Do I need to use MLF to make a really good red?

[abefroman]

Do I need to (should I) use MLF to make a really good(or better) red?

 

[grapeman]

While not necessary or even always appropriate, doing malo lactic fermentation has the potential to make a wine better. It will smooth the wine out and take the edges off. You can increase the complexity of the wine by running it. Do your homework and see if it is right for you.

 

[djrockinsteve]

Not necessarily. It's all in what you want to taste. Just like adding oak during aging. Some like a heavy oak flavor while others like just a mild or none at all.

 

[JohnT]

Do I need to (should I) use MLF to make a really good(or better) red?

It depends on the wine. For the more complex wines (Cabs, Merlots, etc) MLF is definately the way to go.