Not all wine is created equal, and not all wines are appropriate for every occasion. To be a well-versed wine connoisseur, it’s important to know the different types of wine, their flavors, and appropriate serving suggestions. From reds to whites and everything in between, the world of wine offers something for everyone. Today we will talk about the many different types of wine including reds, whites, and rosés as well as other delicious varieties such as ports, sherry, and sparkling wine.
What Is Red Wine?
Red wine is made from the juice of grapes that have been crushed and fermented. Both red wine and white wine are made from fermented grapes, but red wine has a longer fermentation period that gives it a darker color. Red wines are often named after the grape varietal used to make them, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Red wines are best served at room temperature and are often enjoyed with steak, roasted chicken, paté, or hearty cheese like cheddar or bleu. These wines have a deeper color, aroma, and flavor than white wine. The rich tannin in red wine makes it more likely to stain clothing than white wine.
What Is White Wine?
White wine is made from the juice of fermented grapes that have been pressed and strained. It is sometimes called “blanc” or “brilliant white” to distinguish it from rosé or pink wines. Like red wine, white wine is made from grapes that have been crushed, although the grapes are pressed much earlier in the process. White wines are often named after the grape varietal or region where they were produced, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling.
White wines are best served chilled and are often enjoyed with seafood, sushi, salads, or lighter cheeses such as feta or goat. While red wine is often enjoyed at the end of a meal, white wine is often consumed at the beginning. White wine is usually served at a cooler temperature than red wine and is more refreshing. If red wine is consumed too warm, it can taste bitter and overwhelming, but the same does not apply to white wine.
What Is Rosé Wine?
Rosé wine is made from red grapes that have been crushed, fermented, and pressed. The juice is then left to ferment for a shorter period of time than usual, so there is less color but the flavor of the grape is still strongly present. While there is no official definition for rosé wine, the drink is usually made from red grapes that have been partially fermented. Rosé wine is often described as a blush wine or pinkish in color. It is generally light and fruity with a crisp finish. Rosé wine is best served chilled and is often enjoyed with light appetizers, seafood, salads, or with summery desserts like strawberries or ice cream.
What Is Port Wine?
Port wine is a type of red wine that is typically made in Portugal using grapes that have been fermented, then fermented again in a different batch. Port wine is often described as a sweet wine, although there are many different kinds available with different levels of sweetness. While most port is best served at room temperature, some varieties are served chilled. This ruby-colored wine pairs well with chocolate desserts, spicy meat dishes like steak and barbecue, or a cheese plate. Port is a fortified wine, which means that spirits have been added to the wine to increase its alcohol content.
What Is Sherry?
Sherry is a type of fortified wine that is produced in Spain. It is made from white grapes that have been fermented and then aged in barrels. There are a few different types of sherry, but the most common are fino and oloroso, both of which are dark in color. Sherry is best served chilled, often as an after-dinner drink, and is often enjoyed with dessert.
What Is Sparkling Wine?
Sparkling wine is a type of wine that has been fermented and then bottled under pressure, causing it to sparkle. After the initial fermentation process, the wine is re-fermented in a second batch. Sparkling wine can be made from red or white grapes and is often a blend of the two. Sparkling wine is best served chilled and is often enjoyed with light starters or creamy desserts.
Other Types Of Wine To Know
– Fortified wine: Fortified wine is a wine that has been blended with brandy or another type of liquor. Sherry and port are examples of fortified wines.
– Rosé blend: A rosé blend is a combination of red and white wine created for rosé wine.
– Sweet wine: Sweet wines are generally made from grapes with higher sugar content. The fermentation process does not remove all of the sugar, which is why these wines are sweet.
– Unoaked wine: Unoaked wines are made from grapes that have not been fermented in wooden barrels. So, no woody aroma is present in these wines.
Merlot
Merlot is a type of red wine made from the juice of black grapes. It is often described as a full-bodied red wine with a strong aroma and slight sweetness. Like many dark red wines, merlot is best served at room temperature and pairs well with hearty meat dishes like steak, barbecue, and hearty casseroles.
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a type of red wine made from blue or black grapes. It is famous for its rich flavor and is often described as earthy or fruity. This full-bodied wine is best served at around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit and pairs well with red meats like steak or duck as well as creamy desserts.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a type of red wine made from black grapes. It is often described as full-bodied, rich, and has a long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and is often enjoyed with red meat dishes like steak, barbecue, or hearty casseroles.
Expanding Your Palate
Learning the different types of wine is a great way to expand your palate and try new things. With so many different types of wine available, there is something for every palate. Try exploring new wines and discovering new favorites! Reading wine labels is a great way to learn about different wines and determine which one is right for you. You can also ask a wine expert at your local liquor store for suggestions on which wines to try. With a good variety of wines in your cabinet, you’ll always have something delicious to enjoy.