Have you always wondered about the different types of wine and what type you would enjoy best? If you are new to the wine scene, you may feel confused or even intimidated about the many different types and flavors of wine. People have been consuming wine for decades. However, recently, wine-tasting has skyrocketed, and people all over the world are taking part in wine tours and tastings. Trying new wine is an experience that should invoke all of your senses. It is best enjoyed with good company and can even be a great networking opportunity. With a little knowledge and practice, wine tasting can easily be enjoyed and appreciated. Here is a basic overview of the many styles of wine worth exploring:
Red Wine Vs. White Wine
It’s easy to notice the difference in appearance between red and white wines. These two common types of wine taste and smell different, largely due to the number of tannins present inside. Tannins are a bitter, naturally occurring substance in grapes. The longer grapes ferment with skins will determine how many tannins are in the wine in addition to how dark the wine is. Red skin grapes will have more tannins present than white grapes. What does this mean for wine tasting? The darker red of a wine you try, the more bitter and bold it will taste. Popular red wines include; Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
While white wine does contain tannins, they are not as noticeable as in red wine. White wines are, however, more acidic. Many describe white wine as tart or crisp. Generally, white wine considered to be easy-drinking and can include light-bodied styles such as Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, to full-bodied styles such as Chardonnay and Viognier.
Rosé Wine
Pink in color, Rose wine, also called blush wine, can be found in many different styles from sweet to dry. Rose wine is made when the skins of red grapes are added to wine for a short period of time. Popular Rose wine varieties include Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine can be made from a variety of grapes and is either carbonated naturally during the fermentation process or by being injected with carbon dioxide after the fermentation. Sparkling wines make a great addition to celebrations or special events. A few great sparkling wines to sample include champagne, brut, and dry seco.
Dessert Wine
Dessert wine, also known as a sweet wine, is often served after a meal and can have intense flavorings. Often, brandy is added to the wine to bring out more of the natural sugars that are used up during fermentation. If you would like to try a dessert wine, sherry and port are two common choices.