I Used to Only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon, But These 12 Red Wines Are Better

Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular classic red wine. It has savory notes and a hint of chocolate that will excite any palate. This wine became popular, where it was often mixed with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. From Spain and France, this grape spread across Europe and found new homes in New Zealand, California’s Napa Valley, Australia’s Margaret River, South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, and more. However, when it comes to great wine, the world is filled with a variety of red, flavorful, fruit-driven wines that are just as good as the fine Cabernet Sauvignon. I used to only drink Cabernet Sauvignon, but these 12 red wines are better. 

Terrazas Altos Malbec is a flavorful red wine with purple undertones. It has a fragrant smell of black fruits like berries and plums with spicy notes of white pepper. You can pick up a bottle at Target for $14.99. This wine pairs well with a great steak, duck, or lamb.

This wine is aged in bourbon barrels, and that is where it gets its rich, juicy taste and hint of smokiness from. Classic notes of black fruits and a dash of black pepper are present. For a memorable dining experience, pair this wine with grilled smoked salmon.

This wine has a pleasing taste with notes of cherry. On the palate, it has flavors of blackberries, oak, mocha, and black cherry. Pair this wine with roast beef and caramelized vegetables.

This wine bursts with flavor and has a medium purple color with notes of pomegranate cola and black cherry with an appealing vanilla fragrance. Pair this wine with roast turkey and cranberry sauce or barbeque ribs.

Jam Jar is a well-crafted option if you prefer a sweeter wine. The Sweet Shiraz is a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness. Shiraz wine also has high levels of antioxidants. Pair this wine with red meat. The tannins found in Shiraz complement the flavor of the meat.

This red was first discovered in the mid-1800s in France. It is mainly grown in California and has a deep color and full-bodied flavors of chocolate, black pepper, blueberries, and plums. Pair this wine with stuffed peppers.

This grape is one of the most commonly planted grapes in the world. It is believed to have originated in Spain. Furthermore, it needs hot, dry conditions to grow because it ripens late. This grape is also grown in Australia, Santa Barbara County, and Paso Robles. Its flavor profile includes strawberries and raspberries with a subtle white pepper note. Pair this wine with stews or braised short ribs.

This black grape variety is grown to make full-bodied red wines in Spain. It ripens seven weeks earlier than most red Spanish grapes. Tempranillo has a neutral profile and blends well with Carignan and Grenache. It is also aged for a long time in oak, where it takes on the flavor of the barrel. It usually has the flavor profile of strawberries, vanilla, and plums. This wine pairs well with burgers, BBQs, and paella.

This purple-colored grape is a very old cultivar and is mostly grown in the Loire Valley around Tours and Beaujolais. Gamay wines are low in tannin and are best enjoyed when slightly chilled. These wines tend to have a fruity flavor profile of cherries and berries with hints of flowers. Furthermore, it is usually produced in a dry style, as it is not very sweet and has high acidity. Pair this wine with roast chicken or grilled fish.

Sangiovese is a dark grape of the Italian grape variety. It is primarily grown in Tuscany, Italy. This is a dry wine with high acidity and a medium body. Furthermore, it has a delightful fruity fragrance with notes of blackberry, plum, and cherry. Pair this wine with slow-roasted pork, fried chicken livers, or tomato-based pasta.

One of the most popular black grape types in the world is Cabernet Franc. It is lighter in color when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Depending on the style of wine and where it has grown, its fragrance can include violets, raspberry, bell pepper, and tobacco. As a medium-bodied wine, it pairs well with tomato-based dishes and rich, fatty foods.

This full-bodied red wine is well known for its production in Barbaresco and Barolo, Italy. Nebbiolo wines are defined by their amounts of tannin and acidity. These wines can take years to age before they become pleasant to drink. The most common notes are fragrances of roses and tar. In addition, other fragrances include fresh herbs, mulberries, leather, and dried fruit. Pair this wine with braised duck, ribeye steak, cheese, butternut, and wild rice.

Some of us like bold, robust wines, and others may prefer something delicate and smooth. We each have our own unique taste buds. Why not try a different one the next time you go out for dinner? I used to only drink Cabernet Sauvignon, but these 12 red wines are better.