Are you looking for a smooth red wine? Or something more structured? Or perhaps some fine red wines!
Then you've come to the right place. In this section of our online wine shop, you will find the best Italian and foreign red wines, ideal for accompanying everyday dinners or important events with style and elegance.
A panacea for health when consumed in moderation thanks to the presence of antioxidants, red wine is obtained from the fermentation of black grape must.
Red wine production: how is red wine made?
It all starts with the harvesting and selection of ripe red grapes. These are then destemmed and crushed to break the skins and release the must. The skins, together with the seeds, are important in the production of red wine, as they contain substances that give the wine its colour, aroma and structure (such as anthocyanins).
After pressing, the must and skins are left to ferment together in containers called fermentation vats.
During fermentation, natural or added yeasts convert the sugars in the must into alcohol, generating heat and carbon dioxide as by-products. During this phase, the must is mixed manually or mechanically to promote the extraction of colours and aromas from the skins. In some cases, there is also malolactic fermentation, through which malic acid is converted into lactic acid, which is rounder, resulting in softer red wines.
Once fermentation is complete, the solids (skins and seeds) are separated from the liquid. The wine obtained is then transferred to ageing vessels, such as oak barrels, where it matures for several months or years. During this period, the wine refines, developing complex aromas and a harmonious structure.
Finally, before bottling, the wine may undergo a clarification and filtration process to remove any impurities. Only after this stabilisation phase is the red wine ready to be bottled and enjoyed.
Which are the best red wines? Italian, French or perhaps Spanish?
Let's start with the top three in our wine selection. If you are looking for tradition, elegance and complexity, French red wines are for you.
If you want to stay in Italy, then needless to say, you can choose Piedmontese red wines. At this point, it is worth mentioning a few names, first and foremost the king of reds, His Majesty Barolo.
But in north-eastern Italy, in Veneto, there is another red wine, softer (and more alcoholic), Amarone della Valpolicella.
If, on the other hand, you have a soft spot for Tuscan red wines, you are spoilt for choice. You can play it safe with an excellent Chianti Classico DOCG or a nice Brunello di Montalcino, or if you want to treat yourself, how about a Sassicaia?
Honourable mentions go to Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG and, if you are looking for smooth red wines, Nero d'Avola and Pinot Nero could be the right choice (if, on the other hand, you are looking for a sparkling red, Lambrusco is the way to go). En passant, it is also worth mentioning wines from southern Italy such as Primitivo, Aglianico del Vulture and, returning to the centre of the peninsula, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Let's end this tour with some more exotic suggestions. Let's start with a literally volcanic wine, Etna Rosso DOC, but if you want to play it safe with an elegant choice, go for a Bordeaux red wine. Want to discover new wine regions? Try a Spanish red wine!
Red wine prices and buying advice
When it comes to choosing a good Italian red wine, price is a factor to consider. There are several variables that influence the cost of a bottle of red wine, and knowing these factors can help you make an informed choice:
1. Region of production: Italy is famous for its many wine-producing regions, each with its own history, grape varieties and climatic conditions. Red wines from renowned regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto often have higher prices than those from lesser-known regions. A recommended price range for a good red wine from these regions would be between £15 and £50 per bottle.
2. Grape varieties used: The choice of grapes used greatly affects the quality and price of red wine. Some grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera are considered high quality and are often associated with fine red wines. Red wines produced from these grapes tend to be more expensive. Here, the recommended price range for a good Italian red wine made from renowned grape varieties may vary depending on how it is produced (see below).
3. Production methods: Production methods can affect the price of red wine. For example, red wines that undergo ageing in wood or are produced using traditional techniques require more time and resources, which is reflected in the final price of the bottle. For a red wine produced using traditional, high-quality production methods, the price range is very wide, between £20 and £200 per bottle.
4. Label and reputation of the producer: The reputation of the producer can influence the price of red wine. Wines produced by wineries that are part of the elite group of great reds or, for example, award-winning red wines are naturally more expensive than average, but the quality is higher. However, keep in mind that in our online wine shop you will find lesser-known but high-quality wineries, for example among the Artigiani and Tannico exclusives. In this case, a recommended price range for drinking a quality Italian red wine from a good producer could vary between £20 and £80 per bottle, obviously excluding the most prized reds, such as rare wines.
