Wine lovers tend to be very aware that all red wines are not the same, although the average person may not realize there are differences that extend beyond the label on the bottle. In reality, there are at least 50 key varieties of red wine and the colors can range from light red and ruby red to opaque purple and almost black. Even the flavor can vary greatly among the varieties, ranging from fruity to having a hint of tobacco. Learning more about reds is a great way to develop an appreciation for this versatile wine type.

The color and the flavor of red wine is a combination of the variety of grape as well as the winemaking process. Grapes used to make reds range from deep red to purple to blue and the skins are left on during fermentation which gives colo. The skins contribute to the varieties of color and, along with the grape seed, determine the amount of tannins in the finished product. The longer the skins are left in contact with the fermenting grapes, the deeper the color and the higher the tannin content. Reds with the highest tannin content are considered full-bodied, like Cabernet, while lower tannin content gives medium-bodied Merlot or light-bodied Beaujolais. The fruity reds, which are named because of their flavor not because there is any sweetness, have the lowest tannin content of all the reds.

The variety of colors in red wines is not only the product of fermenting the grapes with the skin. Flavenoids, which are known as antioxidants, are present in both the grape seed and skin, and they escape into the wine during fermentation. Because of this, a fuller-bodied wine has a higher flavenoid content. As a result, four ounces per day can help reduce bad cholesterol and clotting, while raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids have also been linked to the formation of nerve cells, which could help people avoid Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as the inhibited growth of certain types of cancer cells.

For many, recognizing the difference between red wines and whites is limited to looking at the color, while the difference in reds is written on the label. In reality, the difference between reds and whites, as well as the difference between varieties of red, begins in the vineyard and continues in the winery. Subtleties in color, flavor and aroma have been perfected by the makers and the variety keeps people coming back for more. Learning about those subtle differences makes it much easier to appreciate them.

Are you a devotee of outstanding wines but do not know the way to evaluate the wine for its value? Do not be dismayed. There are places of information out there in retail stores and on the internet that can instruct how to measure the value of wines and even instruct you on how to make your own wines. You can even purchase books that educate you on the methods to grow your very own grapes and make your own wine! Think of how impressed your friends will be when you present them with a gift from your very own garden.

Wine Tasting Holidays To Be Enjoyed

Tagged with: Wine Cellars

Filed under: Wine Cellars

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!