Types Of Red Wine
Want to be a little more of a wine connoisseur? Or maybe you need to be able to make it through a formal event. If you know you are about to have to make a selection of red wines you need to know what you are looking at when that wine menu is put in front of you.
First, the basics. You may notice there are a number of colors of wine, and wonder why they are different? Red wine has that color because of the skin of the grape that adds its tint to the liquid. Next, the ‘type' of wine, is often the name of the grapes the wine is made of, not just a name someone created for a wine style.
Here's a rundown at what those wine types are, and a little about each one.
Merlot - Probably the most common of red wines you will see is merlot. Merlot grapes are very fruity in flavor and often make for a full but fruity wine.
Cabernet - Another common red wine is cabernet. Cabernet grapes are much stronger than merlot grapes. They have very strong and sometimes almost bitter flavors that are often considered a very acquired taste. Sometimes cabernets are mixed with merlots and other sweeter wines to soften their flavor.
Shiraz - Shiraz is named for the Syrah grape. It's known for a very strong, almost pepper-like flavor.
Pinot Noir - When it comes to variety in wine flavors, you should look for a Pinot Noir. Depending on where it was grown, the flavor can be very different, taking on varying tastes relating to the soil in which they were grown. If picked early, pinot noir grapes are often fruitier, while they take on stronger, earthier flavors the longer they are allowed to stay on the line.
Zinfandel - Want a wine that won't knock you for a loop? Try a zinfandel. These are fruity grapes and lead to a fruity wine. Many dessert wines are made of zinfandels.
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