Balance & Food-Friendly

Medium-Bodied Red

Medium-bodied reds fall between light Pinot Noir and powerful Cabernet: moderate tannins, fresh acidity, cherry and berry fruit.

Medium-bodied reds are the most food-friendly wines in existence: structured enough to stand up to grilled proteins, but soft enough to never overpower the plate.

From Sangiovese to Merlot, Grenache to Barbera, these wines reward drinking young and deliver their finest qualities at the table.

Key Characteristics

  • · Medium-bodied reds fall between light Pinot Noir and powerful Cabernet: moderate tannins, fresh acidity, cherry and berry fruit.
  • · The grape varieties most associated with this style are Sangiovese, Grenache, Barbera, Merlot and Pinot Noir in warmer sites.
  • · These wines are at their best in their first five to eight years but can age well in the right vintages.

Food Pairing

  • · roast chicken
  • · pasta with red sauce
  • · grilled pork
  • · pizza
  • · soft cheese

Serving

  • · 14-16°C
  • · No decanting needed for most
  • · Burgundy glass

Subcategories

Sangiovese / Tuscany

Cherry, herbs and food-friendly structure

Italian Barbera

Bright acidity, cherry fruit, exceptional value

GSM Medium

Warm, generous southern Rhône style