St. Julian Simply Red

St. Julian Simply Red is a semi-dry red wine blended from three Michigan-grown hybrid grapes, bottled at 11% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by St. Julian Wine Company — Michigan's largest and most-awarded winery — this medium-bodied red earned Bronze medals at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in both 2006 and 2007, validating its standing among well-made American hybrid reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Lake Michigan Shore, United States  |  Semi-Dry Red Blend  |  Winery: St. Julian Wine Company

Production & Heritage

St. Julian Wine Company was founded in 1921 and has operated continuously through Prohibition and beyond, building a century-long legacy rooted in Michigan-grown fruit. Simply Red is blended from Marechal Foch, Chancellor, and Rougeon — three cold-climate hybrid grape varietals specifically suited to the Lake Michigan Shore growing region, where lake-effect moderation extends the growing season and tempers harsh winters. The commitment to using exclusively Michigan fruit gives the wine a regional identity that distinguishes it from mass-market domestic blends relying on warmer-climate grapes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lively and inviting, the nose opens with ripe dark cherry and transitions into layers of wild berry and subtle plum. There is a freshness to the aromatics that signals the wine's vibrant acidity.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with dark cherry and wild berry flavors arriving immediately on the palate. At mid-palate, ripe plum and gentle tannin structure add depth without weight, while the medium body keeps everything balanced. Vibrant acidity runs through the entire progression, preventing the fruit sweetness from becoming cloying.

Finish: Structured and surprisingly long for a wine at 11% ABV, with lingering berry notes and a clean, dry-leaning close. The acidity carries through to the end, leaving the palate refreshed rather than heavy.

How to Drink Simply Red

Serve slightly below room temperature — around 60°F — to let the fruit aromatics open while keeping the acidity crisp. Simply Red drinks well on its own or alongside food, and its moderate alcohol and bright acidity make it an easy glass to return to. For a casual red Sangria, the wine's dark cherry and berry notes pair naturally with sliced stone fruit and citrus. In a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), the semi-dry profile balances the sweetness of the mixer without losing fruit character. A simple red wine spritzer with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime makes the most of the wine's refreshing acidity during warm-weather gatherings.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled meats, pasta, or pizza
• Introducing red wine to drinkers who prefer lighter, fruit-forward styles
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual cookout or potluck
• Gifting to someone interested in exploring Michigan wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Simply Red taste like? Simply Red delivers ripe dark cherry, wild berry, and plum flavors in a smooth, medium-bodied style with vibrant acidity and a semi-dry finish. The fruit is succulent and forward, but balanced by enough structure to keep each sip interesting.

How does Simply Red compare to Apothic Red? Apothic Red is a California blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon at around 13.5% ABV with a noticeably sweeter, richer profile, while Simply Red uses Michigan hybrid grapes at a lighter 11% ABV with brighter acidity and a drier finish. The two occupy similar approachable-red-blend territory, but Simply Red leans more food-friendly and less confected.

Is Simply Red good for beginners? Yes — the 11% ABV, smooth tannins, and fruit-driven flavor profile make it an approachable starting point for drinkers new to red wine. Its semi-dry character sits comfortably between sweet and fully dry, which appeals to a wide range of palates.

Where is Simply Red made? Simply Red is produced by St. Julian Wine Company in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA of southwestern Michigan. St. Julian, founded in 1921, is the oldest continuously operating winery in Michigan and uses exclusively Michigan-grown fruit across its portfolio.

What foods pair well with Simply Red? Grilled burgers and sausages match the wine's berry-forward fruit and gentle smokiness. Wood-fired pizza with red sauce and mozzarella complements the acidity. Mild cheddar or Gouda echoes the wine's soft tannins. Roasted mushroom dishes play well off the earthy undertones of the Marechal Foch grape. Barbecue pulled pork, where the sweet-savory glaze meets the wine's vibrant acidity, is another strong pairing.

What sizes does Simply Red come in? Simply Red is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Simply Red worth the price? Simply Red positions as an everyday, entry-level red blend that delivers genuine regional character and clean winemaking at its price tier. For a wine made from locally grown hybrid grapes by a century-old Michigan institution, it represents solid value compared to mass-produced domestic blends in the same range.

Why Simply Red?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of approachable red blends is its genuine connection to place. The Marechal Foch, Chancellor, and Rougeon grapes are cold-climate hybrids that thrive specifically in Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore conditions — they are not an afterthought blended for sweetness but a deliberate expression of regional viticulture. St. Julian's century of experience working with Michigan fruit shows in the balance here: the wine is generous with berry flavor but never flabby, and the acidity provides a backbone that many similarly priced reds lack. Bronze medals at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition confirm that this blend holds its own in competitive evaluation against wines from across the eastern United States.