Red wine is a beverage enjoyed by many wine enthusiasts all around the world. With a diverse range of flavours and aromas, it can be a challenge to understand the nuances and complexities of different types of red wine. Whether you're a seasoned wine drinker or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the world of red wine and discover the various types and their characteristics.
From light-bodied and fruity to full-bodied and robust, we'll explore the different grape varietals and wine regions that produce these delectable reds. Join us on a journey through the wide-ranging spectrum of red wine and uncover the perfect bottle to suit your taste buds.
Red wine gets its characteristic colour from the skins of the grapes used in the winemaking process. During the initial stages of winemaking, the grapes are crushed and the juice is separated from the skins. The juice is then fermented, and during this process, the natural yeast in the grape juice consumes the sugars in the juice, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide.
For red wine, the juice is left in contact with the grape skins for an extended period of time during fermentation, typically for several days to several weeks. This allows the skins to release their pigments into the juice, which gives the wine its red colour. The longer the juice is left in contact with the skins, the deeper and darker the colour of the wine will be.
The exact colour of red wine can vary depending on the grape varietal, winemaking techniques, and other factors. For example, Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes produce lighter red wines, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes produce darker, more robust wines.
Red Wine Styles
Red wine is a complex and varied category, with a wide range of styles that can be categorised based on factors such as grape varietal, winemaking technique, and region of production. The various styles of red wine can have dramatically different flavour profiles, ranging from light and fruity to full-bodied and robust. Let's explore the different red wine styles, their characteristics, and what sets them apart from one another.
Light-Bodied Red Wines
Light-bodied red wines are known for their lower tannin content, making them easy to drink and perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods. These wines are typically made with grapes that have thin skins, resulting in a lighter colour and a less intense flavour profile. Some of the most popular light-bodied red wines include Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Grenache.
Pinot Noir is known for its delicate aromas of red fruit and earthy notes, while Gamay is often described as having bright flavours of red berries and a hint of spice. Grenache, on the other hand, is known for its juicy fruit flavours and subtle hints of herbs and spices. Light-bodied red wines are ideal for serving slightly chilled during the summer months, and they pair well with light meats, fish, and vegetable dishes.
Medium-Bodied Red Wines
Medium-bodied red wines are a popular choice for wine lovers who want a wine that has more depth and complexity than a light-bodied wine but isn't as heavy as a full-bodied wine. These wines are made from grapes with thicker skins than light-bodied red wines, resulting in a darker colour and a more intense flavour profile.
Medium-bodied red wines pair well with a wide variety of foods, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty pasta dishes. Due to their balanced tannin and mild acidity, medium-bodied red wines are the ideal for food pairings.
Some of the most popular medium-bodied red wines include Merlot, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel. Merlot is known for its soft tannins and flavours of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. Sangiovese is a dry wine with high acidity and flavours of red fruit, earthy notes, and herbs. Zinfandel is a bold wine with high alcohol content and flavours of blackberry, raspberry, and spice.
They are also a great choice for sipping on their own, as they have enough complexity to keep you interested without being too heavy. Medium-bodied red wines are a versatile option that can be enjoyed year-round, whether with a cosy winter meal or a summer barbecue.
Full-Bodied Red Wines
Full-bodied red wines are known for their rich, robust, and intense flavours. These wines are made from grapes with the thickest skins, resulting in a high tannin content and a deep colour. Full-bodied red wines often have complex flavour profiles that can include notes of black fruit, leather, tobacco, and spices.
Some of the most popular full-bodied red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its full-bodied and rich flavour profile, with notes of blackberry, black currant, and a hint of vanilla. Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a bold and spicy wine with flavours of blackberry, pepper, and tobacco. Malbec is a full-bodied red wine with flavours of plum, black cherry, and chocolate.
Full-bodied red wines are best paired with hearty and robust dishes such as grilled meats, stews, and strong cheeses. They are also ideal for ageing, as the high tannin content and acidity help the wine age gracefully and develop more complex flavours over time. Full-bodied red wines are perfect for sipping on during the colder months or on special occasions when you want to indulge in a rich and complex wine.
Common Red Wine Flavour Profile
Red wines are known for their rich and complex flavours. One of the most prominent flavour profiles in red wines is the fruit taste. Many red wines have some degree of fruity flavour, with common notes including cherry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and currant. These fruit flavours are often complemented by other flavour notes that give the wine its complexity.
Another common flavour profile in red wines is earthy undertones. These notes are often described as forest floor, mushroom, leather, or tobacco, and they can add depth and complexity to the wine. These earthy notes are particularly prominent in red wines made from grapes grown in cooler climates.
Spices are also a common flavour profile in red wines. Notes of cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and anise can often be detected in red wines, particularly those that are aged in oak barrels. Oak ageing can also impart flavours of vanilla, coconut, and toasty oak to the wine, adding another layer of complexity.
Tannins are another important element in red wine flavour profiles. Tannins are compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes, and they give the wine its structure and body. Wines with high tannin levels can have a bitter or astringent taste, particularly when young, but over time the tannins will soften, resulting in a smoother wine.
Red Wine Glass Choice
The choice of glassware can greatly impact the overall drinking experience of red wine. When selecting a glass of red wine, it is important to consider the shape, size, and material of the glass.
The ideal shape for a red wine glass is one that has a wide bowl and a tapered rim. The wide bowl allows the wine to aerate, which helps release its aromas and flavours. The tapered rim helps to concentrate on the wine's aromas and directs them towards the nose, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
In terms of size, the glass should be large enough to allow the wine to be swirled without spilling but not so large that it becomes difficult to hold. The stem of the glass should be long enough to allow the drinker to hold it comfortably without warming the wine with their body heat.
When it comes to material, a glass made from thin, clear glass is ideal, as it allows the drinker to fully appreciate the wine's colour and clarity. A glass made from crystal or leaded glass can also enhance the overall experience as it can increase the wine's perceived aroma and flavour.
It is important to note that different styles of red wine may require different types of glasses. For example, a full-bodied red wine may benefit from a larger glass with a wider bowl, while a lighter-bodied red wine may be better suited to a smaller glass with a narrower bowl.