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Did you know that the largest top three producers of wine are France, Spain, and Italy? The United States comes in fourth place. You might be surprised to learn that China is usually found in the top ten. Fun fact, the Chinese government prefers red wine and believes it is lucky.
Wine is an alcoholic drink that has been around for a long time. People have always thought of it as a drink for high-class people.
There are many different types of wine in the world. This article will introduce you to a few types of wine and what to expect from them.
Red Wine
The largest type of wine produced today, red wine comes from dark-colored (purple or deep red to the naked eyes) grapes. The grapes retain their skins during the fermentation process, which gives the wine its color and tannins. Red wine can be dry or fruity, and it pairs well with meats and cheeses.
Consumption of red wine is often associated with medical health benefits. This includes being rich in antioxidants, helping to fight cancer, protecting heart health, and slowing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
White Wine
White or green grapes that have had their skins removed before fermentation make white wine. This results in a lighter-colored wine with fewer tannins. White wines can be dry or sweet, and they pair well with fish and poultry dishes.
Sparkling Wine
To make sparkling wines, the maker adds carbon dioxide to still wines, which creates the signature bubbles. These wines can be white or red, and they are often sweeter than still wines.
Rose Wine
Rose wine comprises a mix of red and white grapes. One can also leave the skins on red grapes for a short time during fermentation to make this wine. This results in a pink-colored wine with fruity flavors. Rose wines pair well with lighter dishes such as salads or seafood.
Dessert Wine
Dessert wines are sweet wines served after dinner. They require no special grape to make them, and they often have high alcohol content.
Different Types of Wine
Al the categories of wine described above can be further broken down into different types of wine made from different grapes or grown in different regions. Let’s explore a few of these.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a full body and strong flavors. It is one of the most popular types of wine in the world and originated in the Bordeaux region of France.
2. Chardonnay
Chardonnay wines boast a creamy texture and oak flavor. It is the most popular type of white wine in the world and pairs well with poultry and fish dishes.
3. Pinot Noir
Pinot noir wines are light and delicate in flavor. It is a popular type of red wine that goes well with pork, lamb, and veal dishes.
4. Merlot
Merlot wines have soft, fruity flavors and a medium body. It is a popular type of red wine enjoyed with poultry, fish, and pasta dishes.
5. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a light white wine known for its grassy, herbaceous flavor. It is a popular type of white wine and originated in the Loire Valley region of France. It pairs well with salads, nutty cheeses, and seafood dishes.
6. Riesling
Riesling wines are known for their sweetness and floral aromas. It is a white wine originating in the Rhine region of Germany. It pairs well with desserts, fruits, and spicy dishes.
7. Zinfandel
Zinfandel wines are medium to full-bodied and are known for their fruity, spicy flavor. This red wine originated in Croatia. It pairs well with grilled meats and tomato-based dishes.
8. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio wines have a light body and crisp, refreshing flavor. It is a popular type of white wine that originated in the Northeastern region of Italy. It pairs well with salads, seafood, and poultry dishes.
9. Moscato
Moscato wines have a sweetness about them and floral aromas. This dessert wine originated in the Piedmont region of Italy. It pairs well with desserts, fruits, and cheese dishes.
10. Malbec
Malbec wines have a full body and dark fruit flavors. It is a popular type of red wine originating in the Cahors region of France. It pairs well with grilled meats and hearty dishes.
The Winemaking Process
To make the best wine, you start with the best grapes. The grapes are crushed and placed in a fermentation tank where yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and turns it into alcohol. The wine is then aged in various barrels where it picks up additional flavors. Oak barrels are well known for departing vanilla flavors for instance.
The wine is aged for different lengths of time depending on the type of wine being made. After the aging process is complete, the wine is bottled and ready to be enjoyed by people all over the world.
How to Choose Your Favorite Wine
If you’re ever in a wine country, be sure to visit a few wineries for tastings. Tastings are a great way to learn about different wines and find new favorites. When you’re tasting, pay attention to the appearance, aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel of the wine. Also, be sure to take your time and savor each sip!
The best winery will have a selection of aged wines on offer. If you’re looking to splurge on a nice bottle of wine, be sure to check out some of these prized bottles. These are wines that have been carefully cellared and allowed to mature over time. They often have complex flavors and aromas, and they can be quite expensive. But if you’re looking for a truly special wine experience, they’re definitely worth the price!
These wines you may want to savor a glass at a time and save the rest for another special occasion. Take care to preserve the quality of your wines by learning how to reseal them well. When you open a bottle of wine, the air can cause it to spoil. To prevent this, use a wine saver to seal your wine.
Enjoy Your Favorite Wine
Whether you’re new to wine or you’ve been enjoying it for years, we hope this article has taught you something new about this delicious drink. There are so many different types of wine produced today, and each one has its own unique flavor and aroma. With so many choices out there, there’s sure to be a wine that you’ll love. So get out there and start exploring. Share this with someone you know who enjoys drinking wine. Help them discover something new!