Happy Saturday pals.
Today I'm sharing a sponsored post written by Jesse Hughes for your reading pleasure.
Red red wine fans, this is for you.
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When most people think of wine,
the choices are simple: white or red? However, in reality the world of
winemaking is much
more complex, with each of the two most popular varieties of wine having a
number of subcategories into which wines with differences often imperceptible
to the untrained palate are categorized.
In fact, there are 8 major varieties of red wine alone: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Barbera, each of which corresponds to a specific region of production and tradition of winemaking. Each of these wines has a distinct flavor and body profile, and understanding their signature characteristics can help anyone become a more seasoned and confident wine enthusiast. Click here for more in-depth information on the nuances of red wine.
Types of Grape
One of the most important aspects of a wine’s flavor profile is the type of grape used in its production, and there are three types of red grape that are most often used in winemaking: Syrah, cabernet, and zinfandel. Wines are typically made using a blend of these three winemaking staple grapes, but vintages that use only one of these are named directly after the grape in use (rendered with a capital initial by vintners).
Bold Red Wines
In fact, there are 8 major varieties of red wine alone: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Barbera, each of which corresponds to a specific region of production and tradition of winemaking. Each of these wines has a distinct flavor and body profile, and understanding their signature characteristics can help anyone become a more seasoned and confident wine enthusiast. Click here for more in-depth information on the nuances of red wine.
Types of Grape
One of the most important aspects of a wine’s flavor profile is the type of grape used in its production, and there are three types of red grape that are most often used in winemaking: Syrah, cabernet, and zinfandel. Wines are typically made using a blend of these three winemaking staple grapes, but vintages that use only one of these are named directly after the grape in use (rendered with a capital initial by vintners).
Bold Red Wines
The red wines with the strongest flavor profiles are commonly made with Syrah or cabernet grapes heavily features, and their deep, rich notes of dark berries and oaky flavors make for excellent pairings with red meat and spice and outstanding longevity with proper storage.
Examples of bold red wines
include Syrah (also called Shiraz) varietals, Pinot Noir and Cabernet
Sauvignon, known the world over for its esteemed tradition and intensely
rewarding character. These red wines are known for their high levels of
polyphenols and antioxidants, which have well-documented health benefits when
enjoyed in moderation.
Soft Red Wines
Softer red wines are typically
made with a higher concentration of zinfandel grapes, giving them a lighter
flavor ideal for sampling alone or paired with hors d’oeuvres like charcuterie.
Common examples of softer red wines include Merlot, Zinfandel and Sangiovese,
and these wines are prized for their versatility in food pairings thanks to
their less intense profiles.
Their lighter body, sweeter
flavors and typically lower alcohol content of softer red wines makes for
easier drinking, and their more refreshing nature makes them a popular choice
with newer wine drinkers acclimating themselves to the more exotic flavors
characteristic of the world’s finest wines.
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What about you? What type of red do you prefer?
As always, if you drink, don't drive and if you drive, don't drink.
