What Is a Light-Bodied Red Wine?

Simply put, light red wines are a variety of wines with a lighter taste and color. There are many variables in the wine production process. Several of these variables determine what is a light red wine.

One of the main characteristics of a light red wine is, on average, an ABV of lower than 12.5%. There are several factors that determine this alcohol percentage. Predominantly, however, the riper the grape at the time of fermentation, the higher the alcohol level will be.

Another key factor is the thickness of the skin of the grape. The skin of the grapes contains tannins, which color the wine and also provide a certain mouthfeel. Thicker skin grapes, such as Syrah or Tempranillo, produce darker wines. Conversely, Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes, with thinner skins, produce lighter red wines.

There are a variety of other factors that determine what is the lightest red wine. These include the climate they are grown in, the fermentation process, and more. In this piece, we will investigate what is the best light-bodied red wine.

Best Light-Bodied Red Wines

1. Pinot Noir 

Pinot Noir is one of the best light-bodied red wines. Translating to ‘black pine’, this is one of the most common and beloved light red wines globally.

2. Grenache

This variety of wine is one of the most widely planted in the world. It ripens late and thrives in the hot climates of Spain and Southern France.

3. Gamay

Known formally as Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, this wine dates back to the 15th century. It contributes to the famous Beaujolais variety, often grown in the same region.

4. Trollinger

If we are asking, ‘what is the lightest red wine?’, generally it would be this. Currently growing predominantly in the steep, sunny hills of Württemberg, this is the palest red wine.