Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Many wine drinkers truly appreciate th dry red wines as the vertex of winemaking. So we get it if you’re looking for the best one to enjoy at every sip.
If you love the elegance and sophistication that reds can give, you’re in luck, as we’ve listed the best red dry wine brands recommended by experts.
Top 15 Dry Red Wine Brands You Shouldn’t Miss
15. Catena Alta
Catena Alta produces world-class wines from each Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Malbec grape variety.
Featuring medium to full-bodied wines, expect Catena Alta with well-incorporated tannins, balanced enough to savor all the qualities and flavors in each bottle.
Perfect as dessert wines, here are Catena Alta’s wine creations you need to check out:
- Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
- Catena Alta Malbec
14. Penfolds Grange
One of the well-known wine bottles of Australian Shiraz, Penfolds Grange, has earned acclaim from every wine enthusiast.
Yes, it’s expensive, but worth it due to its strong wine and complex flavors, coming from Shiraz/Syrah grapes mixed with the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
This dry red wine ages in American oak, producing ripe fruit aromas and well-balanced tannins.
The characteristics of Penfolds Grange Vintage Wine are comparable to the Bordeaux blend.
If you’re looking for quality wine from this Penfolds, we highly recommend:
- Penfolds Grange Bin 95 (1990)
- Penfolds Grange Bin 95 (1986)
- Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Vertical Collection
13. Opus One
Another expensive brand of dry red wine is Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon. This surely appeals to drinkers looking for a full-bodied red wine.
The 2005 Vertical Collection (NAPA Valley) features blends of wine grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot grapes, and Malbec.
Our favorite wine is the Opus One Vintage (2005), which highlights dark fruit flavors with oak, dark chocolate, and smoke aromas.
Aside from the 2005 Vintage and Vertical Collection, some of the best dry red wines from Opus One include:
- Opus One Overture (2016)
- Opus One Overture (2009)
- Opus One Overture (2013)
12. Musigny
Speaking of finesse and elegance, you can rely on Musigny red wines’ deep character.
Red wines from Musigny are primarily crafted from Pinot Noir.
Once you have tried the classic Musigny red, expect classy scents and palate, along with its aging potential.
And don’t worry about sweets; Musigny doesn’t taste all the sugar since they carefully maintain the “low-sugar” content.
Best paired with roasted vegetables and grilled meats, you need to try these bottles:
- 2014 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru
- 2010 Domaine Faiveley Musigny Grand Cru
- 1993 Joseph Drouhin Musigny Grand Cru
11. Luigi Bosca
Luigi Bosca is a top-rated red wine made from the Malbec grape variety featuring residual sugar tannins and red fruit flavors.
The aging process of 12 months results in a complex and intensely aromatic red wine, letting you experience a luxurious texture that matches well with red meat and braised beef.
For an ultimate experience, we suggest trying the following:
- Luigi Bosca Malbec Seleccion de Vistalba
- Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2018
10. Decoy
Decoy is well-known for producing great quality red wine at an incredible price. Their dry red wine lineup includes Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What we love about Decoy red wine is its exceptional versatility in pairing with food. You can enjoy with spicy food, salmon, and creamy sauces.
As a dessert wine, you must have these bottles:
- 2019 Decoy LImited Pinot Noir
- 2019 Decoy Limited Cabernet Sauvignon
9. Penfolds Bin
Another exceptional dry red is Penfolds Bin, dubbed the “Baby Grange.” [1] Aged in the same barrels as Grange, it combines Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and Shiraz’s richness.
As you sip, it’s clear that no residual sugar content remains, leaving you with all the fruity flavors that match well with a variety of food, like red meats, cheddar, stews, beef, and steak.
We recommend the following wine expressions from Penfolds Bin:
- Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2020
- Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019
- Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz Venture Beyond 2019
8. Lafite
Dry reds from Lafite are extremely expensive. But what comes with the hefty price tag is a supremely high-quality, elegance, and one-of-a-kind wine experience.
“Lafite has a soul, a beautiful, generous, kindly soul. Lafite turns bare earth into heaven. Lafite is harmony, harmony between man and nature because, without our magnificent winegrowers, nothing would be accomplished.”
— Baron Eric de Rothschild.
Lafite wines are dubbed “King’s Wine,” [2] as they served many Kings and royalties in history. Its blend of Bordeaux (Sauvignon and Merlot) creates a unique dry red wine expression.
If you want to drink dry red wine from Lafite, we’re afraid you can grab a bottle easily. This luxury wine isn’t available in grocery stores–mostly in fine dining establishments and auctions.
Lafite wines that you need to taste once in your life are:
- PREMIER CRU CLASSÉ, PAUILLAC
- Carruades de Lafite PAUILLAC
Read: Our Favorite Red Wines For Pasta
7. Giacomo Conterno
This dry red wine brand produces iconic bottles using the traditional approach of winemaking:
- long submerged cap macerations
- fermentation in extensive Austrian oak tanks
- Refinement in giant barrels
What’s noticeable in each Giacomo Conterno dry red wine is its cracked black pepper hints in a medium-bodied and smooth finish.
There’s also high acidity, but it balances well with the sweet notes of this wine. Remarkable bottles include:
- Riserva Barolo Monfortino 2001
- Barolo Cascina Francia 2010
- Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia 2010
6. Chateau Rayas
One of the appellation’s most prominent and expensive dry wines, Chateau Rayas, has maintained its reputation over the years.
