With so many wines in the market, it can be hard to pick one. We prepared a buying guide to help you understand the factors to consider when buying wine. And to help narrow down your choices, we've curated a list of the 10 best wines in the Philippines in this article. Whether you're looking for red, white, or rosé wine, you'll find a great option here!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Thousands of different grape varieties are used to produce a wide range of wines. Understanding the many wine types, their tastes, and how they're manufactured may help you pick the perfect wine for the occasion or mood.
Red wines are formed from grapes with black skins and colorless liquid. When the grapes are pressed in the winery, the grape skins combine with the juice to produce a reddish-purple beverage. It is distinguished by its rich berry notes and tannins, which make it an excellent companion to meat dishes.
Aside from that, when taken in moderation, red wine offers the most health benefits among the three major types of wine. For one, it is considered a heart-healthy drink because its antioxidants help increase the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL) and protect the lining of the blood vessels in the heart. Additionally, it can reduce the formation of blood clots.
White wines are created from grapes with green skin and with colorless juice. Some makers may also use red grapes but do not include the skin in the fermentation process. This results in a wine with a pale or golden yellow color and no tannins. Thus, they are lighter in body and alcohol content.
With regards to flavor, white wines are often more tart and refreshing compared to red wines. They range from dry to sweet and typically have aromatic notes of flowers, citrus, and orchard fruits. They go well with seafood, poultry, and cheeses that are mild in flavor.
If you can't decide between red and white wines, there's a happy compromise between the two. Rosé wine is produced with any variety of grapes, just like red wine, except that the time of fermentation with grape skins is much shorter. Because of this, it does not have a full red color and instead has a lovely pink tinge.
Rosé wine sits right in the middle of the flavor profile. It's not as robust as red wine, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. It also has a low to medium alcohol content and may be matched with a wide variety of dishes. With rosé wines, you can expect flavors that range from fruity and citrusy to floral and sweet.
The amount of alcohol is measured in alcohol by volume or ABV. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and transforms it into alcohol. Thus, ABV is dictated by the quantity of sugar in the wine that has evolved during harvest. Wines typically have an ABV ranging from 5.5 to 20%.
The alcohol content also affects the body of the wine, which refers to how light or heavy it feels on the tongue. The higher the alcohol level, the fuller and heavier the wine is, which is why it's important to drink full-bodied wines with caution. In any event, regardless of alcohol levels, drinking moderately is always a wise idea.
The body of a wine refers to how it tastes and feels in your mouth. It is generally categorized into three types: light, medium, and full. Read on to get a better picture of the contrasts between these three.
This type is known for its light and refreshing characteristics, making it ideal for people who don't like the robust flavor of full-bodied reds. With an alcohol level below 12.5%, it has the least quantity of alcohol, which means it has fewer tannins and crisp acidity that some people describe as sharp or even spicy.
Medium-bodied wines have an ABV between 12.5% and 13.5%. Because of their capacity to pair well with almost any type of cuisine, they are commonly referred to as "food wines." They are described as having moderate tannins and medium acidity, and they can also serve as an excellent transition for individuals wishing to move to richer wines.
Wines with over 13.5% ABV are considered full-bodied. This type has more nuanced aromas and a fuller texture. Thanks to their well-defined structure and viscosity, these wines can stand up to equally rich dishes. Before drinking a full-bodied wine, it's best to decant it first for half an hour or so to let the wine breathe. This helps soften the tannins, resulting in a smoother feel on the tongue.
When reading wine labels, you can see the region and country it came from. The top wine producers are often from Europe, the United States, and Australia, although there are also many great wines from lesser-known regions like South Africa and Brazil, to name a few. We have quite a number of good locally-made wines as well.
Wine labels also state if the wine is made of a single variety or more. Single-variety wines include 75 to 85% of only one grape variety, depending on the criteria in its country of origin. On the other hand, wine blends are sourced from many grape varieties—this aids in mellowing the wine's flavor, increasing its complexity and structure.
Wines typically come sealed with a cork or with a screw cap. Many people consider corked wines classics, while screw caps are sometimes misunderstood as inferior. That isn't always the case, though. Check out the properties of each capping method below to help you decide.
Made in the Priorat region in Spain, this wine is a pleasant surprise that stands out from the rest of the wines produced there. The color is a deep black-purple, a fitting introduction to the wine's complex nature. The aroma consists of blackcurrants, plums, and herbs, while the flavor bursts onto the palate with a lively berry blast.
This red wine is so rich and layered that it evolves further into gentle notes of vanilla, oak, mineral, and leather. On top of it, it also has a pleasant mouthfeel. Seasoned wine drinkers love its silky feel and dry finish on the tongue. And because it's a full-bodied wine, this one goes well with hearty meat dishes and bold-flavored cheeses.
If you're into bold and fruity wines, the Tedeschi Amarone is definitely one you can't miss. This is a full-bodied wine from Italy with an intoxicating bouquet of dark berries and earthy notes. A sip would reveal deep plum, cherry, and raisin notes, along with subtle smoky and peppery notes.
