Red WineWhite WineRosé WineSparkling WineCasesBeer & CiderSpiritsLimited Time DealsMix & Match 12Subscription DealsBin Ends ClearanceOnline CatalogueShop all OffersRed WineWhite WineChampagne and SparklingRosé WinePort & Sherry Dessert WineFine WineMiniaturesNo and Low alcoholView all WineFranceItalyPortugalNew ZealandSpainAustraliaChileSouth AfricaArgentinaBordeauxBurgundyRiojaBaroloChâteauneuf-du-PapeNapa ValleyChablisSancerreMarlboroughSauvignon BlancPinot GrigioMerlotMalbecPinot NoirChardonnayCabernet SauvignonShirazGrenacheRipe Smooth RedsFirm Structured RedsLight Juicy RedsCrisp Fresh WhitesRich Round WhitesPale Dry RoséBright Fruity RoséChampagne or similarFresh Fruity FizzView All Wine StylesLimited Time DealsMixedRedWhiteRoséSparklingBeer & CiderBestsellersSubscriptionsShop all CasesThreeSixTwelveBulk DealsShop All SubscriptionsBestsellers – our No.1 subscriptionVineyard PartnerUnlimited DeliveryHow our Subscriptions WorkManage my SubscriptionRedWhiteSparklingSpiritsWhiskeyBeer & CiderGift HampersFood & Drink GiftsTasting SetsGift CardsGift a year of wineGift BoxesShop All GiftsAdvent CalendarsBirthday GiftsThank You GiftsGifts under £30Gifts under £50GinBrandyWhiskeyVodkaRumBin Ends ClearanceTasting SetsShop All SpiritsBeerBeer GiftsCasesLagerIPACiderLocal Tasting EventsPartner EventsManchester Wine FestivalEvent FAQsExplore all EventsCorporate Wine GiftsCorporate Wine ServicesWedding Wine ServiceWine GuidesContact UsStore FinderExplore all ServicesThe Kew Series by LaithwaitesWine Shop by Telegraph Media GroupTom Gilbey’s Signature Six SubscriptionBritpop by Alex JamesEnglish Heritage SeriesExplore all PartnersDiscover your wine styleLearnRecipesWine PairingsNewsExplore all Articles
  • Home
  • Wine Styles

WINE SNOBS NEED NOT READ ON

We’ve been helping customers choose wines for over 50 years and one phrase comes up again and again …

I don’t know much about wine, but I know what I like.”

Traditionally, there are two ways to understand wines: by variety (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah) or by region (e.g. Barossa or Bordeaux). This approach is very accurate, but can require a lot of learning. That’s why we’ve been through every wine in our range and classified them in the one way that really matters …. What does it taste like? Tried and tested by our experts, these nine broader styles make navigating the thousands of wine varieties and regions much easier.

Welcome to our jargon-free zone. Helping you find exactly the wines you like and avoid the ones you don’t.
Anchor

Shop YOUR PERFECT WINE STYLE

Crisp Fresh Whites

I like dry white wines that feel clean and zesty.

Rich Round 
Whites

I like dry white wines that feel smooth and generous.

Light Juicy Reds

I like light red wines that feel juicy and fresh.

Ripe Smooth Reds

I like velvety red wines with big, rich flavours.

Firm Structured Reds

I like complex red wines that need some time in a decanter.

Pale Dry Rosé

I like bone-dry rosé wines that are really elegant.

Bright Fruity Rosé

I like rosé wines with lots of fruit flavour.

Champagne & Similar

I like elegant sparkling wines with real depth.

Fresh Fruity Fizz

I like fizz that’s fun, fruity and refreshing.

THE NINE WINE STYLES

Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

CRISP FRESH WHITES

I like dry white wines that feel clean and zesty

White wines known for their bright acidity, light body and refreshing citrus driven flavours. They’re the kind of wines that make your mouth water – perfect for hot days, seafood or dishes that need a lift.

Shop Crisp Whites
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Rich Round Whites

I like dry white wines that feel smooth and generous

A style of white wine known for their fuller mouth feel, smooth texture and intense layered flavours. They’re the white wine equivalent of a cozy, creamy dish – comforting, complex and satisfying.

Shop Rich Whites
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Light Juicy Reds

I like light red wines that feel juicy and fresh

This style of red wine bursts with bright flavour. They are versatile, lower in alcohol, often chillable, great for casual sipping and pairing with a wide range of food.

Shop Light Reds
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Ripe Smooth Reds

I like velvety red wines with big, rich flavours

Red wines that are known for their plush fruit flavours, soft tannins and velvety texture. They’re approachable, easy to drink and often feel like a warm hug in a glass. If you love our famous 'Black Reds' then this is the flavour zone for you.

Shop Ripe Reds
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Firm Structured Reds

I like complex red wines that need some time in a decanter

Red wines known for their bold tannins, solid acidity and age-worthy backbone. These wines have a defined framework – they feel powerful, grippy and often need time (or food) to soften and open up.

Shop Firm Reds
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

PALE DRY ROSÉ

I like bone-dry rosé wines that are really elegant

A style of rosé wine that’s known for its light colour, refreshing acidity and dry (not sweet) finish. It’s one of the most popular styles of rosé, especially during the summer months.

Shop Pale Rosé
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Bright Fruity RosÉ

I like rosé wines with lots of fruit flavour

A style of rosé wine that’s all about vibrant fruit flavours, lively acidity and a playful, juicy character. It’s typically more expressive and fruit-forward than pale dry rosé and can range from dry to slightly sweet.

Shop Bright Rosé
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Champagne & Similar

I like elegant sparkling wines with real depth

From crisp green apple and zesty citrus to hints of brioche, almond or ripe peach, each glass of offers a celebration of freshness and finesse. Whether toasting a milestone or simply elevating a moment, these more complex sparkling wines bring a sense of decadence and delight to every sip.

Shop Champagne
Anchor

The Nine Wine Styles

Fruity Fresh Fizz

I like fizz that’s fun, fruity and refreshing

A lively and easy-drinking style of sparkling wine known for its crisp acidity, vibrant bubbles and bright fruit flavours like apple, peach, pear or citrus. Often light in body and lower in alcohol, they are perfect for casual sipping, summer gatherings or pairing with light dishes or desserts.

Shop Fresh Fizz
money back guarantee icon

100% MONEY-BACK

Guarantee

free delivery icon

Free Delivery

on 12+ bottles

award winning icon

Award-Winning

Wines & customer service

trustpilot icon

Excellent

Rating