So you want to drink red wine?
“I want to like red but I just can’t” is a common phrase I hear from my girl friends entering their 20s.
So where do you start when you want to feel sophisticated and drink red wine?
A grape with quite jammy, dark fruit notes can be good for our generation raised on Ribena. When I was recently set this challenge by a friend, I opted for this 2022 Primitivo from Abruzzo, Italy. Its dryness (lack of sugar) was well balanced by a softer acidity so it wasn’t too biting or harsh. With notes of cherry, blackberries and golden syrup this was a smooth choice that managed to hold up by itself without a main food pairing. For £7 on clubcard, it was excellent quality.
One I wouldn’t go for? This La Vielle Ferme (lovingly nicknamed chicken wine) red was too smoky, sharp and complex when I took it to a research group (my friends on a Friday night). Mainly syrah and Grenache grapes, the taste was spicier and more acidic – a great option if you like your red and you’re looking for something to go with your Friday night pizza, but not if you’re trying to get into the game.
If you’re trying to get into red wine, try fruit forward, soft wines such as Merlot, Zinfandel, Primitivo (as above). Stay away from big, spicy hitters like Tempranillo and Grenache.
Image provided by Abigail King.
Column illustration by Rosie Warwood, @rosiewarwoodart on Instagram