Light and fresh, what’s not to love about a lighter red? Grenache has emerged as a partner-in-crime to the perennially popular pinot noir. Take a bottle to a dinner party or treat yourself to a classy mid-week tipple at home with these outstanding wines.

The Winner

What makes a great lighter red?

There’s a lot to love about lighter reds, as they’re perfect for the Aussie climate. The best light reds let the fruit do the talking, and oak tends to take a back seat to the pure fruit flavours. This collection of Finalists covers a lot of ground – from restrained and elegant to lively and complex – and takes in popular varieties like grenache, pinot noir, tempranillo, and even a gorgeous tempranillo graciano grenache blend. These versatile wines are perfect for warm weather, and you can even serve them slightly chilled on hot days.

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