As summer comes to a close, and we start to transition to fall, you may be thinking of all the different ways to bring the people you love together in this new season. Fall time brings cozy movie nights at home, trips to the pumpkin patch, and dinner parties with family. The one thing all of these activities have in common– wine shared among loved ones. So let us point you toward your perfect fall time sip…
Three words: Dry Red Wine.
If you’re new to the world of wine, we know what you’re thinking. “Am I reading this right? They’re referring to a liquid as dry?” Don’t worry. We’re here to give you the lowdown. In wine terminology, the word “dry” refers to the lack of sweetness in the wine. This happens during the fermentation process when the sugar from the grape juice is converted into alcohol. If a wine is dry, it has little to no residual sugar after fermentation (the rule of thumb is less than 1% residual sugar). If a wine is sweet, the winemaker intentionally did not fully complete the fermentation process, leaving some residual sugar behind in the wine OR the winemaker added sugar after fermentation.
However, just because red wine is considered “dry” doesn’t mean it can’t also be fruit forward and flaunt those delicious red berry notes we love so much. Wine can be dry AND fruity. In fact, one of the fan favorite California red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, is full-bodied, fruit-forward, and dry! (Who says you can’t have it all?) Now you may be asking…
How can I tell if a Red Wine is Dry?
Great question with a simple answer: check the alcohol content! If a red wine is 11% ABV or lower, this typically means the wine contains more residual sugar, putting it on the sweeter side. When the alcohol content of a wine is higher, it is more likely to be dry.
The most popular dry red wine varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and Tempranillo.
Lucky for you, we have two delicious dry red wines in our Just Enough lineup for you to enjoy!
Our newly-released 2021 Pinot Noir hails from the Central Coast of California. The small-lot organic and sustainably farmed vineyards have a unique terroir along with a cool and temperate climate, producing exceptional red wines with intense and complex flavors. With notes of lush berries, vanilla spice, and bright cherries, this dry red wine is incredibly versatile and can pair well with almost any dish. Our favorite pairings are brie cheese, BBQ chips, or meat lovers pizza.
Our Rhône-Style Red Blend comes from the Edna Valley region near San Luis Obispo. This cool growing region surrounded by volcanic mountains and the Pacific Ocean produces fruit characterized by complexity and crispness. With notes of red currants, bright blackberries, and cracked peppercorn, this wine pairs well with hearty dishes such as santa maria style tri-tip, carnitas tacos, or stuffed mushrooms.
So there you have it, a beginner’s guide to dry red wines. If you have any questions we weren’t able to answer, feel free to shoot us a DM on Instagram @justenoughwines. Cheers!
