Rich Reds: A Journey through Various Types of Red Wine

From a nuanced Pinot Noir to a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a bottle of red wine is an invitation to savor—the meal, the people, the moment. Join us on a journey through the world’s most popular red wine grape varieties, and discover the flavors and textures that make each type of red wine distinct. Learn how to pair these wines with a variety of foods, and explore how organic farming is transforming the way we experience red wine. 

Cabernet Sauvignon: A Bold Encounter 

With its vivid color, depth of flavor and pronounced tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon is aptly dubbed the king of red grapes by wine lovers. Full-bodied and well-structured, Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a rich tapestry of aromas and flavors that evolve from the first pour to the last sip. Dark fruit notes of black cherry, blackberry and cassis are hallmarks of any classic Cabernet, while oak aging contributes layered hints of tobacco, cedar, vanilla and graphite.

When it comes to wine and food pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon finds a match in any dish than can mirror its inherent boldness. Red meat—from a perfectly aged steak to a slow-cooked rack of lamb—will enhance Cabernet’s naturally rich character. Likewise, strong cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda and Roquefort blue cheese can hold their own against the undeniable intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon. 

We craft a trio of sustainable Cabernet Sauvignon wines from organically farmed vineyards throughout California—including our own Regenerative Organic Certified® sites in Mendocino County—ensuring the purest expression of organic fruit in the glass. 

Red Blends: The Winemaker’s Canvas 

Red blends allow winemakers to move beyond the style of a single red wine varietal to assemble an amalgamation of flavor across a variety of grapes. A classic example is the Bordeaux blend, a mix of five red varieties from one of France’s most renowned wine regions, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec wine. The Rhône Valley in France gives us Syrah- and Grenache-based reds, while Tempranillo takes center stage in the beloved red blends of Rioja, Spain. 

The popularity of the red blend lies in its versatility, coupled with its ability to deliver both complexity and balance in the glass. As a food-pairing partner, red blends shine alongside hearty fair like pasta with red sauce, wood-fired pizza, barbecue pulled pork and braised lamb shank. 

Our limited-edition Estate Red Blend is crafted entirely from our own Regenerative Organic Certified vines in Mendocino County. This rigorous certification reflects our deep commitment to soil health, animal welfare and social fairness.

Merlot: The Versatile Velvet 

Merlot, with its softer profile and velvety texture, is an imminently approachable wine, revered for its ripe fruit flavors, subtle tannins and smooth, velvety finish. Rich dark fruits like black cherry, plum and blackberry are front and center in the best Merlots, balanced by undertones of vanilla, cedar and clove from oak aging.

Merlot is an ideal partner for a variety of foods. Its smooth texture and round mouthfeel make it an excellent foil for grilled Mediterranean chicken or certain red meat dishes such as braised short ribs  and Beef Wellington. Likewise, roasted vegetables, tomato-based pastas, and bacon-wrapped scallops all benefit from Merlot’s ability to balance fruit and acidity. This wide-ranging compatibility ensures a place for Merlot at almost any table, enhancing meals with an approachable character and food-friendly style.

A quintessential example of Merlot’s appeal, our Bonterra Merlot is rich and velvety-smooth, with classic notes of blueberry and plum. We craft this wine from organically farmed sites throughout California—a reflection of our longstanding partnerships with like-minded growers throughout the state who share our commitment to organic farming.

Pinot Noir: Elegance in Every Sip 

A study in subtlety and elegance, Pinot Noir is celebrated for its aromatic complexity, refined character and nuanced depth. This grape’s allure lies in its versatility of flavors, which range from ripe red berries like strawberry and raspberry to earthy undertones reminiscent of wild mushroom and forest floor. Pinot Noir is undoubtedly influenced by where its grown—the soil, climate, elevation and sun exposure. The cooler the climate, the more pronounced the acidity and fruitiness; warmer regions tend to yield a fuller body with richer flavors. This interplay between flavor and terroir makes Pinot Noir one of the most intriguing types of red wine to explore.

Pinot Noir’s delicate flavors are best matched by foods that are equally subtle. This wine is a natural partner to earthy, mushroom-focused dishes and rustic game, like duck or venison. Pinot Noir’s distinct acidity will accentuate the flavor in seafood dishes featuring salmon or tuna, and is well-suited to soft and creamy cheeses, like Brie and Camembert.  

Given its terroir-driven nature, Pinot Noir flourishes under mindful cultivation and organic farming practices. Our Bonterra Pinot Noir is made from organically farmed vineyards in Mendocino County, delivering a vivid expression of its terroir.

Other Red Varieties: A World of Flavor 

Beyond these popular varietals, a kaleidoscope of flavor awaits red wine lovers. Syrah, also called Shiraz, is a versatile red wine grape that offers an enticing mix of dark, brambly fruit accented by savory notes of leather, bacon and cracked peppercorn. This unique combination of flavors makes it the perfect foil for grilled or braised meats. Zinfandel is a bold and fruit-forward wine, teeming with notes of ripe red berries and spice. This powerful wine can hold its own alongside spicy fare, smoked cheeses and rich dark chocolate. Malbec, originally from France and famously synonymous with Argentina, is full-bodied with firm tannins and lush dark fruit flavors. Think blackberry and plum underscored by a thread of violet, cocoa powder and sweet tobacco from oak aging. The layered flavors in this typically dry red wine pair perfectly with grilled flank steak, a burger smothered in blue cheese, or a sage-and-mushroom cream sauce. With so many types of red wine to explore, each meal presents an opportunity for intriguing wine-and-food combinations.

Sustainable Winemaking: The Power of Organics 

Bonterra, which means Good Earth, was founded on the principles of organic farming nearly 35 years ago. Today, our wines are a benchmark for regenerative organic farming, rooted in our commitment to soil health, animal welfare and social fairness. Red wine fans who pour Bonterra know their choice supports our efforts to restore the planet and reverse the trajectory of climate change. As we prioritize the health of our soil and the quality of our wines, we also understand that our customers have questions about additives in winemaking. For an in-depth look at one of the most discussed topics, explore our guide on sulfites in wine, where we demystify their role and impact on wine quality.

Our winemakers craft a range of delicious red wines made from organically farmed vines, including the Bonterra Wine Collection, our Estate Collection—made at our organic wineries in Mendocino County—and our esteemed Single-Vineyard Collection. These wines represent environmental stewardship and purity of flavor in every sip. To broaden your wine horizons beyond the reds, buy wine online, particularly the Bonterra wine set, and explore our guide on the different types of wine dives into the fascinating world of white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines as well. It’s an essential read for understanding the unique characteristics and production processes that define each wine type.

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Join Bonterra’s Wine Club to enjoy quarterly club shipments of premium wines, including our acclaimed red wines (Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Red Blends and more) and our award-winning white wines (Bonterra Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, and more).