Whether you are a beginner or a pro, if you are a wine lover or developing a taste for it, this is a must read article for you, my friend. As said by Robin Louis Stevenson, “Wine is bottled poetry”, which when goes inside your system, it makes you feel alive, and the world seems better. Since not all ecstasies are the same, there are a variety of wines available all around the globe which offer unique taste and aroma for a sparkling night after a long day. Being the wine experts that we are, we present to you a list of gorgeous wines which look good, feel great and taste scrumptious.
Factors Distinguishing Wines
- Tannin- The right word for red wines without tannins would be weird. If you are wondering what gives the red wines such astringent taste, then tannins gladly take the credit for it. Tannins are found in the grape skin used to make red wines, and since red wines are fermented with it, tannins naturally give a bitter taste to the wine which distinguishes it from other wine types.
- Body- Body defines the consistency of the wine. It refers to how heavy or light the wine feels in your mouth. Wines are classified into three body types- light, medium and full body wines. Since red wines are medium to full-bodied wines and white wines are light to medium bodied, now you know why red wines feel heavier than white wines.
- Acidity- The right word for white wines without acidity would be weird. White wine grapes are highly acidic which gives it a crisp flavour. Lower acidic content in the wine gives it a bland flavour which takes away the right taste. The tongue tingle after drinking white wines shows it’s quality and acidity.
Types Of Wine
-
Red wine
The wine which gives chills down the spine and keeps your heart healthy as a horse, red wine, is a great favourite all around the globe. The red wines are made from black grapes and fermented with the grape skin (tannin source) which gives it the gorgeous dark red colour. Red wines are enjoyed at low room temperatures. When it comes to choosing the right meals for it, it feels like red meat and red wine are a pair made in heaven exclusively for us. Robust flavour foods such as meats, pasta dishes, grilled salmon or chicken, Japanese dishes and more pair perfectly with different red wines. Some of the most famous red wines of all times are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux.
-
White wine
Another most popular wine type which makes you crave for more with every sip, white wine is a favourite of those who like crisp flavours. White wines are pretty low on tannins, but since they are significantly high on acidity, it gives them a classic taste. White wine is made from both green and black grapes without being fermented with the grape skin which provides them with a gorgeous light shade that’s a treat to the eyes. The flavour can be rich and creamy or even zesty depending on the fermentation. If there is astringent taste, which is a result of tannins, then such flavours come after fermentation in oak barrels. White wines taste amazing with poultry food such as grilled sausages, dry chicken and pork, salads and even fish dishes. Drink them cold for feeling the wine perfectly. A few of the most popular white wines which are a must have for white wine lovers are Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscadet.
-
Sparkling wine
Ever heard about champagne? Well, that is the most prominent examples of sparkling wines. Such wines make any occasion even more glittery with their distinctive taste and look. If you are wondering how is sparkling wine so bubbly, then those bubbles are a result of the fermentation process and are carbon dioxide present in it. There are four types of sparkling wines:
- Brut- The most popular form of sparkling wine, brut is a dry wine with a hint of sweetness which amazingly balances the flavour of this carbonated wine. Champagne is a typical example of brut wines.
- Extra-brut- When yeast has consumed all the sugar, what is left is a dry wine which is an extra-brut sparkling wine. There is no sugar which gives it a unique flavour.
- Demi-sec- A sweet sparkling wine is a demi-sec wine. The sugar is allowed to be present in abundance in this form which makes it a sweet carbonated wine drink. This one blends well with desserts.
- Extra-dry- Even though names as extra dry, this form of sparkling wine is less dry as compared to brut and extra brut and can retain some sweetness. It is in mid of demi-sec and brut wines which gives it a longer lasting flavour.
-
Dessert wines
Oops! You forgot about the dessert while preparing for the main course for your get together and there is no time to order? Well, then if you have a bottle of dessert bottle sitting in your cabinet saved for special days, this is one such day. Pour a glass of this wine for the dessert, and no one would mind. Dessert or fortified wines are paired with other spirits which stops the fermentation and leaves a sweet drink behind for you to enjoy with or as your desserts. Ice wines, port, sherry and orange muscat are a few favourite dessert or fortified wines.
-
Rose Wines
Rose wines are named after the gorgeous rose flower because of its blush shade. Possible reasons for this colour could be a blend of white and red wine or grapes allowed to ferment only for a few hours. Rose wines range from medium- sweet to dry which makes a perfect fit for various important occasions. Rose wine is the most prominent pick for wine beginners. It is one of the oldest in the business, and few of the most popular selections are Champagne Delacourt Rosé Brut, Ferghettina Franciacorta Brut Rosé, Whispering Angel and Ameztoi ‘Rubentis’ Rosé Txakolina.
