Red Wines

As drinking red wine is many people’s passion, these people should be interested in everything related to this topic. There is much to talk about this types, so don’t waste time and let’s start. You know there are hundreds of different red wine grape types, but world known wineries use just a small number of these grape varieties. The names of red wines are usually the same as the names of grapes. For instance, Pinot Noir is the type of grape, as well as the name of a particular, one of the most notable wines.

When we talk about hundred different types, where should we start? If I begin numbering all these types, it takes too long, so I’d better count down and discuss main, most popular ones.

Let’s start from the beginning, where the red color comes from? The color depends on the grape variety. Grape skin gives wine the color that should vary from red to purple. The color of red wine talks about its age, the darker the wine, the older it is.
What are best grape varieties for making best beverages?

Pinot Noir

One of the oldest, black grape varieties, having the French origins. Its name comes from the French words: “pine” and “black”. The main regions where Pinot Noir is grown are: Australia, France, Italy, Oregon, California, and Germany. Though Pinot Noir grapes are one of the most popular for producing fine red wines, it’s too hard to cultivate and produce Pinot Noir wine. Pinot Noir is described as the “most romantic wine”. Wine produced from this grape variety is light or medium bodied and tends to have the one of the most complex taste and aroma of red or black cherry and ripe grape. The colors of wine made from these grapes are lighter related to others. Pinot Noir grapes are used for making dry red wines, sparkling and even for Champagnes. You can taste Pinot Noir with you meal.  Pinot Noir pairs well with fish, lamb, beef and also with creamy sauces.

Shiraz

Dark skinned grape also known as Syrah, used to producing dry table red wines, is originally from France. The name comes from the city of Persia. Shiraz grapes are mostly well-known and widely planted in Australia. Other major regions for Syrah grapes are: California, Rhone, and Barossa Valley. Wines produced from Shiraz are generally full-bodied. The color is intense and flavor. Aromas of these wines vary from blackberry, pepper to dark chocolate. The sweetness of Shiraz depends on the climate conditions. In warmer climates Shiraz wines tend to be sweeter than made from grapes grown in cooler climates. Shiraz wines goes beautiful with Indian and Mexican meals, and with beef, chicken and other heavy foods.

Cabernet Sauvignon

World’s most popular red wine grape variety, sometimes named as the king of grapes. The main regions where Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown are Bordeaux (the origin of this grape type), Italy, California, and Australia. The aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be different for wines having different age. With age these types of wines can develop the aromas of cedar, vanilla, cherry and blackberry. Medium to full bodied dry wines of Cabernet Sauvignon having high alcohol volume pairs excellent with steak and grilled red meat and also with dark chocolate.

Merlot

Dark blue grape used for producing medium bodied wines. As well as other popular red wine grapes, Merlot is widely grown in Bordeaux; other main regions are Napa Valley, Australia, Sonoma Country. Wines made from Merlot grapes are dry, rich in flavor. Merlot wines are soft, fruity and smooth in texture having aromas of cherry, black currant and blackberry. These wines go well with mushrooms, shellfish, chicken sauces and salmon. Merlot is also excellent with chocolate.

Zinfandel

Red Zinfandel rich dark color grapes originated in Italy. This grape variety is widely grown in California, Australia, and Puglia. The full bodied red wines made from Zinfandel grapes can be dry or sweet. Red Zinfandel is known as “American Classic” wine. Depending on age, Zinfandel wines can be spicy or fruity. Zinfandel wines have the aromas of dark cherries, plumb, raspberry and boysenberry. You can pair this wine well with pizza, red sauces and it also goes well with citrus fruit.

Saperavi

One of the greatest red grapes originated in republic of Georgia. Saperavi grapes are also grown in Australia. This grape variety has dark colored skins. Wines made from Saperavi are full bodied semi sweet red wines, having strong flavor and texture. Saperavi wines have aromas of blackberry and mulberry spices. These wines pair excellent with Georgian cousin, with game food and hearty winter fare.

When discussing grape varieties we mentioned sweet and dry wines. What is the main differentiation feature among these types of red wine? Sweat wines are sugar-rich, opposite from the dry wines, which are characterized as sugary. This difference comes from the process of making red wine. It’s all depended on the winemaker, how he performs the fermentation process. During this process sugar that is contained into grapes are converted into alcohol. If a winemaker wishes to make a dry wine, the process of fermentation must be fully completed, but if he wants to make sweet wine, then he should end it up, before all sugar is converted into alcohol. There are some other differences besides the wine making process. For instance, experienced chefs recommend using dry ones for cooking. Which wines you choose it’s all depended on your taste. You can vote for your favorite in the right side bar survey.

Wine lovers frequently ask questions about the calories in red wine. Calories in a glass of sweet and dry ones are a bit different. A glass of dry red wine contains about 120-130 calories. Calories in a glass of sweet red wine is a bit more – about 130-135 per glass. But of course these numbers tend to vary for each type of grapes.

How to store red wine? To prevent and keep the quality, it’s essential to take in mind the storing conditions of red wines. The most important factor is temperature. The normal temperature is about 13-18° C equivalent to 56-65° F. Storing it in higher temperatures tends to age wine earlier. Moving red wine quickly from one place to another where there is a great different between the temperature affects the quality of drink. It’s better if you store your bottles in dark cellar, where the bottles would be kept from the direct sunlight. Red wine storage tips and tricks are exceptionally essential and important for wine collectors, who have a huge collection of top rated, most expensive red wines.

Besides being the highest rated and popular alcoholic beverage in the world, this wine type is one of the most desired gifts for wine lovers. Since the very early history red wine was the drink of kings. This expensive drink, valued by wine lovers can be the best gift for your family member and your friend, if he/she loves wine. Bottle of best red wine brand is the perfect birthday present for males as well as females loved in red wine. It will be a nice surprise and great pleasure for your dearest person when you present a favorite bottle or just the wine accessories. Nothing is better that making a romantic evening for your girlfriend or boyfriend accompanied by a bottle of red wine.