Red Fruit, Berries, Bright
Wines and foods in the red profile share molecular compounds that create bright red fruit and berry characteristics—think cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries.
The Red profile represents foods and wines that share red fruit and berry molecular compounds. These are the aromatic molecules found in cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries that create those distinctive bright red fruit characteristics. Red profile items contain anthocyanins and related compounds that create vibrant, fruity, and often slightly tart flavors.
These wines feature pronounced red fruit, berry, and bright cherry characteristics
Burgundy, France / Oregon, USA
Characteristics:
Elegant, silky, light to medium-bodied, bright acidity
Flavor Profile:
Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, strawberry, mushroom, earth
Perfect Pairings:
Duck breast with cherry sauce, salmon, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken, berry compotes
Tuscany, Italy
Characteristics:
Bright, high acidity, medium-bodied, savory
Flavor Profile:
Sour cherry, red cherry, tomato, dried herbs, leather, tea
Perfect Pairings:
Tomato-based pasta, pizza margherita, grilled vegetables, aged Parmesan, cherry tomatoes
Southern Rhône, France / Spain
Characteristics:
Fruity, spicy, medium to full-bodied, soft tannins
Flavor Profile:
Strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, white pepper, herbs
Perfect Pairings:
Grilled lamb, Spanish tapas, barbecue, roasted red peppers, strawberry-balsamic dishes
Beaujolais, France
Characteristics:
Light-bodied, juicy, fruity, low tannins
Flavor Profile:
Red berries, raspberry, strawberry, banana, bubblegum, violet
Perfect Pairings:
Charcuterie, roasted chicken, salmon, mushrooms, berry-based sauces
Piedmont, Italy
Characteristics:
High acidity, low tannins, juicy, vibrant
Flavor Profile:
Red cherry, raspberry, plum, licorice, dried herbs
Perfect Pairings:
Tomato sauces, pizza, grilled vegetables, cherry-based dishes, Italian cuisine
Southern France / South Africa
Characteristics:
Light, delicate, floral, refreshing
Flavor Profile:
Raspberry, strawberry, cherry, rose petal, spice
Perfect Pairings:
Light meats, berry salads, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine
Red profile wines and foods share anthocyanins—the same molecular compounds that give cherries, strawberries, and raspberries their vibrant colors and flavors. When you pair red fruit dishes with red wine, these matching molecules create an elegant harmony that enhances the bright fruit character in both. The high acidity in red profile wines also refreshes the palate, making them incredibly food-friendly.
Red profile wines and foods share anthocyanins—the same molecular compounds that give cherries, strawberries, and raspberries their vibrant colors and flavors. When you pair red fruit dishes with red wine, these matching molecules create an elegant harmony that enhances the bright fruit character in both. The high acidity in red profile wines also refreshes the palate, making them incredibly food-friendly.
Foods that share the same red fruit and berry molecular compounds as red profile wines
Why it works:
Red profile wines share the same anthocyanin compounds found in red berries, creating perfect molecular matches that enhance both elements.
Why it works:
The cherry notes in red wines mirror the actual fruit compounds in cherries and cherry-based preparations.
Why it works:
The acidity in tomatoes matches the bright acidity in red profile wines, while sharing similar flavor compounds.
Why it works:
The lighter weight and delicate nature of these proteins pair with the elegant, medium-bodied red wines without overwhelming them.
Why it works:
Many red profile wines develop earthy, forest floor notes that complement umami-rich mushrooms and root vegetables.
See the Red profile in action with these expertly crafted pairings
Paired with:
Pinot Noir
A classic pairing. Pinot Noir's cherry notes mirror the cherry reduction, while its silky tannins and bright acidity cut through the rich duck. The wine's earthy undertones complement the meat's savory character.
Pro Tip:
Sear the duck breast to medium-rare to match the wine's elegance
Paired with:
Sangiovese
The ultimate Italian pairing. Sangiovese's tomato-like acidity and cherry fruit harmonize perfectly with fresh tomato sauce. The wine's herbaceous notes enhance basil in the sauce.
Pro Tip:
Use San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil for the best match
Paired with:
Grenache
Grenache's ripe strawberry fruit matches the glaze, while its white pepper notes complement the lamb. The wine's fuller body can handle the meat's richness.
Pro Tip:
Reduce balsamic with fresh strawberries for maximum flavor alignment
Paired with:
Gamay
Gamay's bright red fruit and earthy undertones pair beautifully with chicken and mushrooms. Its light body won't overpower the delicate poultry.
Pro Tip:
Use a mix of wild mushrooms for complexity
Paired with:
Barbera
Barbera's high acidity cuts through the cheese and matches the tomatoes perfectly. Its cherry fruit echoes the cherry tomatoes' sweet-tart character.
Pro Tip:
Use buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil for the perfect pizza
Use Insta-Somm to pair your berry and red fruit dishes with the perfect red profile wines.