

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent representation of the varietal's notes of blackberries, cedar, and cherry.
Wine and Food
Red Wine Pairings
Classically paired with a good steak, discover the world of dining options that pair well with reds.
Red Wine Pairings
Discover Your New Favorite Red
Why is Red Wine "Red"?
Red wines are defined by the contact the juice has with its red grape skins. The juice is fermented (aka turned into wine) while in contact with its skins, giving red wines their color, texture and taste, mostly from the tannins.
Although a seemingly stuffy wine word – tannins are to thank for a lot of the characteristics you appreciate about red wine. In addition to fermentation on the skins, red (and white) wines can also pick up tannins from aging in oak barrels.
Technically speaking, tannins are groups of molecules that bond together, so for our sake, let's call them elements. These elements come from all parts of a grape, including the seeds, skins and stems. So, when a red wine is put in contact with these elements, it takes on their characteristics, which are typically drying in nature.