Mediterranean feasts, from pizza and barbecue to grilled vegetables and rustic pasta dishes.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Strawberry, raspberry, red currant, white pepper, herbs
• Region: Southern Rhône (France), Spain, California, Australia
• Food Pairings: Grilled vegetables, barbecue, pizza, Mediterranean dishes

Cinsault

What is Cinsault?

Cinsault is a fragrant, light red wine grape widely cultivated in southern France, South Africa, and Lebanon. It is renowned for producing fresh, approachable reds that are often blended, yet can also stand out on their own.

What does Cinsault taste like?

Cinsault bursts with red berry flavours and soft floral notes, often accented by subtle herbs and spice. With its low tannins and light body, it’s one of the best easy-drinking red wines for warm weather or casual sipping.

How to serve Cinsault?

Serve slightly chilled at 12-14°C (54-57°F) to highlight its freshness. It pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as tapas, grilled chicken, couscous, or summer salads.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Red berries, rose petals, herbal, subtle spice
• Region: Southern France (Languedoc, Provence), South Africa, Lebanon
• Food Pairings: Tapas, salads, grilled chicken, couscous

Lambrusco

What is Lambrusco?

Lambrusco is a vibrant sparkling light red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It’s made from several native Lambrusco grapes, with popular styles ranging from dry to lightly sweet.

What does Lambrusco taste like?

Lambrusco is celebrated for its refreshing bubbles and lively flavours of strawberry, cherry, and blackberry, sometimes with a touch of tartness or earthiness. Its playful fizz and low tannin levels make it an easy red wine for novices and a popular choice at gatherings.

How to serve Lambrusco?

Best enjoyed well-chilled at 9-12°C (49-54°F). Lambrusco pairs beautifully with cured meats, pizza, fried foods, or aged cheeses, making it a classic choice for Italian feasts.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Strawberry, blackberry, cherry, sometimes a subtle earthy note or a touch of tartness
• Region: Emilia-Romagna (Italy)
• Food Pairings: Cured meats, pizza, fried foods, aged cheeses

Zweigelt

What is Zweigelt?

Zweigelt is Austria’s most widely planted red grape and a staple of light red wines from Central Europe. It’s loved for its juicy fruit flavours, friendly style, and versatility at the table.

What does Zweigelt taste like?

Zweigelt generally offers flavours of cherry, raspberry, and floral notes with a hint of black pepper spice. Its smooth mouthfeel and soft tannins make it one of the best red wines for beginners seeking something flavourful but not heavy.

How to serve Zweigelt?

Serve slightly cool at 13-15°C (55-59°F). Zweigelt pairs wonderfully with Central European favourites such as roast pork, sausages, schnitzel, and grilled vegetables.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Cherry, raspberry, black pepper, floral
• Region: Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic
• Food Pairings: Roast pork, sausages, grilled vegetables, schnitzel

Frappato

What is Frappato?

Frappato is a native Sicilian grape that produces some of the island’s most aromatic light red wines. It’s valued for its playful style and refreshing character, making it a great choice for beginners or summer drinking.

What does Frappato taste like?

Expect bright flavours of strawberry and pomegranate with a touch of herbs and spice. With soft tannins and lively acidity, Frappato is often described as an easy-drinking red wine that feels almost like a cross between red and rosé.

How to serve Frappato?

Serve slightly chilled at 12-14°C (54-57°F). Frappato pairs beautifully with tomato-based pasta, grilled eggplant, fresh seafood, or classic Italian antipasti.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Strawberry, pomegranate, herbs, red pepper flakes
• Region: Sicily (Italy)
• Food Pairings: Tomato-based pasta, seafood, grilled eggplant, antipasti

Schiava (Vernatsch)

What is Schiava?

Schiava, also known as Vernatsch in northern Italy or Trollinger in Germany, is known for producing pale, delicate, light red wines. It’s especially popular in Alto Adige and Trentino, offering a relaxed, easy-going style.

What does Schiava taste like?

Schiava offers subtle cranberry and raspberry notes with floral violet hints and a smooth, slightly nutty finish. Its low tannins and light body make it one of the best light red wines for beginners who prefer a softer, more delicate red.

How to serve Schiava?

Best served slightly cool at 11-13°C (52-56°F). It pairs well with Tyrolean dishes, cured meats, fresh cheeses, and trout, reflecting its Alpine origins.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Cranberry, raspberry, almond, violet
• Region: Alto Adige (Italy), Trentino, Germany (as Trollinger)
• Food Pairings: Light Italian dishes, cured meats, fresh cheeses, trout

Trousseau

What is Trousseau?

Trousseau is a lesser-known grape from the Jura region of eastern France, also cultivated in Spain (as Bastardo) and California. It’s appreciated for its lively character and is a hidden treasure among light red wines.

What does Trousseau taste like?

Trousseau combines tart red currant and cherry flavours with earthy undertones and a touch of white pepper. Its vibrant acidity and medium body make it appealing to adventurous wine enthusiasts seeking something different.

How to serve Trousseau?

Enjoy Trousseau at 13-15°C (55-59°F). It’s excellent with smoked meats, duck, mushroom risotto, or firm cheeses, balancing its earthy, spicy profile.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Red currant, cherry, earthy, white pepper
• Region: Jura (France), Spain (as Bastardo), California
• Food Pairings: Smoked meats, duck, hard cheeses, mushroom risotto

Dolcetto

What is Dolcetto?

