American Red Wine

In general, American red wine is more fruit-forward than European red wines, which traditionally offer more acidity and savory flavors. Beyond this, American red wine is incredibly diverse.

Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Washington are typically opulent and rich with a wide range of flavors, from dark-fruited with choclatey tones to jammy berry character. Merlot does well in both states as well, with its smooth mouthfeel and red-fruit flavors, as does deep, dark, peppery Syrah. California Zinfandel is another bold red wine, offering notes of cherry, wild strawberry and blackberry. Red blends of these grape varieties (and more) are also a popular red wine style.

Pinot Noir excels in the cooler climate regions of America, such as Oregon and Sonoma (which is moderated by the nearby Pacific Ocean), making for a light-bodied red wine with notes of raspberry, cherry, strawberry and plum. Some, especially those from Oregon, also offer earthy undertones.

The Finger Lakes are another cool-climate region in the US. While some Pinot Noir production exists here, Cabernet Franc is the preferred grape variety, beloved for its elegance, charming red-fruit flavors and herbal notes.

The best way to pick a good American red wine is to find the flavor profiles suited to your tastes, which is typically determined by grape variety (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir). You can also familiarize yourself with American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), which delineate certain regions in American wine. Famous examples include Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and the Willamette Valley. While these can be used to predict certain flavor profiles, a wide variety exists from producer to producer. A trusted wine guide, such as Laithwaites, helps by curating a selection of top-quality red wines and offering in-depth tasting notes and serving guides to make it easy. With such a diverse range of options, there's an American red wine for everyone.

Red wines from the USA are special due to their diversity, innovation, and regional character. American winemakers produce wines with bold, fruit-forward flavors, reflecting the country’s wide range of climates and soils. The freedom to experiment with blends and techniques further distinguishes U.S. wines, creating options to suit every wine lover’s palate.