Red wine

The most popular red wine varieties include Shiraz (Australia's signature red), Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Grenache. Australian Shiraz is particularly renowned globally, offering everything from elegant cool-climate styles to rich, full-bodied expressions. Cabernet Sauvignon excels in regions like Coonawarra and Margaret River, whilst Pinot Noir thrives in cooler areas like Tasmania and the Yarra Valley. You'll find excellent examples of all these varieties in our red wine collection.

Right here at TradingGrapes.com! We offer a curated range of premium red wines at varying price points from Australia and internationally, with fast shipping Australia-wide and optional professional cellaring. Browse our 'Red wine' collection or explore 'All wines' for the complete range. If you're after something specific or want more of a favourite, let us know - we love sourcing exceptional wines for our customers.

We offer everything from light-bodied Pinot Noir and Gamay to bold Shiraz and structured Cabernet Sauvignon. You'll also find elegant blends, powerful Nebbiolo, food-friendly Sangiovese, smooth Merlot, spicy Grenache, and unique varieties from both Australian and international producers. Our collection spans drink-now styles, cellaring candidates, and investment-grade bottles.

Light-bodied reds (like Pinot Noir or Gamay) are delicate, bright, and elegant with soft tannins and fresh acidity. Medium-bodied reds (like Merlot or Sangiovese) offer balanced fruit and structure with moderate tannins. Full-bodied reds (like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon) are rich, powerful, and intense with firm tannins and concentrated flavours. Body is determined by alcohol content, tannin levels, and overall intensity of flavour.

Despite the old "room temperature" rule, most red wines are best served cooler than typical Australian room temperature. Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir are perfect at around 13°C, which enhances their bright, fruit-forward character. Medium to full-bodied reds like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon show best at 15-18°C. Too warm and the alcohol dominates; too cold and the flavours hide. When in doubt, start cooler - wine warms naturally in the glass.

Many red wines benefit from decanting, especially younger or full-bodied styles. Decanting allows wine to breathe, softening tannins and enhancing aromas whilst bringing more complexity to the glass. Younger reds can benefit from longer decanting - sometimes several hours - depending on structure and intensity. Older red wines are usually more delicate and need less time, often just 30 minutes, primarily to separate sediment. Decanting is a simple way to elevate your wine experience and allow the wine to express its full character.

That dry, grippy sensation is caused by tannins - not the absence of sugar. Tannins are natural compounds from grape skins, seeds, stems, and oak barrels that bind with proteins in your saliva, creating a drying effect in your mouth. This is why red wines pair so well with protein-rich foods like red meat - the protein softens the tannins, making the wine feel smoother and more balanced. Most red wines are technically "dry" (containing little residual sugar) unless specifically labelled as sweet.

Tannins give red wine its structure, backbone, and ageing potential. They provide that slightly puckering sensation on your tongue and act as natural preservatives, allowing wines to develop complexity over time. Young, tannic wines often taste quite firm and grippy, but as they age, tannins soften and integrate, creating smoother, more elegant wines. Tannins also interact beautifully with food proteins, which is why red wines complement red meat so perfectly.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are brilliant with grilled meats and steaks - their firm tannins bind with meat proteins, creating perfect balance. Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with duck, mushrooms, and salmon, where its earthy elegance complements gamey and savoury flavours. Italian reds like Sangiovese are classic with pasta and tomato-based dishes, their acidity cutting through richness. Lighter reds work well with roasted chicken or pork, whilst bold reds handle robust flavours like BBQ and aged cheeses. Check each product page for specific pairing suggestions.

Absolutely! Some red wines are even better slightly chilled. Lighter styles like Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, or young Grenache are particularly refreshing when served around 13°C, enhancing their bright, fruit-forward character and making them perfect for warmer weather. This slight chill brings out freshness and balance whilst taming any excessive alcohol warmth. It's especially effective with lighter reds during Australian summers.

Ageing potential varies dramatically between wines. Some reds are designed for immediate enjoyment, whilst others with proper structure, acidity, and tannins can age beautifully for 5-20+ years or more. Factors include grape variety, vintage conditions, winemaking style, and storage conditions. Check the recommended drinking window under 'The finer stuff' on each product page. For wines built to age, explore our 'Cellar for later' collection, or our 'Collect as an investment' range for reds with decades of potential.

Start with approachable, fruit-forward styles that aren't too tannic or complex. Pinot Noir offers elegance without overwhelming intensity, Merlot provides smooth, plush fruit flavours, and lighter Shiraz expressions are typically very food-friendly. Look for wines described as "soft," "smooth," or "fruit-forward" rather than "structured" or "tannic." Our product pages include detailed tasting notes to help guide your selection, and we're always happy to provide personalised recommendations.

Not all red wines are vegan, though many are. It depends on the fining process used to clarify the wine before bottling. Traditional fining agents can include animal-derived products like egg whites, casein (milk protein), or isinglass (fish bladder). Vegan wines use plant-based or mineral alternatives like bentonite clay or pea protein. Many modern winemakers are moving towards vegan-friendly practices, and we're happy to help you find vegan options in our collection.

Australian red wines benefit from diverse climates, innovative winemaking, and exceptional value. Shiraz is our signature variety, producing everything from peppery cool-climate styles to rich, chocolatey expressions. Regions like Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, and Margaret River each bring unique characteristics. Australian winemakers are known for pushing boundaries whilst respecting traditional techniques, creating wines that are both distinctive and consistently high quality. Plus, you're supporting local producers and getting excellent value for money.