Red wine is loved for its bold flavours, complex aromas, and rich textures. While tannins — those natural compounds in grape skins and seeds — add structure and depth, some people just prefer a softer sip. Others may be a bit sensitive to tannins or want a low-tannin wine to pair with dishes like creamy pasta or lightly seasoned salmon. This guide explores some of the best low-tannin reds, including varieties that are also low in acidity and sulfites, to help you find the perfect bottle for any taste or occasion!
- What Are Tannins in Red Wine?
- Choosing the Right Low Tannin Red Wine
- Best Low Tannin Red Wines
- Low Tannin Red Wine Blends
- Low Tannin Red Wines with Low Acidity
- Low Tannin Italian Red Wines
- Low Tannin Red Wines with Low Sulfites
- Low Tannin Red Wines from Australia
- Did you know red low tannin wines can be paired with fish?
- Low tannin red wines list
What are tannins in red wine?
Tannins are polyphenols, red wine compounds, that create the dry, puckering sensation in your mouth when you drink red wine — think of the feeling you get after sipping a strong black tea!
High-tannin wines often come from thicker-skinned grapes, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. In contrast, wines made from thinner-skinned grapes tend to have lower tannin levels, resulting in a softer, more approachable mouthfeel.
Whilst tannins primarily come from grape skins, seeds, and stems, oak barrels used for ageing can add additional tannins to the wine. So, wines aged in oak tend to have a bit more tannic structure, which can balance or deepen the wine’s flavours.
So if you’re looking for low-tannin wines, go for those made from thin-skinned grapes and avoid ones aged in oak.
Choosing the right low-tannin red wine
When selecting a low-tannin red, consider your personal taste. For fruity, easy-drinking wines, Pinot Noir or Gamay are ideal. If you prefer something a bit fuller but still smooth, Merlot or Barbera might be more your style. And if you’re in the mood for something unique and low-alcohol, Lambrusco brings a lively fizz and fruity freshness to the day!
Alongside tannins, consider acidity, sulfites, and flavour profiles. Whether paired with food or enjoyed alone, there’s a range of low-tannin red wines waiting to be discovered.
Best low-tannin red wines
If you’re looking for smoother, less tannic wines, here are some top low-tannin varieties to try:
- Pinot Noir: Known for elegance and subtlety, Pinot Noir is a light-bodied, fruity wine featuring red berry notes like cherry and raspberry. It’s ideal for those seeking balanced flavours and gentle tannins.
- Gamay: The primary grape in Beaujolais wines, Gamay is light, fresh, and brimming with fruity flavours like strawberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant.
- Barbera: From Italy, Barbera wines are low in tannins but high in acidity, offering bright cherry and plum notes without a tannic bite.
- Valpolicella: Made primarily from the Corvina grape, this Italian wine has medium body with flavours of red fruit, spice, and a hint of earthiness, offering smoothness without heavy tannins.
- Lambrusco: This Italian red is a fun, refreshing, slightly fizzy choice with low tannins and lower alcohol. It has a delightful combination of fruitiness and lightness, often with a hint of sweetness.
Low-tannin red wine blends
When it comes to finding low-tannin red wines, blends can be helpful too, as long as you avoid oaked wines. They combine various grape varieties to create a smooth and approachable profile. One of our personal low-tannin favourites is Herdade Rocim Fresh from Amphora.
This unique wine showcases the best of Portuguese tradition. Made using clay amphorae, it captures the essence of the Alentejo region while keeping tannins low. The result is a beautifully textured wine with bright fruit flavours and a refreshing finish.
Other blends worth exploring include:
- Bordeaux Blends: While some Bordeaux wines can be high in tannins, many blends that feature Merlot as the dominant grape can offer a softer profile. Look for those with a higher proportion of Merlot for a smoother, fruit-forward experience and avoid oak.
- Southern Rhône Blends: Wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape often contain Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. While these can vary, some blends lean towards a lower tannin structure, especially those focusing on Grenache.
- Super Tuscan Blends: These blends, which often mix Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, can also have lower tannins, especially when made for a fruit-forward, approachable style.
