Delicious ripe cherries entwined with the magnificent aroma of red plums and blackberries craftily finished with earthy, mineral notes that leave a unique taste in the mouth. Sounds yummy, right?
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This exquisite taste is the definition of a full-bodied red wine. Packed in an exquisite bottle, red wine brings joy and satisfaction to all our senses making us want more.
Apart from the distinctively rich and sensual taste, full-bodied red wines are popular for their delicate complexity of tannins, acidity and alcohol content. The average alcohol amount in a full-bodied red wine is 13.5%.
The general profile of full-bodied reds is made of sweet taste notes perfectly balanced with high tannins and acidic complexity. The dark red colour is the most famous natural “label” of a full-bodied red wine.
Light, Medium and Full-bodied Red Wine- What Is the Difference?
Generally, red wine is made from red grapes of different varieties. Some reds are made from a single grape variety, while others are a product of two or more grape varieties. However, this is not the only difference between red wines.
Moreover, reds with transparent bright red colour are classified as light red wines, with 12.5% alcohol, lower tannin content and moderate-high acidity, compared to medium or full-bodied wines. Light-bodied reds are featured with delicate red berry fruit flavours, offering a light and fresh fruity taste popularly found in Pinot Noir, Primitivo, or Zinfandel.
Medium-bodied reds have 12,5-13,5 % alcohol content, with a balanced tannin structure and moderate acidity. Dominant flavours of red or black fruits, depending on the variety, region and climate. The most popular medium-bodied reds are Tempranillo, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc.
Full-bodied reds contain more than 13,5% alcohol, high tannins and a rich, complex taste.
The Unique Pleasure of Drinking Full-Bodied Red Wine
Full-bodied red wines offer a unique mouthfeel of deliciousness in so many different versions. There is a reason why red wine is considered the classiest drink in the world, chosen with delight for any special occasion.
The perfectly balanced complexity of taste and structure is a masterpiece packed in a bottle, offering sensory pleasures and arousal. “The best “ full-bodied red wine is a matter of taste and preference, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah are among the most prominent bold wines in the world.
Regarding the winemaking regions, Burgundy Red blends, super Tuscans, Rhone reds and California red blends are the most popular and renowned regions for producing high-class red wine.
Moreover, European fertile soils produce some of the finest full-bodied red wines made in the most careful winemaking methods for budget-friendly costs, like the Moldavian Freedom Blend 2019 which you can purchase for € 14 and have the pleasure of drinking a high-quality red wine made of three rare grape varieties. Freedom blend is made from hand-harvested grapes and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The product results in a unique, intense red wine with delicious flavours of dark cherries and blackberries, leather and earthy notes, and hints of red pepper. A perfect balance of firm tannins and ripe dark fruits.
For Cabernet Sauvignon lovers Negru de Purcari 2019 is an amazing choice for € 20 price made by the Moldavian leader in the winemaking world. This full-bodied Negru has a dark red colour, with a plethora of delicious flavours. The first sip reveals the taste of ripe plums, vanilla and tobacco. Long tannic finish with notes of leather and oak.
Another powerful bold red wine comes from the Italian “red soil” of Puglia, known as Primitivo di Manduria Sessantanni 2017 which you can buy for € 21. Although Primitivo grapes are popular in medium-bodied reds, this big, bold and juicy red wine is a combination of power, balance and elegance. It has a fruity burst on the nose, with a complex, but smooth taste of ripe dark berries, dark chocolate and vanilla, with a hint of sandalwood, coffee and sweet spice. Rich full-body and long finish, aged in oak barrels for 12 months.
Among the top 1% wines in the world is Limited Edition 10 Vendemmie, a rich full-body red wine with rounded tannins craftily balanced with intense fruit flavours of berries and ripe plums, complemented with dried herbs, leather and baked earth notes. With the super-affordable €24 price, this Italian red wine makes an excellent choice for full-bodied red wine suitable for any occasion.
Extra Tips
*Full-bodied red wine makes a perfect match with moderate spicy stews or chillies, hard cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan, and main dishes like roasted beef, lamb or rich chicken.
* If your passion is collecting full-bodied red wines, you can find the best choice, prices and everything you need to know about the wine, winery and the winemaking region on 8wines.com.
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