When it comes to choosing the best alcoholic red wine, there are a plethora of options to consider. As a wine enthusiast, I have had the pleasure of exploring various red wines from different regions and have come across some exceptional choices. While taste is subjective and can vary from person to person, I can confidently recommend some standout red wines that are sure to delight your palate. So, without further ado, here are some of the best alcoholic red wines that you should try in 2022.
1. Gaja Barbaresco: This Italian wine from the renowned Gaja winery is a true gem. With its complex flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice, it offers a well-balanced and elegant drinking experience. Its smooth tannins and long finish make it a perfect choice for special occasions.
2. Louis Latour Château Corton Grancey: If you’re looking for a fantastic French red wine, this one from Louis Latour is a must-try. With its rich aromas of dark fruits, earth, and oak, it offers a full-bodied and velvety texture. Its well-integrated tannins and lingering finish make it a standout choice.
3. Emidio Pepe montepulciano d’Abruzzo: This Italian wine is a true expression of craftsmanship. Made using traditional methods, it showcases intense flavors of dark cherry, plum, and tobacco. With its firm tannins and vibrant acidity, it pairs beautifully with hearty dishes.
4. Vega Sicilia Único 2009: When it comes to Spanish red wines, Vega Sicilia is a name that stands out. Their Único 2009 is a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, offering a complex bouquet of black fruits, spice, and leather. Its velvety texture and long, lingering finish make it a luxurious choice.
5. Prats & Symington Prazo de Roriz: Portugal has also made its mark in the world of red wines, and this offering from Prats & Symington is a fine example. With its vibrant red fruit flavors, hints of spice, and well-integrated tannins, it offers a delightful and approachable drinking experience.
6. Penfolds Grange: Hailing from Australia, Penfolds Grange is an iconic wine known for its exceptional quality. With its bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate, it offers a rich and opulent drinking experience. Its smooth tannins and long finish make it a true classic.
7. Opus One: This Napa Valley wine is a collaboration between two powerhouse wineries, Mondavi and Rothschild. With its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other Bordeaux varietals, it offers a harmonious combination of black fruit, spice, and oak. Its silky texture and complex flavors make it a standout choice.
8. Château Margaux: When it comes to Bordeaux wines, Château Margaux is a name that commands respect. With its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, it offers a symphony of flavors, including blackcurrant, violet, and tobacco. Its refined tannins and long, elegant finish make it a wine to savor.
9. Ridge Monte Bello: This California wine is a true testament to the quality of American winemaking. With its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, it offers layers of black cherry, cassis, and cedar. Its well-structured tannins and balanced acidity make it a wine that can age gracefully.
10. Tignanello: Coming from the prestigious Antinori winery in Tuscany, Italy, Tignanello is a Super Tuscan wine that deserves recognition. With its blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, it offers a complex array of flavors, including black cherry, leather, and spice. Its smooth tannins and long finish make it a true delight.
11. Sassicaia: Another famous Super Tuscan wine, Sassicaia has gained a loyal following for its exceptional quality. With its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it offers intense flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco, and earth. Its polished tannins and long, persistent finish make it a wine of great elegance.
12. Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon: This California wine is a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, and vanilla. Its velvety texture and opulent finish make it a wine that is sure to impress.
13. La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904: If you’re a fan of Spanish red wines, this offering from La Rioja Alta is worth seeking out. With its blend of Tempranillo and Graciano grapes, it offers a complex bouquet of red fruit, spice, and oak. Its silky tannins and long, harmonious finish make it a wine of great finesse.
14. Catena Zapata Nicolas: Hailing from Argentina, Catena Zapata Nicolas is a wine that showcases the potential of Malbec grapes. With its deep flavors of blackberry, plum, and violet, it offers a bold and expressive drinking experience. Its well-integrated tannins and long finish make it a wine of exceptional quality.
15. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon: This Napa Valley wine is a true standout with its rich flavors of black cherry, cassis, and mocha. Its velvety texture and lingering finish make it a wine that is both indulgent and refined.
16. Ornellaia: Last but certainly not least, Ornellaia is an Italian wine that exudes elegance and finesse. With its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, it offers a symphony of flavors, including blackberry, tobacco, and spice. Its velvety tannins and long, persistent finish make it a wine that is sure to impress.
These are just a few of the best alcoholic red wines that you should consider trying in 2022. Each wine offers its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles, making them a delight to explore. Whether you prefer French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Australian, or American wines, there is something for everyone on this list. So, go ahead and indulge in a glass of red wine that suits your taste preferences and enjoy the wonderful world of wine. Cheers!