Despite its name meaning "little sweet one," Dolcetto is actually a dry, fruit-forward light red wine from Piedmont, Italy. It’s a staple in northern Italian dining and loved for its simplicity and charm.

What does Dolcetto taste like?

Dolcetto is smooth and luscious, with flavours of black cherry, plum, and liquorice, finishing with a slight hint of bitter almond. Its approachable profile makes it a good wine for beginners who want something easy yet satisfying.

How to serve Dolcetto?

Best served at 14-16°C (57-60°F). Dolcetto pairs perfectly with pizza, pasta, cured meats, and roast chicken, everyday Italian favourites that match its casual style.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Flavours: Black cherry, plum, liquorice, almond
• Region: Piedmont (Italy)
• Food Pairings: Pizza, pasta, salami, roast chicken

Top 10 Light Red Wines: Flavours, Styles, Serving Temp & Food Pairings
Light Red Wine Type	Flavours	Body/Style	Serving Temp	Best Food Pairings
Pinot Noir	Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, earthy, floral	Light-bodied, silky, elegant	13-16°C (55-60°F)	Roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses
Gamay	Strawberry, cherry, banana, violet, light spice	Light-bodied, juicy, vibrant	12-15°C (54-59°F)	Charcuterie, roast turkey, grilled fish, brie cheese
Grenache	Strawberry, raspberry, red currant, herbs, white pepper	Medium-bodied, fruity, smooth	13-16°C (55-60°F)	Grilled vegetables, pizza, barbecue, Mediterranean dishes
Cinsault	Red berries, rose petals, herbal, subtle spice	Light-bodied, floral, refreshing	12-14°C (54-57°F)	Tapas, salads, couscous, grilled chicken
Lambrusco	Strawberry, blackberry, cherry, tart, earthy	Sparkling, semi-sweet, lively	9-12°C (49-54°F)	Cured meats, pizza, fried foods, aged cheeses
Zweigelt	Cherry, raspberry, floral, black pepper	Light to medium-bodied, smooth	13-15°C (55-59°F)	Roast pork, sausages, schnitzel, grilled vegetables
Frappato	Strawberry, pomegranate, herbs, spice	Light-bodied, aromatic, playful	12-14°C (54-57°F)	Tomato-based pasta, seafood, grilled eggplant, antipasti
Schiava (Vernatsch)	Cranberry, raspberry, violet, almond	Light-bodied, delicate, nutty	11-13°C (52-56°F)	Cured meats, fresh cheeses, trout, light Italian dishes
Trousseau	Red currant, cherry, earthy, white pepper	Medium-bodied, tart, vibrant	13-15°C (55-59°F)	Smoked meats, duck, mushroom risotto, hard cheeses
Dolcetto	Black cherry, plum, liquorice, almond	Light to medium-bodied, fruity, dry	14-16°C (57-60°F)	Pizza, pasta, salami, roast chicken

How to Choose and Serve Light Red Wine

Choosing and serving light red wine can be quite easy. Here’s a simple guide on how to select a bottle, serve it perfectly, and keep it fresh after you’ve opened it.

Tips for Selecting Quality Bottles

• Look for trusted regions: Seek wines from regions famous for quality light reds, such as Burgundy (France), Beaujolais, Oregon, Alto Adige (Italy), and Austria.
• Check the grape variety: Choose popular light-bodied grapes like Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, Cinsault, or Zweigelt.
• Mind the vintage: Opt for recent vintages (within the last 2-3 years) for freshness and lively fruit.
• Alcohol content: Bottles with lower alcohol (usually 11-13%) tend to be lighter and more refreshing.
• Read the label: Look for tasting notes like “fresh,” “fruity,” or “crisp,” which often indicate a lighter style.

How Long Does Light Red Wine Last Once Opened?

Once opened, light red wines can stay fresh for around 2 to 3 days when stored correctly. Just remember to reseal the bottle tightly and place it in the fridge; this little step helps slow down oxidation and keeps the wine’s delicate flavours intact. After three days, most light reds might lose their vibrant character and could taste a bit flat.

Looking for more advice on keeping your wine fresh? Explore our full guide on How Long Does Wine Last After Opening? to get the most out of every bottle.

Conclusion

Light red wine is a refreshing and versatile choice for any occasion. It boasts vibrant fruit flavours, soft tannins, and an impressive ability to pair well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a newcomer to wine or simply on the hunt for something different, exploring various types of light red wine can lead to an enjoyable array of flavours. Just remember, the best light red wine is the one you enjoy the most, served exactly how you prefer it.

FAQ

1. What is light red wine?

Light red wine is a type of red wine that's characterised by its lower tannins, a lighter hue, and moderate alcohol content, typically sitting between 11 and 13%. These wines shine with bright acidity and delightful fresh red fruit flavours that make them a perfect choice for casual sipping or pairing with lighter dishes.

2. What are the best types of light red wine?

Some popular types of light red wine that you might enjoy include Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, Cinsault, Lambrusco, Zweigelt, Frappato, Schiava (also known as Vernatsch), Trousseau, and Dolcetto. Each offers a unique flavour profile worth exploring!

3. What foods pair well with light red wine?

Light red wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roast chicken, salmon, charcuterie, grilled vegetables, mushroom-based meals, pizza, and soft cheeses. Its bright acidity and fresh fruit notes lend versatility, making it an excellent companion for many culinary delights.