30 Best Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier

Red wines are made from dark-colored grapes, producing a classic red color. The grape skins are included in the fermentation, incorporating tannins and flavor, resulting in a more intense taste. This helps the wine cleanse the palate, cut through rich flavors, and balance out the taste of savory meals. 

When it comes to red wines, light-bodied options like Pinot Noir are versatile but are particularly enjoyable with grilled salmon or roasted vegetables. Medium-bodied red wines like Merlot pair beautifully with tomato-based pasta dishes or roasted poultry. For more robust flavors, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are an excellent choice to accompany grilled steaks or aged cheeses.

Made from light-colored grapes, white wines result in a transparent color, which often has a light and crisp taste. Thanks to its moderate acidity level, they provide a balanced flavor that is more often described as light-bodied, allowing it to be paired with lighter dishes as it does not compete with delicate ingredients. 

Light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio complement salads, seafood, and fresh cheeses. Medium-bodied white wines like Chardonnay go well with poultry dishes and creamy sauces. For heartier meals, full-bodied white wines like Oaked Chardonnay are a great match for roasted chicken or lobster.

The iconic pink color of Rosés will surely entice your eyes to grab a bottle. They are made from red grape varieties, where the skin is briefly in contact with the juice, allowing for color while limiting the tannins incorporated into the wine. Thanks to its refreshing taste, it is a popular summer drink often paired with cuisines found in warmer regions. 

There are notable wine regions and key grape varieties that are renowned worldwide and generally popular among consumers. French offerings often display pronounced tannins, leading to a structured mouthfeel, complex aromas of dark fruit and earth, and a remarkable capacity for aging, as exemplified by Merlot's depth or Chardonnay's elegance. 

Spanish wines, exemplified by the ripe fruit and earthy elegance of Rioja's Tempranillo or the minerality-driven Priorat, tend to showcase pronounced fruit notes, subtle earthy undertones, and a touch of spicy warmth, often balanced by refreshing acidity. Italian wines, characterized by their lively acidity, vibrant cherry expressions, and food-friendly balance, as seen in the classic Chianti Classico or the effervescent Prosecco, emphasize brightness and approachability.

Exploring wines from non-traditional wine-growing areas unveils a world of unique flavors and characteristics. Argentina's Malbec wines are bold with rich dark fruit, chocolate, and a velvety texture. Mexican red blends from Baja California blend red fruit, spice, and earthiness. Chile's Carmenère presents distinct dark fruit and green pepper notes. 

Israeli Sauvignon Blancs showcase crispness and vibrancy, while Mediterranean red blends offer bold fruit and spice. New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc bursts with tropical and herbaceous notes. South Africa's Pinotage features dark fruit, smokiness, and earthiness. These wines offer a captivating departure from the classics, providing a diverse and exciting range of expressions.

The level of alcohol affects the style of the wine. Higher alcohol can give a wine a fuller body and a warming sensation. While lower wines tend to be lighter in body. This also impacts the wine’s balance and contributes to the perception of sweetness. 

The body of the wine is generally categorized into three types:

• Light-bodied - <12.5% ABV. Its lower alcohol content gives it a delicate and refreshing taste, perfect for warm weather and casual occasions. Examples are Pinot Noir and Gamay.

• Medium-bodied - 12.5 to 13.5% ABV. Strikes a balance between light and full-bodied wines, making them versatile for various occasions and food pairings. Examples are Rose and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Full-bodied - >13.5% ABV. With its higher alcohol content, it exhibits a more robust mouthfeel, best for hearty meals special occasions. Examples are Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese.

There are several ways to determine the sweetness or dryness of the wine: grape variety, fermentation process, ABV, and the wine label. These all play a part in influencing the flavor of the wine.

Wine labels may not always state if a wine is sweet or dry, but there are clues to look out for. Grape types, regional styles, language terms (like "Trocken" or "Sec" for dry, or "Spätlese" or "Auslese" for sweet), and alcohol content can hint at the sweetness level.