It’s officially Red Wine Weather, so we’ve got the latest – and greatest – releases to see you through the season.

We’re not suggesting you need cool weather to get excited about red wine, but with winter setting in, now is a great time to pull on your Uggs, whack on the heater, and explore the red wine styles that are winning people over. While we’re all about finding our own way with wine, it never hurts to know what’s flying off the shelves. And looking at the hottest red wines right now, they do have a few things in common. These are lighter to medium-bodied, bright-fruited wines, which just so happen to be dreamy matches for all those comfort dishes you’re about to have back in high rotation.

Even if you prefer heartier reds, you should still find a lot to love about the following wines and styles, especially if you’re into staying ahead of the curve and sharing great wines with even better mates. Whether you’re spending this winter cosying up with friends, chasing wine pairings for your favourite meals, or needing some crowd-pleasers for the season’s catch-ups, we run through some of the best new releases below. They shouldn’t break the bank, either.

A bottle of a lighter red pinot noir wine

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1. Pinot noir

Are you sick of hearing about pinot whenever lighter reds are mentioned? We know it’s usually the first variety that comes up, but that’s for a very good reason: it’s delicious. It's not always easy to find good-value pinot, but here is an excellent example that smells bright and pretty – think floral and berry aromas – and its flavours of red and dark fruits combine with earthy, gamey notes. This gives it the complexity and layers we’re searching for in a perfect pinot.

For a wine that’s all about the fruit, the Devil’s Vine Pinot Noir is an excellent option, but there’s more going on under the hood, too. Approachable and juicy, this pinot is full of red fruit flavours, as well as having balanced acidity, fine tannins and a long finish – a great choice if you’re newer to pinot. If you’re chasing a similarly bright style with some of those trademark earthy traits, the Cold Snap Explorers Reserve Premium Pinot Noir has aromas and flavours of raspberry, red cherry and forest floor (it’s a good thing – we promise), with fine tannins and a long finish.

And just because pinot is forever described as a lighter red, don’t think it lacks depth; pinot can have serious body and substance. If that’s what you’re into, New Zealand’s Central Otago is your happy hunting ground – these southern pinots are renowned for their deeper, darker characters. One such new release is The Prized Pig Pinot Noir, which has savoury and herbal aromas, cherry and red-fruit flavours, a soft mouthfeel and structured finish, complete with a touch of minerality. What does that all even mean? Try it and see for yourself – this one shines next to pork and duck, so choose it to go with your next roast or Chinese barbecue takeaway.

2. Spanish and Italian varieties

It’s no secret that European grape varieties have come a long way on our shores, but the quality our producers are now able to grow and make (and, most importantly, we can enjoy!) has never been better. Spanish and Italian styles are in peak form around the country, and they’re also proving to be super compatible with so many different dishes. These medium-bodied wines have been made to enjoy alongside an array of food in their home countries for thousands of years, so who are we to buck tradition?

For a taste of Spain, the Brown Brothers Refreshing Tempranillo is an excellent example of what’s arguably that nation’s most famous grape. As the name suggests, this is a fresh take on tempranillo, with flavours of cherry, strawberry and raspberry bringing a burst of vibrant red fruits. This wine works a treat with the likes of charcuterie, paella and other dishes that have a touch of spice – even more so if you give this bottle a quick stint in the fridge first.

Colpasso Grillo Sicilia - A fresh, smooth and fruity flavored wine that tastes well with grilled chicken or pizza.

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Feeling a little more Italian? Go for an approachable, contemporary take on Tuscany’s hero grape with the Old Fat Unicorn Sangiovese. This wine offers a delicious flavour medley of stewed plum and bright cherry flavours, as well as the variety’s trademark hint of spice. Pair it with just about any tomato-based dish for the perfect pair – we love it with pizza and spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a weeknight winner, and not just because it comes in under $15.

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3. Grenache and blends

If you’re into plush, juicy wines full of bright fruit flavours, we hope you’ve already made friends with grenache. This grape has gone through a huge local evolution in recent times, with Aussie producers now understanding first-hand how to get the most out of this versatile variety. Known for its rich flavours, medium body and barbecue-friendly vibes, grenache plays a brilliant leading role in various blended wines, particularly alongside its traditional Rhône Valley counterparts, shiraz and mourvèdre.

For a straight grenache that’s a great introduction to the style, seek out the Plump Bare Grenache. Made with less extraction and time on skins – two winemaking processes that draw out the flavour, colour and texture of grapes – the resulting wine is a fresh, light and crunchy style. These traits also make it a no-brainer for heaps of dishes – chargrilled meat and veg are among the all-time great pairings.

To see what blended grenache is all about, look to Taylors Wines in South Australia’s Clare Valley – they were just crowned Winery of the Year at California’s Monterey International Wine Competition in April. The Taylors Reserve Parcel GSM is the latest release to join their Reserve Range, with full fruit flavours that are boosted by the structure and depth that shiraz and mourvèdre both bring to the mix. This GSM showcases everything people know and love about this family winery’s wider range, offering a must-pour with all those braises you’ll be tucking into this season.