The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Take your wine collection to the next level with these top-rated reds
If you find yourself abandoning red wine during the warmer months, you’re not drinking the right red wine. Find a bottle that ticks all your boxes, and it’ll be too good to set aside for half the year. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry – we’ve rounded up the best red wines that can be enjoyed no matter the season.
Cherry-picked by a wine expert, our selection traverses the planet’s vineyards, from huge oaky expressions to delicate fruity numbers. The US, Argentina, Italy, Chile, China – we’re leaving no stone unturned.
You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to enjoy a great-tasting wine, either – there’s a little something for all palates. Every single bottle from our selection more than delivers on the expectations set by its price, from supermarket steals to premium purchases.
However, in the current climate, value is paramount. With this in mind, one-third of the wines in our list sit around the £10 mark, so, you can rest assured they won’t put too big a dent in your wallet.
Fancy painting the town red? Keep scrolling for our pick of the best red wines to sip this summer and beyond.
Each red wine was opened an hour ahead of tasting, to let it breathe. We tasted from universal glassware, to ensure a fair comparison across the board. We also ensured each wine was chilled ever so slightly below room temperature (to 18C), so it would gradually warm up in the glass.
There is no better time to be exploring the wonderful world of red wine, and our list highlights a truly incredible spread from all corners of the world. If you’re into the big, bold and slightly sweeter style, B.Ink, Apothic red and 19 Crimes will fit the bill. For something more rounded and fruit-forward Mucho Mas vino tinto ticks the boxes.
As we venture more into the mid-tier range, from around £20 upwards, we find a number of wines that are perfect for date nights and dinners, withTenuta Di Arceno and Terrazas de los Andes stealing the show. For pure reliability, the Eghemon passimiento is another favourite.
With so many incredible wines to choose from, it was difficult to pick an overall winner. On this occasion, due to its abundance of fruit-forward flavours (making it the perfect palate pleaser for all tastebuds), alongside the incredible fair pricing, we name Diablo dark red as the cream of the crop. Gaining countless awards and heaps of praise on a regular basis, this wine offers wine lovers an affordable yet strikingly tasty experience.
Aidy Smith is an award-winning TV presenter, broadcaster and journalist. He is the presenter of Amazon Prime’s award-winning drinks-themed travel series The Three Drinkers. Seek out more of his drinks discoveries at @Sypped.
Looking for a bargain bottle? Read our review of the best wines that cost less than £20 or the best wine deals to shop now