12 Benchmark Reds from Around the World

Altos de la Guardia is a full-bodied red wine with rich blackberry and strawberry aromas, underpinned by toasty oak and vanilla spice. The palate delivers the same flavors, plus smooth tannins and a long, satisfying finish.

Beef, pork, firm cheeses, red-sauced pastas, vegetarian meals.

Stones & Bones is a full-bodied red wine with intense aromas of ripe berries and sweet spice. The palate offers black plum and bramble fruit flavors framed by toasty-smoky oak notes.

Tapas, cured meat/charcuterie, lamb, game, chorizo, roasted vegetables, firm cheeses.

Duca di Cardino is a medium-bodied red wine with ripe cherry and forest fruit aromas and flavors, plus hints of subtle violet and oaky spice. Elegant and complex, the wine also has smooth tannins and a fresh, food-friendly acidity.

Pizza and pastas (esp. with red sauce), steak, veal, dark-meat chicken, barbecue, lamb, aged cheeses.

Bartolomeo Lorenzi Valpolicella Ripasso is a full-bodied red with aromas of ripe plum and cherry, supported by notes of cinnamon and licorice. The palate offers bramble fruit, baking spice and dark chocolate with a silky mouthfeel.

Pastas (in cream sauce or pesto), seafood, roasted vegetables, grilled anchovies

Black Saint Peter Reserve is a full-bodied red wine with expressive bramble fruit and cocoa powder aromas. The palate is rich, with ripe black plum, black cherry, fig and baking spice flavors, and smooth tannins.

Grilled steak, barbecue, burgers, turkey, pork, spicy dishes (esp. with Cajun seasonings), eggplant, meaty pasta dishes.

Touché is a full-bodied red wine with ripe black cherry, black currant, cranberry and dried flower aromas. The rich, elegant palate offers vibrant black fruit, spice and black pepper flavors, supported by hints of cocoa powder and vanilla on the long, complex finish.

Beef, lamb, game, burgers, meaty pasta, aged cheeses.

Omaha Steaks 1917 Red Blend is a medium- to full-bodied, dry red wine with well-integrated flavors of blackberry, plum and black cherry plus hints of spice and smoky oak. It has smooth, food-friendly tannins and a long finish.

Steak, lamb, burgers, barbecue, stewed meats or vegetables, roasted vegetables.

Barrel Monkeys is a full-bodied red wine that's vibrant and fresh, fruit forward and approachable. It's brimming with bold blackberry, gentle spice, ripe cassis and subtle milk chocolate notes. Smooth tannins and a plush mouthfeel contribute to its long, enjoyable finish.

Barbecue, sausage, pizza, lamb, meaty pasta, burgers, ribeye steak.

Canet Rôtie is medium- to full-bodied red wine with ripe blackberry and black currant flavors. It has an elegant, aromatic, floral lift and a juicy freshness on the finish.

Roast lamb, steak (esp. ribeye), game birds, venison, pork/wild boar, vegetarian dishes, aged cheeses.

Inside Track Limited Release Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine. It’s rich and concentrated, with black- and blue fruit flavors, and raw cocoa and floral tones held in with soft tannins.

Beef, lamb, game, burgers, meaty pasta, aged cheeses.

Château la Croix Saint-Michel Montagne Saint-Emilion is a full-bodied red wine that opens with aromas of fresh raspberries and cherries. Similar flavors extend through the palate, held in by fine tannins.

Steak, burgers, barbecue, pork, duck, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses.