Trying different types of red wine is the best way to find your favourite. Check out this guide to learn about the different types.
Introduction
Think you know everything there is to know about red wine? Guess again! There are many different types of red wine, each with its unique flavor and character.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular types of red wine. So sit back, relax, and let us teach you about the world of red wine!
What are the different types of red wine?
While red wines may appear the same, they vary widely in taste, texture, and mouth feel.
The term “body type” is used to describe red wines. For example, one might characterize a specific red wine as being “light-bodied,” referring to the mouthfeel and tannin structure.
Here are the three bodied types of red wines.
● Light bodied red wines
● Medium bodied red wines
● Full bodied red wines
We have made a list of 10 different types of red wine below;
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular types of red wine; medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity. Flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco, and cedar are typical of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The red wine grape variety is one of the most well-known in the world. It grows in many different countries with diverse climates, such as Australia, Canada, and Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.
A Cabernet Sauvignon would be delicious with a burger, short rib, or lamb. The full-bodied wine has a strong flavor that can stand up to heavier dishes.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red wine with low tannins and acidity. It has flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry. Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with various dishes, such as chicken, salmon, and pork. Yes, You can drink red wine with salmon!
Pinot Noir is a grape variety that is grown in many different countries around the world. Some of the most famous regions for growing Pinot Noir include Burgundy in France, the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and Central Otago in New Zealand.
Grenache
Unlike some of its more famous counterparts, Grenache is a full-bodied red wine. The grapes it’s made with are commonly used to create blended wines. It originates from France, Spain, and Italy but can also be found in California.
Grenache is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed by itself or with food; it is one of the best fruity wines and goes well with dark chocolate. It ranges from sweet to dry styles and tastes like berries, star anise, and cinnamon.
Additionally, it has unique afternotes of red grapefruit, orange peel, and licorice.
Zinfandel
Zinfandels are crimson-hued wines with undertones of cinnamon and pepper and distinct blackberry, cranberry, strawberry, and peach notes.
In Italy, Primitivo is the same grape as Zinfandel; wines labeled Primitivo are also Zinfandel wines.
Zinfandel goes great with barbecue, fire-roasted vegetables, and Middle Eastern cuisine, among other things. It complements charcuterie boards with spicy and fatty meats and sharp or rich-tasting cheeses such as smoked gouda or gruyere.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is a wine that boasts hints of strawberry and medium body, with intense tannins capable of supporting long-term aging. The wine is also known for its deep, inky color.
Nebbiolo is an Italian wine; its origins can be traced back to the Piedmont region of Italy. The name is derived from the Italian word “nebbia,” which means fog. Wine drinkers can enjoy it with meat, pork, and barbecue.
Merlot
Merlot is the name of a red wine grape and the single-varietal wines made from it. These medium-bodied, softened red wines are mixed with other grapes to provide complexity to Bordeaux, Meritage, super Tuscans, Priorat, and more well-known wines.
This wine can go with various foods, making it a versatile drink for any dinner party. Merlot’s roundness and softness come from the grape that has relatively thin skin. The wine made from these grapes is typically dark fruit flavors of plum and black cherry.
“Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most planted winegrape variety and it is the third most crushed variety in Australia, behind Shiraz and Chardonnay, accounting for around 15 per cent of the national crush.”
wineaustralia.com
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah is the name of the red grape in France and other European countries, whereas Shiraz is used in Australia, South America, and many other places. The wines from these grapes may be spicy, robust, and bold, with a distinct flavor of dark fruits like blackberry.
After a long day, when you want to sit with a book and a glass of wine and taste something, break out this one.
Sangiovese
Hailing from Italy, Sangiovese is a medium-bodied red wine with unique flavors of cherry, strawberry, oregano, and tomato.
Sangiovese may not be as aromatic as other red wine varieties, such as Pinot noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
This wine is perfectly complimented by grilled meats, roasted peppers and tomatoes, and olive oil. However, you cannot go wrong with Italian cuisine – some of our top pairings include mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and pizza.
Malbec
Malbec is the best choice if you want to enjoy a deep, rich red wine that goes with just about everything. Malbec is famous in France and Argentina and has a smooth texture and low acidity.
According to a widely accepted but unconfirmed theory, the Malbec grape variety is believed to have originated from a Hungarian peasant.
Malbec grapes create a dark, violet-colored wine commonly blended with other varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a type of red wine that originates from Spain, Portugal, and Argentina. It has medium bodied features about its medium tannins and acidity levels. Additionally, it is darker in color than most other wines due to its high anthocyanin content, making for heavier rosé colors.
While the variety is frequently criticized for lacking a distinct flavor profile, Tempranillo wines give off a wide range of aromas, from black currants, strawberries, and cherries to prunes, chocolate, and tobacco, depending on the vineyard’s age and mesoclimate.
What is the most popular red wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine; Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape from the Bordeaux region of France.
The wines produced from this variety are well-known throughout the world. Cabernet Sauvignon can now be found in several distant locations, including Lebanon and China.
How many types of red wine grapes are there?
There are presently more than 10,000 wine grape cultivars worldwide, but only a handful have achieved widespread appeal and acclaim. Some grape varietals, like Primitivo/zinfandel and syrah/shiraz, have variant names depending on their area of origin.
Some of the most popular grapes, including cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, can be quickly grown in different climates. They can also be made to fit a broad range of consumer tastes through various styles.
What types of red wine are dry?
Red wines with almost no residual sugar are typically called dry red wines—generally, any wine with a sweetness level lower than 1%.
The following red wines are typically classified as dry: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Tempranillo.
What types of red wine are sweet?
There’s a lot of range in the sweetness scale of red wines. Some red wines have a tooth-scorching 20% residual sugar, while others have only 1%.
Here is a list of some sweet red wines:
● Tawny Port
● Ruby Port
● Lambrusco
● Brachetto D’acqui
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
Paulo Coelho
Which red wine is healthiest?
Pinot Noir is a healthier red wine choice due to its low tannin levels and high resveratrol content. Pinot grapes have thin skins, which help retain these beneficial compounds. Additionally, cool-climate grown Pinots boast lower sugar levels than many other types of grapes used for red wines.
Final words
So, what is the best red wine? The answer to that question depends on your palate and preferences. We’ve highlighted some of the most popular types of red wine for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a dry or sweet red wine, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and start tasting!
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References:
- https://restaurantclicks.com/types-of-red-wine/
- https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-483-tempranillo
- https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/the-10-most-popular-wines-in-the-world/
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-the-different-types-of-wine-grapes-a-guide-to-the-various-types-of-red-and-white-wine-grapes-in-the-world
- https://www.vinovest.co/blog/dry-red-wine
- https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/cabernet-sauvignon
- https://www.winemag.com/2019/08/13/the-essential-guide-to-pinot-noir/
- https://usualwines.com
- https://www.decanter.com/wine/grape-varieties/malbec/
- https://meetpiemonte.com/en/blog/the-piedmont-region-of-italy
- https://www.healthline.com
