Introduction
Wine is a complex and varied drink that contains a great deal of different flavors, smells and experiences (much like whiskey). Everything You Need to Know About Different Types of Wine (to truly appreciate and enjoy wine!) Let’s go deep into some of the primary variety of wines, and how they are different from each other.
Red Wine
Red wine is derived from dark-colored grape varieties and carries a deep color with rich flavors with tannins. Depending on the varietal and designer, a red grape should be anything from deep inky purplish blue, to light orange based or green influenced ruby colors.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied and very tannic, with rich, complex blackcurrant flavors. This is a cider with serious heft, one that seeks out red meats, and pair along the hearty dishes alike.
- Merlot: Slightly softer and more rounded than Cabernet Sauvignon, often producing a plummy/cherry fruited chocolatey wine. It is a wine that goes well with a lot of food and, in general grilled meats and roasts.
- Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is relatively light to medium-bodied, and is known for its gentle flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earth. Chicken or fish with earthy mushrooms (wild salmon especially) Lighter fare dishes.
White Wine
White wine is more expensive than red wines, made of green or yellow grapes. From light and crisp to full-bodied and creamy, it has something for everyone.
- Chardonnay: A highly adaptable white varietal that can be made in a range of styles from the light, simple and crisp wines such as Chablis to the weighty, oaky wine that are sometimes complemented by oak they refer to it as “oaked”. It goes great with creamy foods, seafood and poultry.
- Sauvignon Blanc: With high acidity and fresh flavors, Sauvignon Blanc shows citrus notes of green apple, herb. This is perfect for seafood/ dishes salads and herbaceous entrées
- Chardonnay (California): Available in both oaked and un-oaked varieties, Chardonnay is America’s second favorite varietal coming from the Burgundy region of France Riesling: Ranging from dry to sweet, with flavors apple, peach, floral notes It works great with spicy food like Thai and Indian.
Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is a pink colored grape which is made by letting the juice with contact of skin for short period of time. The wine that falls between red and white, a bright fruity body of the two
- Dry Roșé: A rosé with dry to semi-dry finish it has great acidity and is refreshing to drink, making it the perfect summer time wine or for any occasion that calls for fun. Serve with Mediterranean food, grilled meats and crisp salads.
- Sweet Rosé: Sweet rosés provide just enough sweetness to set-off the sweet fruit, and in this way boost the taste without overpowering it, so keep in sweet rosé with fruit deserts.
Sparkling Wine
A defining feature of sparkling wine is the carbon dioxide that gets trapped in liquid and produces bubbles. Comes in a ton of styles and make any event fun.
- Champagne: A sparkling wine, and the most well-known of all such wines, Champagne is made in that region of France. It has small bubbles and notes of apple, toast, and almond. Salty foods, seafood, light appetizers
- Prosecco: This means that even though Prosecco is effervescent (it tastes bubbly), it only comes from Italy, has a very light and fruity flavor profile with notes of green apple and pear. It is a versatile sparkling wine, ideal for toasts and brunches; it drinks well solo or with food.
Dessert and Fortified Wines
Dessert and fortified wines are usually sweet, full-bodied wines that can be served along with or in place of dessert.
- Port: Coming from Portugal, Port is a fortified wine full of zest and toasty flavors or blackberries, chocolate and nutmeg. Cheese, Chocolate, Dried fruit.
- Sherry: (Spain, dry to sweet, nutty and caramel notes) It is typically served with tapas or as an aperitif.
Conclusion
The options for exploring the types of wine are unlimited. Each type, from bold red wine flavors to crisp white and sparkling wines offer up a different kind of experience.
Knowing some of the major types of these wines can help increase your wine appreciation, making you enjoy it better. For wine enthusiasts, from beginners to expert sippers, opening your palate to the vast world of wines can provide a whole other level of enjoyment.
