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Low Acidic Red Wine For The Acid-Averse
Quick Answer: Merlot, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, and New World Cabernet Sauvignon
Do you love red wine, but hate how it gives you heartburn?
Well, my friend, you are not alone. Luckily for us acid-averse folks, there are plenty of low acidity red wines to choose from that won’t leave your stomach feeling like a volcano ready to erupt!
Table of Contents
What is Low Acidity Red Wine?
Low acidity red wine is simply wine that has lower levels of tartaric and malic acids than traditional red wines. This helps to reduce the amount of acidity in the wine, making it easier to drink for those with sensitive stomachs.
These types of wines also tend to be smoother and more mellow than traditional red wines, as the lack of tartaric and malic acids leads to less of a “bite” in the flavor.
What is Wine Acidity?
- Gives the wine a sour and tart taste
- Types of Acid in Wine: Tartaric, Malic, Citric
- Acidity makes your mouth salivate (When you feel your mouth water up)
- Wine is comprised of four (4) foundational elements: acidity, tannin, alcohol and sweetness.
What Causes Red Wine To Be Acidic?
For starters, all grapes have acidity naturally occurring in them. As these grapes ferment into red wine, the natural acidity increases.
In addition to this natural acidity, certain winemaking processes can increase the acid levels even further. For example, adding tartaric or malic acid during fermentation can boost the overall acidity of the wine.
What Are The Best Low-Acidity Red Wines?
One great option is Merlot from California or Washington State—these tend to be softer and more mellow than other varietals like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Arguably America’s wine grape!
Not only does this bold yet fruity wine boast lower levels of acidity than its more established rivals, it also comes in a range of styles from dry to sweet (White Zinfandel) so there should be something for everyone here!
Plus, Zinfandel pairs particularly well with BBQ — making it an ideal choice if you’re planning a summer cookout!
3) Malbec
Another popular choice is Malbec—this variety has tannins which give it structure without being overly acidic.
4) Grenache/Garnacha
Smooth and mellow, wines grown in warmer regions are naturally less acidic than their cooler climate counterparts. So you can expect Garnacha from Spain to have even less acidity.
5) Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah, a popular grape varietal hailing from the Rhône Valley of France, has taken Australian vineyards by storm. In Australia it’s referred to as ‘Shiraz,’ and can be found in many delicious blends with low to medium acidity!
This is one the most popular red wines and it often has a higher level of acidity than many other varieties.
However, if you look closely, there are some delicious low-acid Cabernet Sauvignons out there. Look for bottles from “Napa Valley” or “Sonoma County” or “California” as these are usually lower in acidity than their counterparts grown in other regions.
Summary
No matter what type of red wine you prefer, there’s sure to be an option out there that won’t leave you reaching for the antacids after drinking it! From Merlot and Malbec to Syrah and Zinfandel, there are plenty of relatively low-acidity red wines available for those looking for an enjoyable experience without any stomach pain afterwards.
So don’t let your sensitivity to high acidity keep you from enjoying a great bottle of vine; give one of these delicious low-acidity varieties a try today!
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