After focusing on white wines last month, David Carne argues the case for seeking new favourites beyond the UK’s usual ‘go-to’ red wines – and picks out the ones you really should try

The five most popular red wines in the UK are Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Shiraz and Tempranillo (Rioja). But with access to such a large selection of wines, sticking with these wines might prevent us from discovering new favourites.

With red wines, we often gravitate towards a style based largely on the weight of the wine and our tolerance for tannins. Some people are especially sensitive to tannins, while others need tannins and oak to enjoy a red. Knowing where you sit in the range of styles can make it easier to find alternatives.

Here are some potential substitutes to the big five which hopefully take a little of the uncertainty out of trying something new.

If you like Pinot Noir, try…

Pinot Noir is a Diva grape which causes many headaches for winemakers. Its thin skins and tight bunches make it susceptible to disease, while early budding means it can be damaged by spring frost. It likes cool climates but it doesn’t like difficult weather.

If you are paying premium prices for Pinot Noir from Burgundy, New Zealand or Oregon, consider looking to Chile or Germany for more affordable bottles. Gamay shares Pinot’s light, red-fruit-driven, bright-acid profile. Cinsault from France or South Africa produces inexpensive fragrant reds, while Frappato from Sicily produces affordable, light, aromatic, refreshing wines. Garnacha is riper and fuller, and higher-altitude sites in Spain offer wines similar to richer Pinot Noir.

If you like Merlot, try…

Merlot is often the medium grape – medium body, acidity, tannin and alcohol. The biggest players in the UK are Chile and Australia, with France following closely behind.

Chile represents excellent value, and Errazuriz make some very good Merlots. In France, look at less prestigious regions such as Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux, Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion and Montagne-Saint-Émilion. For alternative grapes, Montepulciano has similar soft, ripe, dark cherry/plum fruit, although it is a little more acidic and rustic. Carménère from Chile emulates the plush, dark fruit and soft tannins many Merlot drinkers enjoy, while Nero d’Avola offers something slightly richer without losing the soft, dark-fruit profile.

If you like Tempranillo, try…

Tempranillo is one of the key grapes in Rioja. The alternatives therefore depend on which style of Rioja you enjoy.

Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero tends towards a darker, fuller style and will likely please those who enjoy oaky wines, as may Monastrell (Mourvèdre). For fruitier versions, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc or Nebbiolo may work well, while those who like smoother, medium-bodied versions could try Nero d’Avola, Grenache or Montepulciano. Affordability mostly comes from Tempranillo within regions of Spain outside Rioja.

If you like Malbec, try…

Malbec is a go-to wine for meat lovers. It is a full-bodied, dark-fruited, smooth and generously flavoured wine with medium to medium-high tannin and is usually oaked. We usually associate Malbec with Argentina, and particularly Mendoza.

Nero d’Avola may work for those who want the dark-fruit and generous, soft-textured experience of Malbec at an affordable price. More savoury aspects can be found in Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Primitivo from Italy or Touriga Nacional from Portugal can also make good choices, especially with food.

If you like Shiraz/Syrah, try…

Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape and are known for their dark fruit, full body, spicy, peppery and often tannic character. Australian Shiraz is a big seller in the UK, and lovers of this style may want to consider Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or Aglianico, which tend to emphasise the jammy fruit, spice, tannin and structure of Shiraz respectively. Lovers of more savoury, complex Shiraz may find a natural home in Northern Rhône Syrah, although they may need to budget a little more.

So next time you are shopping for wine, you might want to explore some alternatives. Knowing your style is often key to unlocking new options and never be afraid to ask a good wine shop; they will often be able to recommend something based on your preferences. As always, whatever you are drinking, please do so responsibly.

DAVID’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OCTOBER

Something Sparkling:
Il Poggiarello Gutturnio Frizzante D.O.C. – £21.95, Cork and Cask
Unusually a sparkling red with notes of red berries, which open out into blackcurrant and violet on the palate.

Something Fresh and Fruity:
Varzea Vinho Verde – £4.69, Lidl
Beautifully refreshing and even slightly effervescent. Green apple, citrus and a light spritz – extremely quaffable at this price.

Something Big and Bold:
Esporao Monte Velho Tinto – £12.75, Ocado
Mostly dark fruits on the nose and palate, full bodied, with robust tannins and a fruity, spicy finish.

Something Classic:
M Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Villages – £12.50, Tesco
Dark fruit and raspberry with some peppery notes. Juicy, lively and robust.

Something English:
Tinwood Estate Blanc de Blancs – £33, www.tinwoodestate.com
Green apple, citrus and white tropical fruits and some nice creamy texture and flinty minerality.

Something Different:
Kerry Vale Shropshire Lady – £17, www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk
A Solaris-based English wine, with bright acidity, citrus, green apple and generous intensity with good structure and mineral notes.