The best varieties of red wine

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Red wine, possessing primary spicy aromas, is made from red (black) grape varieties using a special technology that allows anthocyanins to pass from the skin of the fruit into the must, which is why the drink has such a rich color. The main source of juice in this case is the pulp of grapes. It contains tartaric, citric and malic acids, minerals, pectin, as well as various nitrogenous compounds. From the peel, tannins and polyphenols enter the alcohol, and from the grains - tannins. If we consider the varieties of red wine, it should be noted that there are about four and a half thousand of them all over the world, depending on the wine-growing region. We will consider the most famous of them today.

Characterization of red wines

Practically all noble varieties of red wine are rich in tannins, so they are distinguished by fullness and seasoned character. After aging, alcohol acquires such tones that are often accompanied by floral smells (for example, violets) or vanilla aromas. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby color. Depending on aging, the wine can acquire both a mixture of cherry, plum, cranberry and blackcurrant aromas (three to seven years), as well as an oak aroma with an admixture of leather, tobacco and coffee (ten to fifteen years).

What is served for

Such varieties of red wine as Cabernet Sauvignon are considered quite strong, so they are served with light meals. Meat dishes from pork, veal, poultry, as well as light cheeses, pasta, dark chocolate desserts are well suited to such an alcoholic drink.

Merlot

Merlot is a close relative of Cabernet Sauvignon, but its aroma is slightly softer, and the taste is sour and tart, in addition, it has a touch of dried fruit, which is why it is called "feminine". This red grape variety has hints of vanilla, licorice, as well as black or green pepper and olives.

What is served for

Lamb, poultry and veal dishes, as well as vegetable dishes, legumes, semi-hard cheeses, Italian sausages go well with this wine. Fish does not go well with this drink, so they are not combined.

Pinot Noir

Pinot noir has a brick color, an exquisite aroma with hints of smoke and wood, an elegant tart taste with hints of rose hips, spices and coffee. It must be said that this type of red wine is unpredictable and capricious, therefore it requires a certain experience from the taster.

What is served for

Pinot Noir is usually served with white meat with sauce,lamb or poultry dishes, as well as salmon.

Syrah

Syrah (Shiraz) has a strong tart full taste with a pronounced aroma of nuts and cherries. It should be noted that Shiraz in each country is different in character and style. For example, in France, such a wine has a hint of pepper and smoke, and in California - fruit and cork.

What is served for

Red wines such as Syrah are mainly served with game, meats and fatty cheeses, as this wine is able to emphasize the taste of these dishes to the maximum. Spicy dishes, oranges, bitter chocolate, as well as desserts with mint and oily fish do not go well with this drink, as they do not allow the wine aroma and taste to fully reveal.