One of the points most frequently mentioned in reviews for this wine is its extensive length. Simply put, its taste lingers on your palate long after you have swallowed it, a sure sign of its premium quality. Just take note that it has a high alcohol content, so make sure to drink in moderation!
Chardonnay is the top choice for those who prefer hearty and heavy white wines. This one from Two Oceans, a winery in South Africa, enjoys a huge following because it certainly hits the mark in terms of both intensity and acidity.
This medium-bodied wine's first notes are crisp and tangy, with bold peach and pear flavors. Its length is also commendable for white wine; it lingers on the palate with hints of gooseberries. According to loyal users, it goes well with cold cuts, cheeses, or as a mix for cocktails.
This light-bodied rosé wine from Miraval is quite an eye-catching one with its light salmon pink color and curved bottle that's practically iconic. It exudes an aroma of white flowers, red berries, and crushed strawberries. Its balance of fruity and earthy flavors will make first-time drinkers develop a liking for rosé.
Hailing from Provence, this wine is grown organically and harvested only when grapes have matured perfectly. It boasts a blend of Syrah, Consult, and Grenache. The resulting flavors are that of wild herbs, limestone, and a hint of fresh citrus. With it, you can taste a complex yet pleasant blend that is unlike other rosés.
This Yellow Tail wine surprises with its simultaneous simplicity and richness. Cabernet is usually heavy on the tongue, but not with this one. It has a lighter body than your typical Cabernet and conveys a juicy profile, which makes for easy drinking.
The balance of aroma and flavors also makes it a good red wine base for sangria, extending its versatility even further. If you're in the mood for a classic wine that doesn't break the bank, make sure to check this out! For less than Php 500, you can enjoy a vibrant and velvety flavor with notes of blackcurrants, mocha, and spice.
The Colombelle Rose is a great starting point for newbies who are just exploring the world of rosé wines. And rightly so, since it has a rounded profile that hits the spot in terms of balance between sweetness and acidity. In fact, it is so smooth and easy to drink that it has a loyal following, even among seasoned drinkers.
This pale blend of cabernet, merlot, and Tannat grapes will give you hints of red berries, soft spice, and vanilla. It finishes with a crispness that will remind you of bright summer days. Despite its lightness, wine critics say that it has a strong personality, thanks to the cabernet and Tannat.
You can't get any more romantic than the Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial. From the bottle alone, you can tell that this wine is a luxurious splurge that goes all the way from price and packaging to aroma and flavor. With its perfect combination of intensity and freshness, you can expect a delightful experience on the palate!
For starters, a whiff of this wine will give you a dynamic and intense bouquet of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, coupled with hints of rose and pepper. The result is a wine that's bursting with berry flavor and finishes with a subtle and fresh note of menthol. No wonder it's a highly sought-after wine all over the world!
You don't have to look far for a white wine that will stand out at parties. Lionel Osmin's Sauvignon Blanc has a refreshing blend of unique grape varieties from southwest France. With its great balance of floral and fruity notes, this wine will turn any humdrum gathering into a fun and bubbly one!
This wine has just the right balance of intensity and freshness, and it finishes on the tongue lightly with a touch of citrus zest. This acidity and crispness make it the perfect pairing for fish and other seafood dishes.
If you're looking for an every-occasion staple without breaking the bank, this one's a good choice. Barefoot's Sweet Red Blend has flavors of raspberries, pomegranates, and cherries. These ingredients make for an approachable drink with a refreshing taste, suitable for every palate!
Since this wine's flavor is not overwhelming, it is a great transition wine if you want to explore red wines. It can also be a good companion if you want something light or a pre-dinner appetizer. With its price and fruity taste, this will surely make gatherings more enjoyable!
If you prefer white wine that's on the dry side, you might want to add Beringer's Pinot Grigio to your cart. Although it's considered a budget wine, you'll be surprised that its flavor goes above and beyond its price tag. Aside from being affordable, this California wine has such an agreeable profile that it appeals to both rookie and seasoned wine drinkers.
For one, it has refreshing notes of juicy white peach and citrus that finish with a hint of minerality. The flavor and light body are also the perfect complement for warm summer nights and light meals like salads and seafood.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Red wine has long been known to be heart-healthy when moderately consumed. The alcohol in red wine and certain antioxidants may aid in reducing coronary artery disease and lowering the risk of heart attacks. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Yes, although wines do last longer than other types of drinks. Depending on the brand, wines are intended to be consumed between 1 to 5 years of purchasing it. Longer than that, and its quality may begin deteriorating. Another factor that affects wine quality is storage. If wine isn't stored properly, its components may break down and the wine will start to deteriorate even before it has reached its expiration date.
Yes, you can put ice in a glass of wine to make it more refreshingーthis really boils down to preference. However, do note that adding ice to wine will dilute its aroma, texture, and flavor.
If you are looking for the highest quality of wines for specific categories, look no further. Check out the links below and see our other lists of the best wines available in the market!
Author: R. Umlas
Re-editor: J Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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