Schmitt Sohne Relax Red

Schmitt Sohne Relax Red is a light-bodied German red blend of Dornfelder, Pinot Noir, and Regent bottled at 12.0% ABV in a 750ml format. Awarded 86 points by Wine Enthusiast, this approachable wine stands out for its chillable profile and ripe, fruit-forward character that breaks from the heavier red wine mold.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.0%  |  Origin: Rheinhessen, Germany  |  Red Blend (Dornfelder, Pinot Noir, Regent)  |  Producer: Schmitt Söhne GmbH

Production & Heritage

Schmitt Söhne GmbH operates its winery (Weinkellerei) in Longuich, Germany, sourcing fruit from the Rheinhessen region—a vast winegrowing area bordered by the Nahe River to the west and the Rhine River to the east. Relax Red blends three grape varieties: Dornfelder, a deeply pigmented German crossing that delivers dark fruit intensity; Pinot Noir, which contributes structure and finesse; and Regent, a disease-resistant hybrid adding body and color. The wine was conceived specifically as a chillable, easy-drinking red designed for versatile food pairing, positioning it within the growing category of lighter reds meant to be served slightly cool rather than at traditional room temperature.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense fruit aromas lead with ripe black cherries and plums, followed by a subtle hint of tobacco. There is a gentle undercurrent of spice that supports the fruit without dominating.

Taste: The palate opens with soft red cherry and plum flavors that arrive ripe and smooth. Mid-palate, pleasant licorice and warm spice notes emerge, adding dimension to the fruit-forward core. Tannins are feather-light, keeping the mouthfeel gentle and accessible throughout.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with lingering dark fruit and a faint echo of licorice. A clean, slightly sweet fade makes the final impression refreshing rather than heavy.

How to Drink Relax Red

Serve slightly chilled, around 55–60°F (13–16°C), to highlight the wine's bright fruit character and light body. This is equally enjoyable on its own as a casual sipper. In a Red Sangria, the blend's natural dark cherry sweetness pairs beautifully with citrus and seasonal fruit. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well here thanks to the wine's inherent softness and low tannin. For a warming option, Relax Red makes a solid base for a Glühwein (German mulled wine), where its plum and spice notes complement cinnamon and cloves.

Best For

• Introducing red wine to someone who prefers lighter, fruit-forward styles
• Casual outdoor gatherings where a chillable red fits better than a full-bodied Cabernet
• Weeknight dinners that call for a low-fuss, food-friendly pour
• Gifting to a friend who enjoys German wines beyond Riesling

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Relax Red taste like? Relax Red delivers soft red cherry and plum flavors with pleasant licorice and spice undertones, all carried by feather-light tannins that keep it smooth and approachable.

How does Relax Red compare to Relax Riesling? While Relax Riesling is a crisp, aromatic white known for citrus and stone fruit, Relax Red shifts to darker fruit territory with black cherry and plum flavors at the same 750ml format and a similar easy-drinking philosophy. Both share an emphasis on accessibility, but Relax Red offers a richer mouthfeel and warmer spice character absent in the Riesling.

Is Relax Red good for beginners? Yes—its low tannin structure, gentle sweetness, and fruit-driven profile make it one of the more welcoming red wines for those just starting to explore the category.

Where is Relax Red made? Relax Red is produced by Schmitt Söhne GmbH, based in Longuich, Germany, using grapes sourced from the Rheinhessen winegrowing region along the Rhine River.

What foods pair well with Relax Red? Mild charcuterie boards work well, as the wine's soft tannins complement cured meats without clashing. Pizza and flatbreads with tomato-based sauces mirror the wine's cherry notes. Grilled sausages, particularly bratwurst, lean into the German heritage. Mushroom risotto matches the wine's medium body, and dark chocolate desserts echo its subtle licorice finish.

What sizes does Relax Red come in? Relax Red is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Relax Red worth the price? Relax Red positions firmly as a value-tier everyday red, and its 86-point Wine Enthusiast rating validates solid quality for its accessible price bracket. It delivers above-average character for a wine in this segment, particularly for drinkers who favor fruit-forward, low-tannin reds.

Why Relax Red?

What sets Relax Red apart is its unusual three-grape blend of Dornfelder, Pinot Noir, and Regent—a combination rarely seen outside Germany that produces a red with genuine dark fruit intensity yet almost no tannic grip. The 86-point score from Wine Enthusiast confirms it punches above its weight class, with the publication highlighting its smooth cherry-plum core and pleasant spice complexity. Designed from the start as a chillable red, it arrived ahead of a trend that has since taken hold across the wine market. For anyone seeking a lighter red that still delivers real flavor from a credible German producer, this blend fills a gap that few competitors in its price range address as effectively.