Each dry red wine bottle from Chateau Rayas boosts elegance, especially in flavors, finish, and body. Some of the must-try creations from Chateau Rayas include:
- Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah
- Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc
- Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone
5. Almaviva
This is a red blend made from varieties of Bordeaux with a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Almaviva red wine features an impressive line of vintage spirits in which the grape juice is processed and aged in new French oak barrels.
Expect a refreshing acidity with hints of smoke and roasted pepper, complementing the sweet wine notes for a perfect balance. Some of the exceptional bottles are:
- 2015 Viña Almaviva
- 2018 Vina Almaviva EPU
- 2014 Vina Almaviva
4. Les Impénitents
Dry red wine [3] from Les Impénitents delivers black cherries, ripe black fruit, and black pepper notes on the palate with red fruit aromas.
Ensuring to produce full-bodied and deep red wines, Les Impénitents uses 100% Gamay grape variety.
And since they age wines, this creates intense flavors yet smooth–an excellent refinement. Wines to try out include:
- Domaine Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon Javernieres Les Impenitents 2018
- Louis Claude Desvignes Les Impénitents
3. Petrus
Petrus produces full-bodied, dry red wines with firm tannins and medium acidity. Up to the 19060s, they made wines from a Bordeaux-style blend made up of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes (known in south west France.)
Soon after, Petrus focused on producing red wines made from pure Merlot, creating an interesting aroma and a rich black currant flavor with floral notes.
It delivers a complex and deep wine character that’ll surely test your senses, along with the fruit-like spice notes. Some of the best red wines from Petrus are:
- PÉTRUS POMEROL 2018
- Petrus Vintage 2005
- Petrus Vintage 1982
2. Sassicaia
Sassicaia red wines qualify as prestigious Italian spirits crafted with consistent highest-quality.
As one of the best dry red wines today, its generous acidity, impressive taste, and refined character is high-regarded by many wine connoisseurs.
Their famous creations are made from the juice of Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Cabernet Franc grape varieties.
To get started with Sassicaia, we recommend the following:
- Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 1967
- Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2001
- Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri Vertical Collection 2011
1. La Tache
No one would not know La Tache, which produces some of the best fine wines in the industry–producing sophisticated and silky smooth Pinot Noir reds.
From harvesting to fermentation process down to bottling, every phase is meticulously processed to create dry wines with smooth tannins with ripe red fruit and red plum flavors.
Some of the aged wines from La Tache you should try are:
- La Tache Domaine Liger-Belair Grand Cru (1921)
- La Tache Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru Monopole (1962)
- La Tache Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru Monopole (2016)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you pick a dry red wine?
You can pick dry reds if a wine has low sugar. Red dry wines such as Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Sauvignon contain very little sugar content.
Which red wines are considered dry?
Red wines considered dry include Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
Should dry red wines be refrigerated?
You can refrigerate dry reds as the cool temp slows down oxidation, and wine is best served chilled.
But when unopened, you can choose not to refrigerate it as long as it’s stored at an ideal temperature (60-68 degrees F).
How long can you keep dry red wine?
You can keep dry red wine for 2-3 years when unopened or properly stored. But you can extend the shelf life by storing it in a dark, cool place without sunlight [4].
What’s the best dry red wine for cooking?
The best dry reds for cooking are spirits made from Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chianti, Pinot Noir, and Grenache.
What is a good dry red wine?
A good dry red wine is subjective, as it depends on personal taste preferences, but popular choices often include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
These wines are characterized by minimal residual sugar, allowing the natural flavors of the grapes and the influence of the winemaking process to shine through, resulting in a balanced and less sweet profile.
What brand of red wine is best?
Determining the best brand of red wine is highly subjective, as it depends on individual preferences and the specific qualities one seeks in a wine.
Established brands like Opus One, Château Margaux, and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are renowned for their quality, but smaller, boutique wineries can also produce exceptional wines.
Exploring various brands and regions is key to finding the red wine that resonates with your taste preferences.
Is there red dry wine?
Yes, red dry wine is a common and popular category that includes a range of varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.
Dry red wine refers to wines that contain little to no residual sugar, resulting in a more savory and less sweet flavor profile.
The absence of sweetness allows the natural tannins and acidity of the grapes to be more pronounced, contributing to the overall structure and complexity of the wine.
Is red merlot a dry wine?
Yes, red Merlot is generally considered a dry wine. Merlot wines typically have a medium to full body with soft tannins and a fruit-forward profile. While Merlot can exhibit some sweetness from the ripe fruit flavors, it is not classified as a sweet wine.
The majority of red Merlot wines are crafted in a dry style, making them versatile and suitable for various food pairings.
What are examples of dry red wine?
Examples of dry red wine encompass a broad spectrum of varietals and regions. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold structure and dark fruit flavors, is a classic dry red wine.
Merlot, with its smooth and approachable character, is another excellent example. Pinot Noir, celebrated for its elegance and versatility, often presents as a dry red wine. Zinfandel, despite its range of styles, can produce dry versions with intense berry notes.
Additionally, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Syrah are examples of varietals that commonly yield dry red wines, each expressing unique characteristics based on their origin and winemaking techniques.
Final Verdict: Red Dry Wine Brands
From ordinary people to high-class individuals to royalties, red wine has this “unexplainable appeal,” capturing the hearts and palates of many.
And with all the wine in the world, dry reds are one of the favorites– always present on most occasions.
So if you want to explore dry reds, make this list your guide to the finest blends you’ll ever experience.
Although they’re all expensive, they’re well worth the price. Cheers!
References:
- Penfolds Welcomes the Year of the Rabbit With a Decadent ‘Baby Grange’
- Why collectors love Château Lafite Rothschild wine
- Why some red wines taste ‘dry’
- How long does unopened wine last?
