National Red Wine Day

Red wine is often seen as the king of all wines. Whites, rosés, and sparkling wines all have their place in the royal family. But red wine is longstanding, reliable, and loved by most wine enthusiasts. This year’s National Red Wine Day is August 28. So take a day to fully and unapologetically enjoy this gift from the heavens (or the grapes) with some top red wine.

National Red Wine Day is set in August to usher in the flavors of fall. The grapes are ripening, and the weather is cooling down — a perfect excuse to sip some red wine at a tailgating party or by the bonfire.

This National Red Wine Day, join us in taking the time to learn about what makes this beverage so special — and what top red wines you can indulge in.

 

The History of Red Wine Day — and Red Wine

National Red Wine Day is fairly new. It was created in 2014 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway to honor and celebrate red wine.

But red wine has been around far longer than that. And it lives in many more cultures, societies, and nations than our own. Red wine products began as early as 6000 BC in Georgia and Iran. In fact, Ancient Egyptians left us some excellent information on their tomb walls, detailing how wine was produced. Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans all cultivated grapes in vineyards as well. (My Red Wine Guys. "History Of Red Wine" https://myredwineguys.com/the-history-of-red-wine/ Accessed 23 Aug. 2021)

Some varieties of red wine that we know are a little more recent. For instance, Bordeaux began to be exported from Bordeaux, France to England around the year 1000. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, dates back to the Roman period. As for Chianti, it was first produced in Italy from Sangiovese wine before the 15th century. (My Red Wine Guys. "History Of Red Wine" https://myredwineguys.com/the-history-of-red-wine/ Accessed 23 Aug. 2021)

Whether you’re a Malbec fan, a Pinot lover, or just here for a good red blend, there’s a lot to love about red wine. Here are five top red wines to enjoy on this National Red Wine Day.

 

Top 5 Red Wines to Try on National Red Wine Day

There are countless red wines to sip on for National Red Wine Day — and each of them has its own unique flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for something dry, sweet, or in between, here are some to try.

 

The California Red: Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Produced in Napa Valley, California, wines from Charles Krug are well-known. They’re classically structured, age-worthy, and simply delightful.

The Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is made from estate sites in Yountville. It boasts a modest price with wonderful taste. You’ll taste blackberry fruit alongside brown spices, tobacco, and vanilla bean. It’s a full-bodied wine, complete with black cherry, blackberry compote, and black currants — all of which are supported by fine-grained tannins.

 

The Organic: Larkmead 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Larkmead winery, located in Napa Valley, makes world-class wine. But they also contribute to work for studying climate change, and in 2015, they converted to all-organic farming practices.

The 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is high in naturally vibrant acidity because of the moderate growing season. You’ll notice deep, dark fruit and freshness. You’ll also taste brown spices, fresh-turned earth, and tobacco alongside chocolate, purple violet notes, and dusty tannins.

The Pinot Noir: Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir 2018

This Carneros, California wine is produced by proprietor Rich Frank, who is a former Disney executive. He bought this winery in 1992, then released his first wine just a year later.

The 2018 Pinot Noir is full-bodied and has lively red fruits, deep concentration, sturdy tannins, and firm acidity. While it’s a great wine to enjoy now, it’s also an ideal one to develop in a cool, dark cellar for a few decades (if you can wait).

 

The Bordeaux: Barons de Rothschild Légende Bordeaux Rouge 2016

Said to be one of the greatest new Bordeaux releases in decades, this wine comes from the Bordeaux house of Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owners of First Growth Lafite. They produce value-driven wines that truly highlight the expression of Bordeaux and its notable appellations.

This particular Bordeaux is jam-packed with red berry fruit, vanilla, earth, and sweet oak spices. The best part? It’s just under $20.

 

The Chillable Red: Domaine Chapel Charbonnières Fleurie

The owners of this winery are natives of New York. But they relocated to Fleurie, Beaujolais, France to establish their eponymous estate in 2015. They make some of the region’s most easy-drinking and exciting wines today.

This chillable red is high-toned with flavors of raspberries, dried cherries, pepper, potting soil, and fresh-cut herbs. It all creates a thirst-quenching finish, perfect for a backyard barbecue.

 

Ways to Celebrate National Red Wine Day

Once you’ve got your red wines for National Red Wine Day, it’s time to celebrate. Of course, you can always sip on a glass during dinner or while watching your favorite movie. But here are some other ways to really enjoy this day centered on red wine.

Host a Wine Tasting

One of the best ways to honor the red wine tradition is to purchase some bottles and give each one a taste. Since you’ll be opening several bottles of wine, round up your friends to join you and host a wine tasting.

To host a wine tasting, buy a variety of red wines (or throw in some whites and rosés, too!). Then cover the labels with paper and label them with letters, numbers, or even a drawing if you’re feeling artsy.

Give each wine taster a pad of paper and pen, and have them rate each wine on a scale of 1 to 10. You might want to go through the first tasting together. That way you can all experience the art of swirling, sniffing, sipping, and spitting/swallowing, too. Don’t worry if you feel silly — it’s worth it!

 

Gather for a Backyard Barbecue

If a wine tasting seems like too much planning (or you’ve been there, done that) host a backyard barbecue. Grab some burgers, hot dogs, veggies, and chips, and round up your friends.

You can offer any of your favorite red wines, but the top red wines that go with a burger are Bordeaux, California Cabernet, and Barolo. Put it in a unique decanter for a conversation starter and a decorative note. Offer your guests a unique scotch cocktail or vodka cocktail too, in case they aren’t as much of a wine-lover as you are. 

Whether you’re alone, with a few close friends, or at a larger gathering, pour your glass of red, and enjoy the holiday!  Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more wine-related ideas.

 

What red wine are you going to enjoy this National Red Wine Day?

 

Sources:

“History Of Red Wine - Early History - Types Of Red Wine” My Red Wine Guys, 23 AUG. 2021, https://myredwineguys.com/the-history-of-red-wine/"