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.
Cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir are two of my favorites. I found a cheap wine at Wal-Mart called "Lucky Duck". It is quite good for $5 (in my area).
ReplyDeleteI love Cab! It's the only wine I buy. And I never drive when I drink it. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have tried at least one of every type red or white that I have liked. I know they say you can't 'truly' like both reds and whites, but I do. I like different ones at different times, and although I appreciate a good wine pairing I'm no good at it. My main problem is with the wines that are too sweet with no alcohol content. Ain't nobody got time fo' that ;)
ReplyDeleteRed, red wine fans -- lol!
ReplyDeleteI prefer white but my husband loves red so I like ones that are somewhere in the middle, not sweet but not so dry they pucker my mouth! I'll definitely be looking for that Lucky Duck wine that Robin mentioned since the evil Wal empire is my only shopping option out here in the sticks.
For the past 2 years we have been purchasing from Crossings Vineyard in Washington Crossing, PA. I have acquired a taste for the dry whites. I love their red sangria, though. It is very full-bodied, no fruit needed and is not juice-like. We are members of the wine club which offers discounts and free admission to their awesome Friday night concerts during the summer. We love patronizing local business and it's 20 minutes away!
ReplyDeleteLove, SMD's wine loving Momma
I tend to like the sweeter wines, I don't like really dry oak-y wines so merlot or a zinfandel tends to be my first choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of bold reds, like Shiraz. Though they come from the same grape, I think that Syrah and Shiraz taste quite different, especially depending on what country it comes from. I always thought Shiraz tasted more fruity.
ReplyDelete