The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines

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St. Laurent

St. Laurent, an Austrian grape similar to Pinot Noir, with Syrah qualities. Floral aroma, dark cherry & spice notes. Pairs well with meats and strong cheese.

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St. Laurent

Excuse to drink red wine early and often. St. Laurent Vom Kiesel Strehn 2013 ($17.96) at astorwines.com or wine-searcher.com.

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Etna Rosso

Etna, Sicily: Nerello Mascalese & Nerello Cappuccio grapes. Light, complex, and layered wine with volcanic ash salinity, ripe fruit, and sweet spice notes.

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Etna Rosso

Pairs well with pastas, poultry, salmon, tuna. Try Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2014. Buy at wine.com or find it on wine-searcher.com.

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Lambrusco

Emilia Romagna, Italy: Lambrusco wine with old Italian grape varieties. Light, bubbly, and refreshing

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Lambrusco

Pairs well with cheese, Indian food, meats, and cake. Try Paltrinieri, Radice, Lambrusco di Sorbara 2014. Find it on wine-searcher.com.

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Cru Beaujolais

Burgundy, France: Beaujolais wine made from Gamay grapes. Vibrant fruit, acidity, and earthy notes.

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Cru Beaujolais

Pairs well with coq au vin, roast chicken, meat dishes, wild game, sweet potatoes, and Chinese food. Try Domaine Lapierre, Morgon 2014. Find it on wine-searcher.com.

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Chinon

Loire Valley, France: Cabernet Franc from Chinon. Beautiful perfume aromas, green pepper notes, juicy red fruit.

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Chinon

Pairs well with roast chicken, steak frites, red meats, cheese. Try Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grezeaux 2011. Find it on wine-searcher.com.

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