What are the different types of wine?

No doubt, wine is simply the fermented juice from a wine grape. Wine grapes are very different from the grapes you find in grocery stores. They are small, sweet, densely skinned and contain many seeds. Wine is made from two types of grapes: red and green-colored black grapes, both white. Wide varieties of grapes can be used to create thousands of different wine blends and varietals. Many other factors influence the character of a wine, such as the wine region, sweetness, acidity and body, and flavors. But we won’t go into all the details. Let’s look at the most important types that you can buy wine online. 

1. Red Wines

Red wines are fermented with black grapes using grape skins, seeds, and stems. After you have sipped, red wine will leave a bitter and dry taste in your mouth. Starter Selections: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel Chianti, Beaujolais. Food Pairings: Red wine pairs well with red meat dishes such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and pizza. Pro tip: Red wines should be consumed at room temperature or slightly lower. Red wine can become bitter if it is chilled. It is important to know that the older the wine, or the darker it is, the higher the number of tannins. Choose an older wine, which will taste drier and more bitter.

   2. White wines

Both white and black grapes can be used to make white wines. Red wines are fermented using grape skins. White wines, however, are not. Instead, the skins of white wines are separated, and only clear grape juice is used. White wine is low in tannins. Its acidic nature gives it its crisp, tart and fresh flavors. Starter Selections: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling Food Pairings

   3. Rose Wines

Rose wine is known for its blush or pink color. This beautiful color is made when the juice from black grapes ferments with the skins for a short time. It can take a few hours to several days before the juice turns pink. It is low in tannins like white wine, but some roses can be dry. Rose is a crowd-pleaser, especially at summer parties. It’s a great starter wine because it has a light sweet flavor. Rose pairs well with light foods and snacks such as chicken, fish, fruits, salsa, chips, and cheese. It is a common misconception that a rose is made from red and white wine, but it is illegal in the wine industry!

   4. Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines can be described as carbonated wines. This is why they are called “bubbly”. Sparkling wines are made of both black and white grapes. Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring by product of fermentation. Champagne is the most popular sparkling wine. It is often used in New Year’s celebrations and weddings. Starter Picks – Champagne, Prosecco Food Pairings: Light food such as soft cheeses and seafood (including smoked salmon and shrimp), salad, fresh fruits, and popcorn. Pro Tip: Have you ever wondered why champagne is served in tall, slim glasses? These glasses are meant to retain the temperature and bubbles of sparkling wines. Important Information: Sparkling wines are named after the region in which they are made, such as Champagne in France.

The next two categories are where things get fuzzy. This is because the lines blur around what constitutes a dessert wine. It is common to see dessert wines and fortified wines grouped. Sometimes the names are used interchangeably. However, it is worth noting that both wine types possess distinct characteristics.

    5. Dessert Wines

Dessert wines, as the name implies, are sweet wines that are sipped after eating dessert. Starter Picks – Icewine, Moscato. Food Pairings: Soft cheeses and cake. Biscotti, chocolate, and vanilla pudding are all good options. It’s important to know that dessert wines can include sweet wines. This is why fortified wines are sometimes included.