If you’re looking for a red wine with a medium tannin structure, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are our picks for the best medium-tannin red wines out there.
Best Medium Tannis Red Wines
Here are my top picks for medium tannins red wines –
1. Agiorgitiko
Rose, full red wine
Agiorgitiko is a rare red wine grape native to the Macedonia region of Greece.
The name derives from the Greek words “agios” (holy) and “gerontes” (old man), in reference to the monks who first cultivated the grape.
The grape is typically used to produce full-bodied wines with high alcohol content and pronounced tannins.
Agiorgitiko wines are typically aged in oak barrels for 12-18 months before release.
More about this wine –
2. Alicante Bouschet
Full Red Wine
Alicante Bouschet is a full red wine that is made from the Alicante Bouschet grape.
This grape is a dark-skinned variety that was created by crossing two different types of grapes. It is grown predominantly in Spain, France, and Chile.
The result is a wine that has a deep red color and an intense smoky-sweet full-bodied flavor.
Alicante Bouschet wines are typically dry, with medium tannins and acidity.
3. Blaufränkisch
Rose, Medium-red wine
Blaufränkisch is a rather uncommon red wine grape that is grown in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovenia.
The grape produces wines that are typically light-bodied with high acidity.
The wines have aromas of cherries and blackberries, and the flavor often has notes of allspice.
Blaufränkisch wines are typically best when consumed young, within a few years of the vintage date.
A quick guide on this wine –
4. Bonarda
Medium-red wine
Bonarda is a red wine grape variety found in Argentina, where it is the second most planted red grape variety after Malbec.
Bonarda wines are typically medium-bodied with medium tannins and moderate acidity. The wines have aromas and flavors of fig, cherry, and plum sauce.
5. Cabernet Sauvignon
Rose, Full-red wine
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wines. Red wine is known for its full body and strong flavor.
The grape is grown in France, Chile, the USA, Spain, and many more countries.
The taste of Cabernet Sauvignon can be described as being fruity, with notes of blackberry and currant.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine, with medium tannins and moderate acidity.
Know more about this popular wine –
6. Castelão
Medium-red wine
Castelão is a red wine grape grown in Portugal.
The grape is also known as Periquita in Portugal. Castelão wines are typically medium-bodied with medium tannins and high acidity.
Castelão creates rich, fruity wines with subtle smoky flavors
The wines have aromas of red currant, plum, and strawberry.
More information on this wine here –
7. Mencía
Medium-red wine
Mencía is a red wine grape grown in northwestern Spain, in the regions of Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, and Valdeorras. The grape is also found in Portugal.
Mencía wines are typically light-bodied with high acidity and medium tannins. The wines have aromas of red fruits like cherries, pomegranate, and spice.
8. Merlot
Rose, Full-red wine
Merlot is a red wine grape that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines.
The wines have flavors of cherries, plum, herbs, and chocolate.
Merlot-based wines usually have a medium body with low tannins and are known for their easy drinkability.
More about Merlot –
9. Montepulciano
Medium & Full Red wine
Montepulciano is a red wine grape grown throughout central and southern Italy.
The grape is most notably found in the Tuscan wine regions of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, where it is used as the primary grape in both wines.
The grape can also be found in other regions of Italy, including Marche, Molise, and Umbria.
Montepulciano is a versatile grape that can be used to produce wines of various styles.
It is often made into fruity, medium-bodied red wines with medium tannins and acidity.
The wines have primary flavors/aromas of blackberry, red plum, herbs, and spice.
More about this Italian wine –
10. Negroamaro
Rose, medium red wine
Negroamaro is a rather uncommon red wine grape variety native to the Apulia region of Italy.
The grape is often blended with other varieties, such as Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Malvasia Nera.
Negroamaro wines are typically full-bodied with high alcohol content, low acidity, and strong flavors of blackberry, plum, and cherry.
11. Nero D’avola
Full-red wine
Nero D’avola is an uncommon red wine grape that is native to Sicily, Italy.
The grape produces wines with high levels of tannins and acidity, as well as high alcohol content.
Nero D’avola wines are typically full-bodied, with dark fruit flavors and a spicy finish.
The best Nero D’avola wines are made from grapes that are grown in the warmest regions of Sicily, such as the town of Noto.
12. Pinotage
Full-red wine
Pinotage is a red wine grape that is South Africa’s signature variety.
The grape was created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and it is now the country’s most widely planted red grape.
Pinotage wines are typically fruit-forward and easy to drink, with medium tannins, low acidity and high alcohol content.
The wines have primary flavors/aromas of blackberry, black cherry, fig, and roasted meat.
Know more about this South African wine –
13. Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a versatile and food-friendly wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
The wine is medium-bodied with medium tannins and a high acidic finish.
Sangiovese has flavors/aromas of cherries, roasted tomato, oregano, etc.
14. Syrah
Rose, full red wine
Syrah is a rich and full-bodied red wine with intense flavors of blackberry, pepper, and spice.
It is made from the Syrah grape, which is native to the Rhône region of France.
Syrah is often blended with other grapes, such as Grenache and Mourvèdre, to create complex wines with depth and character.
15. Tempranillo
Rose, medium, full-red wine
Tempranillo is a versatile and food-friendly wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The grape is popularly grown in Spain & Portugal.
It is a medium-bodied red wine with moderate tannins and acidity.
The flavors and aromas of Tempranillo wine can include cherry, plum, tobacco, leather, and spice.
More about Tempranillo –
16. Zinfandel
Medium, Full-red wine
Zinfandel is a versatile red wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. The grape is grown in the USA and Italy.
It has a medium body and a fruity flavor, with hints of blackberry, strawberry, peach, and cinnamon.
Tannins and Wines
Tannins are a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, including grapevines.
When grapes are crushed and the juice is left to ferment, the tannins are extracted from the grape skins and seeds and become a part of the wine.
Tannins give the wine its astringent quality and can make your mouth feel dry. They also contribute to a wine’s longevity and can help preserve it as it ages.
The level of tannins in a wine is determined by the grape variety, the amount of time the juice is left in contact with the skins during fermentation, and how long the wine is aged.
Red wines generally have more tannins than white wines, and young wines typically have more tannins than older wines.
When choosing a wine, you may want to consider its tannin level.
If you’re looking for a wine that is immediately approachable and ready to drink, look for a wine with low tannins.
If you’re interested in aging wine or you enjoy wines with complex flavors, choose a wine with high tannins.