Archives
September 2019
June 2019
May 2019
January 2019
August 2018
April 2018
March 2018
August 2017
May 2017
October 2016
July 2016
April 2016
October 2015
February 2015
December 2014
September 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
April 2013
March 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
June 2012
May 2012
19 December 2014
The many different types of red wine
The incredibly popular drink; red wine is consumed all around the world. However, it is sometimes misunderstood when it comes to the variants of red wine. There are a number of different types of red wine, of which we outline within the article. Next time you buy a bottle, you’ll know exactly which type of red suits your occasion!
Before we get started, you should understand that is only one variation is mentioned on the label, then the wine is called varietal and is named after the grape with a capital initial (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon). Varietal wines show the fruit, and how the wine tastes is much dependent on the variety of grape that is used. So without further ado, here we have listed the core group of red wine types, accompanied with some useful information that will serve you well when planning the perfect wine in the future!
Syrah/Shiraz
Meaning the same thing, Syrah/Shiraz are two names for the same variety. Commonly European vintners will use the name syrah, but it’s common to see Shiraz on the shelves of our nearby stores, which could signify that they are from outside of Europe.
Food: Great food pairings for this type of red wine include hearty foods such as meat (steak, beef, wild game, stew.etc.)
Origin: Very popular in California (USA), Australia, and in France’s Rhone Valley.
Taste: You can expect to experience some aromas and flavours of wild black fruits, with overtones of black pepper spice. The fruit sensation is often complemented with warm alcohol and gripping tannins. Depending on the barrels that the wine has been rested in, it is common for oak barrels to give slight toffee notes.
Shiraz variety will offer you some hearty and red spices and is known to be some of the world’s finest and deepest reds that contain intense flavours. You will discover that they generally have a great longevity and understand its fine elegance that it has enjoyed at a worldwide scale.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Merlot
The softness of Merlot has made it an "introducing" wine for new red-wine drinkers. It is widely considered as easy to drink compared to other red wines, but at the same time is also incredibly tasty.
Food: This type of red wine in widely considered as a good to accompany most dishes. While you may follow the general rules with red wine food pairings, merlot is great with many foods.
Origin: Merlot is huge in the Bordeaux blend, but is now also grown across Italy, Romania, California, Washington, Chile and Australia. It is the fourth largest wine grape variety in terms of coverage worldwide.
Taste: typical scents include plums and herbal flavours. The texture is round but a middle palate gap is common
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabernet sauvignon
Widely considered as one of the world’s finest varieties, it is often blended with cabernet franc and merlot and often undergoes oak treatment to increase taste.
Food: Excellent with red meat, preparation of meat
Origins: Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in any area where other red wine grapes are grown. This could include Northern fringes such as Germany. They are also popular among France’s wine growing regions, along with Australia’s and Chile’s.
Taste: Commonly full-bodied, but firm and gripping, especially at younger ages. With age, polyphenols polymerize: the grip fades away. Bell pepper notes remain. Vanilla noted are often present when the wine has been rested in oak barrels, and have enjoyed grand reviews worldwide.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Malbec
Malbec is another red wine that is often blended with other varieties such as cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petit verdot to make Bordeaux style wines.
Food: All types of meat-based meals, foie gras, Argentine Malbec is a popular when accompanied with Mexican, Cajun and Indian style dishes that offer spice.
Origin: Malbec has origins from the French Bordeaux region and is grown as côt in the Loire Valley and auxerrois in Cahors. Malbec has also been recognised as médoc noir or pressac again in France. You would also find it commonly made in Chile, Australia and some of the cooler regions of California – USA.
Taste: The characteristics of Malbec vary greatly depending on where it’s grown and the way they are transformed during its growing life. It generally will result in an easy-drinking style, well coloured wine that tastes of plums, berries and spices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pinot noir
Considered one of the noblest red wine grapes, Pinot noir is comparatively different to grow and is rarely blended. This makes for a smooth glass of wine which pairs excellently with a number of foods.
Food: A great accompany to grilled salmon, chicken, lamb and Japanese dishes, especially sushi rolls.
Origins: Makes the great reds of Burgundy from France, but also grown and bottled in Austria, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
Taste: It is widely considered different to the like of Cabernet Sauvignon. The structure is rather delicate, fresh and soft, with gentle tannins that come from the low level of polyphenols. The aromatics are rather fruity with cherry, strawberry and plum notes, with a tinge of tea-leaf, damp earth and worn leather.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Zinfandel
Perhaps the world’s most versatile wine grape, it is used consumed as everything from blush wine, to rich, heavy red wines. These wines are great with a number of tomato based dishes.
Taste: very much dependent on the freshness and heaviness, tomato based dishes such a pizza, pastas, grilled and barbecued meats are a great choice.
Districts: only found in California
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sangiovese
Typical tastes include medium voided with fresh berry and plum flavours. They are often considered as a fantastic addition to a meal with Italian and other Mediterranean-style cuisines that make up a lovely meal.
Food: an excellent choice for Italian and other Mediterranean-style cuisines.
Origin: Sangiovese produces the Chiantis of Italy’s Tuscany region and more recently from California
Taste: the primary style is medium-bodied with fresh berry and plum flavours.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Barbera
The Barbera style wine is not as popular as Merlot, but is recognised for having a number of similarities across its taste, texture and acidity. This wine is known for its juicy black taste and silky texture.
Food: A very versatile wine with the ability to match with many dishes, especially tomato based.
Origin: Typically found in Italian grape growing regions, as well as increasingly in California.
Taste: expect a juicy black cherry and plum taste, with silky texture and a very good acidity. This Barbera wines are a must try for those who enjoy a glass of wine.
