What Are the Best Soft Red Wines?

Jan 14, 2025

Cover image of the article “best soft red wines” with two glasses of wine and red wine bottle on a table in the background-Bottle Barn

What’s the secret behind soft red wines? That puckery sensation that many describe at first as “bitter,” a certain astringency, and what you may find as harsh and unpalatable in red wines, comes mostly from tannins. These are natural compounds in wine that stem—no pun intended—from grape stems, skins, and seeds as well as from wood contact during winemaking. White wines, by contrast, contain fewer tannins, which often makes them seem more accessible, fresh, light, and soft.

But delicious smooth red wines exist! How can you find them? And which are the best soft red wines, which may include smooth, sweet red wines? The online wine store at Bottle Barn has the answers . . .

Grape Varieties of Soft Red Wines

Soft red wine often comes from specific grape varieties that have softer tannins and where the winemaker knows how to make the juice from these grapes in a lighter style. A good place to start for smooth red wines is the Pinot Noir grape.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a delicate, light- to medium-bodied red wine known for its attractive acidity, silky texture, and nuanced flavors of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and cranberry. Aromas and flavors are highlighted by floral, earthy, or spicy undertones. Its softer profile compared to other reds — like, say, Cabernet Sauvignon — comes from its thin grape skins. This contributes to a lighter color and gentler mouthfeel. The grape's natural acidity balances its subtle sweetness, making it an elegant and versatile choice, particularly with foods like poultry, mushrooms, and salmon.

One can venture far beyond Pinot Noir, however, to find the best smooth red wine. Bottle Barn experts suggest looking for its cousin, Gamay Noir, as well as Mencia (mostly from Spain), Grenache (aka Garnacha), and Zweigelt.

Gamay Noir

Gamay Noir is a light-bodied red wine celebrated for its soft, smooth texture and vibrant, fruit-forward character. Known for flavors of red cherry, strawberry, and sometimes a hint of banana or spice, it delivers a refreshing and approachable drinking experience. The grape's naturally low tannin levels and moderate acidity contribute to its silky mouthfeel and gentle structure.

This makes Gamay Noir an easygoing alternative to heavier, tannic reds. Very much associated with the Beaujolais region of France, Gamay Noir pairs beautifully with charcuterie, roast chicken, and lighter fare, enhancing its reputation as a versatile, crowd-pleasing wine.

Grenache/Garnacha

In many versions, Grenache is a medium-bodied red wine known with a soft mouthfeel, but to avoid tannins shy away from fuller-bodied wines from this variety. Lighter Grenache red wines will offer rich, fruit-forward flavors of ripe strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry. You may also find notes of white pepper, herbs, and a touch of earthiness.

Its softness stems from its relatively low tannin levels and moderate acidity, which create a round, lush mouthfeel. Grenache thrives in warm climates, where it develops its characteristic richness and warmth, making it a key component in blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is also grown as Garnacha in many parts of Spain. Its versatility and approachable nature make it a great match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and Mediterranean dishes.

Two lesser-known varieties also produce excellent soft red wines. Both Mencia and Zweigelt can be found at the online wine store too.

Mencía

Mencía is a medium-bodied red wine celebrated for its smooth texture and vibrant flavors of red currant, cherry, and pomegranate, often with floral and herbal undertones. Its softness comes from moderate tannins and refreshing acidity, which create a balanced and silky mouthfeel. Native to Spain's northwest regions, particularly Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra, Mencía showcases a unique combination of elegance and minerality, reflecting its cooler-climate terroirs. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, pork, and lightly spiced dishes.

Zweigelt

Zweigelt is a light- to medium-bodied red wine known for its soft, smooth character and bright flavors of cherry, red plum, and a hint of spice or black pepper. A crossing of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, this Austrian variety combines moderate tannins with lively acidity, resulting in a fresh and approachable wine with a silky texture. Zweigelt’s fruit-forward profile and subtle earthiness make it a perfect companion for casual fare like grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or mushroom-based dishes.

Five Smooth Red Wines to Show the Difference

So now when you buy wine online or offline, it's easy to find soft red wine. Bottle Barn has these smooth red wines available at various price points, and most offer great value. We’ve selected one wine from each grape variety to get you started!

In the end, you don’t have to confine yourself to white wines to find soft, approachable wines. Be sure to browse Bottle Barn’s vast selection of curated wines to suit every palate now!