Wine 101: Red Wine

Red wine offers a rich and varied experience, shaped by the grape varietals at its core. From bold and structured to soft and fruit-forward, each varietal brings its own personality to the glass. At Bottles and Cases, we’ve created this educational hub to help you understand the key grapes behind your favorite red wines.

This page is your starting point for exploring red wine through the lens of grape varietals. Whether you're new to wine or looking to expand your knowledge, learning about varietals is the foundation for making confident choices and discovering new favorites.

Red wine is made by fermenting dark-skinned grapes with their skins left in contact with the juice throughout the process. This skin contact is what gives red wine its color, tannins, and structure. In contrast, white wine is typically made by pressing grapes and removing the skins before fermentation, resulting in a lighter, crisper style. The extended skin contact in red wine production not only deepens flavor and body but also contributes to aging potential and complexity.

Each linked varietal page provides:

• A concise overview of the grape’s characteristics

• Key tasting notes and structure

• Common winemaking styles

• Our Favorite brands

This content is designed to be clear, approachable, and informative—perfect for anyone looking to build a solid understanding of red wine.

Click through to explore individual red wine varietals and deepen your appreciation for what makes each one unique. As you learn, you’ll gain the confidence to choose wines that suit your taste and expand your palate.