“Red, red wine, stay close to me” sang Neil Diamond. Although nowadays, it seems not close enough. Globally, red wine sales have not matched those of white. A fruity pinot grigio, it seems, has more appeal than a traditional cabernet sauvignon. The reasons given are varied and complex including the demand for fresher, more drinkable wines and a shift in our eating habits from conventional three-course meals to lighter lunches coupled with the rise in popularity of the aperitif.
However, it’s not all bad news. Red wine still has a lot going for it. Its tannins – the compounds found naturally in grape skins, seeds and stems – cleanse the palate, complement hearty dishes and help the wine age gracefully. Lighter reds can be lightly chilled and enjoyed as a summer beverage and healthwise red wine has a slight edge over white because it has higher amounts of some vitamins and minerals.
So, if you are going for red, which one should you choose? Here, we look at red wines from the old world and the new that vary in taste, price and production. But all offer that special something that can change an average meal into a feast or a simple toast into a memorable one.
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The best red wines for 2026 are:
- Best overall: Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Les Légendes R Pauillac 2021: £30, Tesco.com
- Best luxury choice: Ripe al Convento di Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019: £99.45, Ministryofdrinks.uk
- Best New World wine: Yalumba The Signature Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2022: £46, Majestic.co.uk
- Best Spanish wine: Altos R Pigeage Tempranillo Rioja 2021: £22, Laithwaites.co.uk
- Best value red wine: Journey’s End Founders Reserve Merlot 2024: £12.50, Majestic.co.uk
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