Low-tannin red wines with low acidity
If you’re seeking red wines that are both low in tannins and acidity, these varieties offer a smoother, softer drinking experience:
- Pinot Noir: Known for its elegance, Pinot Noir is light-bodied and typically features bright red fruit flavours like cherry and raspberry. With low tannins and moderate acidity, it provides a silky mouthfeel that’s perfect for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
- Gamay: The star of Beaujolais wines, Gamay is a fantastic choice for those looking for a fruity, low-tannin red. Its fresh, vibrant flavours of strawberry and raspberry come with low acidity, making it a delightful option for casual sipping or food pairing.
- Dolcetto: An Italian gem, Dolcetto is known for its fruity and soft characteristics. With low tannins and a round mouthfeel, it often has moderate acidity and offers flavours of blackberry, plum, and licorice.
Low-tannin Italian red wines
Italy produces a few excellent options for low-tannin seekers:
- Dolcetto: True to its name, meaning “little sweet one” in Italian, Dolcetto is fruity, low in tannins, and soft-textured, with notes of blackberry, plum, and licorice.
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: Loved for its dark fruit flavours and smooth texture, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo offers a low-tannin structure, balancing fruit and earthy elements.
Low-tannin red wines with low sulfites
If you’re sensitive to sulfites, try these options with naturally lower levels:
- Organic and Biodynamic Wines: Many organic and biodynamic wines use fewer sulfites than conventional wines. Natural Pinot Noir or Merlot from organic producers offers low tannins with minimal additives.
- Lambrusco: Again, Lambrusco is a top choice for its naturally lower tannin and sulfite levels, offering a low-impact red wine experience.
Low-tannin red wines from Australia
While Australia is known for bold red wines, some great low-tannin options are available:
- Grenache (Australian Style): Australian winemakers bring a bright, fruit-forward twist to this French grape, with low tannins and moderate acidity.
- Pinot Noir (Tasmania and Yarra Valley): Australian Pinot Noir, particularly from Tasmania and the Yarra Valley, delivers elegant, low-tannin wines with red cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice notes.
Did you know red low-tannin wines can be paired with fish?
Low-tannin red wines can actually pair beautifully with fish! While it’s often thought that red wines clash with seafood, low-tannin varieties offer a smooth and gentle alternative that complements the delicate flavours of many fish dishes.
The reason low-tannin red wines work so well with fish lies in the chemistry of wine and food. Tannins can create a metallic taste when paired with certain proteins, especially in fish. By choosing wines with lower tannin levels, you avoid this clash and allow for a harmonious balance between the wine and the dish.
So next time you’re planning a seafood dinner, don’t hesitate to reach for a low-tannin red wine—it might just surprise you! For example, Herdade Rocim Fresh from Amphora pairs surprisingly and amazingly well with smoked salmon!
Examples of great pairings:
- Pinot Noir: This elegant wine, with its bright fruit flavours and low tannins, works well with grilled salmon or tuna. The acidity in Pinot Noir helps cut through the richness of the fish while enhancing its natural flavours.
- Gamay: Known for its fresh, fruity profile, Gamay is a fantastic match for dishes like seared scallops or trout. The wine’s light body and low tannins allow the seafood’s flavours to shine without overpowering them.
- Grenache: With its soft texture and berry notes, Grenache pairs well with dishes like fish tacos or paella. Its subtle spice enhances the dish without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the seafood.
Low-tannin red wines list
Here’s our list of recommended wines for each grape variety we discussed. Different winemakers can create wines with more or less tannin from the same grape. The wines below are our personal picks. We know them well and have chosen the least tannic options from our collection!
- Pinot Noir – Cherubino Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir, £13.99
- Gamay – Kewin Descombes Cuve KK Beaujolais, £12.99
- Barbera – Cantine Povero Barbera d’Asti, £14.49
- Valpolicella – Ca Dei Maghi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso, £16.99
- Lambrusco – coming soon.
- Dolcetto – G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba, £15.49
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Umani Ronchi Montepulciano Montipagano, £14.99
- Grenache (Australian Style) – Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Bush Vine Grenache, £17.99
- Pinot Noir (Tasmania and Yarra Valley) – Mulline Vintners Sutherlands Creek Pinot Noir, £19.99
- Bordeaux Blends – Vilafonte Seriously Old Dirt, £49.99
- Southern Rhône Blends – Domaine Jones Rouge, £23.99
- Super Tuscan Blends – Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2020, £229.00
