"Red Red Wine"

The world of red wine is fascinating and has a long history behind it. The following will discuss the 10 major types of red wine and grape varieties. Just to mention, a bottle of wine which is composed of only one kind of grape, for example Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, then the wine is called a varietal. According to U.S. Federal Law, to be named a varietal wine, it must be made from at least 75% of the grape variety stated on the label. Variety is used to refer to the type of grape, and varietal is the truth about a certain wine. For example, Francis Ford Coppola’s “Cinema” is a blend of five different grapes Cabernet, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Petit-verdot. Overall, red wine is an adventure with every sip. Having some basic knowledge and understanding of it can dramatically change your experience in the large world of wine. The way I see it is, "wine is easy to learn, but hard to master." Above is a video on how to taste red wine, and below is a little about the top 10 most popular reds. 

An important fact is the reason why red wine has a strong tannin taste compared to white wine, which does not. Red wine is made from purple and red grapes, which are fermented with the skins, seeds, and sometime pieces of stem. The fermentation of these solids with the grape juices in effect gives red wine its condensed tannins. White wine usually is fermented with just the grade juice.

The difference between tannins and acidity in red wines: When you drink wine high in tannins, you’ll notice your tongue feeling gripped with a dry and puckery sensation. This is the condensed tannins you are tasting. There are different kinds of tannin, and condensed tannins are the ones found in wine. When the taste is lighter, crispier, and the flavors zing in your mouth like orange juice, this is the acid in the wine. 

1.   Syrah, sometimes known as Shiraz in America, thrives in California, Australia, and France’s Rhone Valley. This heavy red wine complimented with sensations of fruit makes it pair great with beef, steak, wild game, stews, and anything with an acidic venue.

2.   Malbec doesn’t have a typical taste, depending on where the grapes are grown and how the wine is made, it generally produces an easy drinking wine. It pairs great with meat based foods such as spicy mexican food or a spicy penne pasta. Typically originates from Bordeaux. The grape is grown in cooler regions on California, Australia, Chile and is the most popular red grape in Argentina.

3.   The great Cabernet Sauvignon, usually aged in Oak, is often blended with Cabernet franc and merlot. This wine is simply paired with red meats, and anything with a more acidic side. If enjoyed when young, it produces a gripping full-bodied wine, and will hold it young red color. When aged, the Polyphenols in the wine polymerize and the wine illuminates a more orange color. And the taste will be much more mellow. When aged in oak, the wine develops hints of toast, leather, popcorn.  

4.   Merlot, or (mare-lo) is an easy to drink and often used by wine educators to introduce red wines. Scents commonly noticed are black cherry, plums, herbal flavors and is much less tannic than a Cabernet Sauvignon.

5.   Pinot noir is the hardest grape to grow and the most sophisticated. This wine virtually holds almost no tannic sense.. The low level of polyphenols makes is a very soft red wine. The aromas are fruity like cherry, strawberry, earth, tea leaf, and other lighter fruits. A Pinot noir pairs great with salmon, chicken, lamb and other dishes like sushi rolls.

6.   Zinfandel is seen all over the board, but most popular in Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile in Sonoma County California. It makes heavy bold reds. Depending on the heaviness, zinfandel can be paired with grilled and barbecued meats, pizza, tomato-sauce pastas, etc.
7.   Barbera Wine is more along the lines of a pinot noir in terms of light and smooth taste. This wine is low I tannins but high in acidity. The wine pairs great with sea foods, hardy meats and other highly acidic foods. 
8.   Cabernet Franc is rare to find in a varietal. Wine makers primarily use it in blends. It is often used to soften off a classic Cabernet Sauvignon or to give structure to a merlot. It also has a tendency to give other heavy reds a fruitier flavoring. The wine is becoming more popular everywhere, but it is predominantly found in Bordeaux, France.

9.   Originally from Spain, Grenache Wine is one of the most planted red wines in the world. It holds similar to Cabernet Franc, but wine makers are starting to use it to produce a much more affordable and delicious wine.

10. Sangiovese Wine is high in acidity and does very well with spicy Italian and tomato based foods. With aromas of cherry, plum, cinnamon and vanilla, this red wine will also do well with a lesser sweet dessert.