I Switched From Cabernet Sauvignon to These 12 Red Wines Instead

Cabernet Sauvignon has long been a go-to red wine for many people, known for its bold flavor, rich texture, and wide availability around the world. From Napa Valley to France and beyond, it’s often the first choice for anyone looking for a reliable, full-bodied red. For years, it was the only red wine I reached for.

But over time, exploring other varieties opened the door to a much wider range of flavors and styles. Some reds are lighter and more fruit-forward, while others offer earthy, spicy, or unexpectedly smooth profiles that rival, and sometimes surpass, a traditional Cabernet. There’s far more variety out there than most people realize.

In this slideshow, we take a closer look at 12 red wines that offer something different from Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you’re looking to branch out or just want to try something new, these options highlight just how diverse and enjoyable red wine can be.

• Pairs well with: Grilled meats, pasta, or cheese

Terrazas Altos Malbec is a flavorful red wine with purple undertones. It has a fragrant smell of black fruits like berries and plums with spicy notes of white pepper. You can pick up a bottle at Target for $14.99.

• Pairs well with: Grilled smoked salmon

This wine is aged in bourbon barrels, and that is where it gets its rich, juicy taste and hint of smokiness from. Classic notes of black fruits and a dash of black pepper are present.

• Pairs well with: Grilled meat, pasta with red sauce, or roasted vegetables

This wine has a pleasing taste with notes of cherry. On the palate, it has flavors of blackberries, oak, mocha, and black cherry. Pair this wine with roast beef and caramelized vegetables.

• Pairs well with: Roast turkey, creamy pasta, or stuffed mushrooms

This wine bursts with flavor and has a medium purple color with notes of pomegranate cola and black cherry, with an appealing vanilla fragrance.

• Pairs well with: Red meat, sharp cheeses, or chocolate

Jam Jar is a well-crafted option if you prefer a sweeter wine. The Sweet Shiraz is a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness. Like most red wines, Shiraz contains antioxidants such as resveratrol. The tannins found in Shiraz complement the flavor of red meat.

• Pairs well with: Stuffed peppers or roasted meat

Durif, known as Petite Sirah (sometimes spelled Petite Syrah) in the United States, was created in the 1860s in France as a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. It is mainly grown in California and has a deep color and full-bodied flavors of chocolate, black pepper, blueberries, and plums.

• Pairs well with: Stew or braised short ribs

This grape is one of the most commonly planted grapes in the world. It is widely believed by most experts to have originated in the Aragon region of northern Spain, although a minority of sources suggest Sardinia as a possible origin. Furthermore, it needs hot, dry conditions to grow because it ripens late. This grape is also grown in Australia, Santa Barbara County, and Paso Robles. Its flavor profile includes strawberries and raspberries with a subtle white pepper note.

• Pairs well with: Burgers, barbecue, or paella

This black grape variety is grown to make full-bodied red wines in Spain. It ripens seven weeks earlier than most red Spanish grapes. Tempranillo has a neutral profile and blends well with Carignan and Grenache. It is also aged for a long time in oak, where it takes on the flavor of the barrel. It usually has the flavor profile of strawberries, vanilla, and plums.

• Pairs well with: Roast chicken or grilled fish

This purple-colored grape is a very old cultivar and is mostly grown in the Loire Valley around Tours and Beaujolais. Gamay wines are low in tannin and are best enjoyed when slightly chilled. These wines tend to have a fruity flavor profile of cherries and berries with hints of flowers. Furthermore, it is usually produced in a dry style, as it is not very sweet and has high acidity.

• Pairs well with: Slow-roasted pork, fried chicken livers, or tomato-based pasta

Sangiovese is a dark grape of the Italian variety. It is primarily grown in Tuscany, Italy. This is a dry wine with high acidity and a medium body. Furthermore, it has a delightful fruity fragrance with notes of blackberry, plum, and cherry.

• Pairs well with: Tomato-based dishes, grilled vegetables, or roasted meat

One of the most popular black grape types in the world is Cabernet Franc. It is lighter in color when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Depending on the style of wine and where it has grown, its fragrance can include violets, raspberry, bell pepper, and tobacco.

• Pairs well with: Braised duck, ribeye steak, cheese, or wild rice

This full-bodied red wine is well known for its production in Barbaresco and Barolo, Italy. Nebbiolo wines are defined by their amounts of tannin and acidity. These wines can take years to age before they become pleasant to drink. The most common notes are fragrances of roses and tar. In addition, other fragrances include fresh herbs, mulberries, leather, and dried fruit.

Some of us like bold, robust wines, and others may prefer something delicate and smooth. We each have our own unique taste buds. Why not try a different one the next time you go out for dinner?