You love red wine, and want to know more about it? If you've ever wondered how flavors like blackberries or raspberries get into a bottle made only from grapes, or how fruity red wine differs from spicy red wine, or dark red wine from light red wine, you've come to the right place.
What is red wine?
Simply put, red wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting the juice of dark-colored grapes. Red wine differs from white wine due to the use of dark-colored grapes and a different production process. During red wine production, the winemaker allows the pressed grape juice, also known as must, to macerate and ferment with the grape skins. This process adds color, flavor and tannin to the wine. Fermentation occurs when yeast converts grape sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The result: red wine.
Characteristics of red wine
- Color
Red wine ranges in color from deep, opaque purple to bright ruby red. As red wine ages, the bright colors change to garnet red and eventually brown. - Tannins
Red wine gets tannins by macerating the juice with the grape skins, seeds and sometimes stems. Tannins give wine texture, structure and storage potential. They provide the drying sensation in the mouth, similar to black tea. As a wine ages, tannins soften, so young, tannic-rich wines often taste better after a few years of bottle aging. - Taste
The flavors of red wine are diverse and depend on the grape variety. For example, Pinot Noir often has notes of raspberry and forest floor, while Cabernet Sauvignon is more likely to offer aromas of cassis and wet gravel. These flavors are natural characteristics of the grapes and are created during maceration and fermentation. - Acid
Acid is essential to the freshness and shelf life of red wine. It provides a balance between sweet, bitter and tannic components. Red wine contains several types of acid, the most important being tartaric acid and malic acid.
Types of red wine grapes
With hundreds of varieties of red wine grapes, there are as many stories to tell as there are grape varieties. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common red grape varieties:
- Cabernet Franc
Flavors: violets, blueberry, earth, black olive, coffee
Known for its role in Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Franc offers elegant tannins and earthy notes. - Cabernet Sauvignon
Flavors: green bell pepper, black cherry, cassis
The most recognizable grape from Bordeaux and Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon has a robust character with deep, complex flavors. - Gamay
Flavors: strawberry, raspberry, cherry
The grape behind Beaujolais, often drunk young, with lively, fruity flavors. - Grenache/Garnacha
Flavors: spiciness, cherry
An early ripening grape known for its spicy, bold flavors and popular in Spain and southern France. - Pinot Noir
Flavors: tomato leaf, cherry, forest floor
A delicate, demanding grape that offers complexity and elegance, based in Burgundy. - Syrah/Shiraz
Flavors: blackberry, plum, pepper
Popular worldwide, from juicy Australian Shiraz to complex Rhone wines.
Red wine and foodpairing
Red wine is versatile at the table because of its structure and diversity. Heavy red wines pair well with hearty dishes such as steak, while lighter red wines with high acidity pair well with roasted vegetables or chicken. The rule of thumb: "What grows together, goes together." For example: Italian tomato dishes pair excellently with Chianti.
Read more about wine-food pairings here.
The shelf life of red wine
Red wine is known for its storage potential, but must be stored properly. The ideal storage temperature is 12° C (4 to 6° C lower than serving temperature). Wines stored too warm ripen too quickly or can taste "cooked," while temperatures that are too cold slow down the aging process.
Read more about wine (storage) temperature here.
Light and humidity are also important. Wine bottles are often made of dark glass to block UV rays. A dry environment can dry out the cork, which can allow oxygen into the bottle and spoil the wine.
Glasses for red wine
The right wine glass can enhance your wine experience. Bordeaux glasses have a tall, narrow shape and are ideal for heavy wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Burgundy glasses have a wide chalice and are suitable for delicate wines such as Pinot Noir. Stemless glasses are less formal, and traditional stemmed glasses prevent the wine from heating up from body heat.
Read more about the different wine glasses here.
Red wine is not just a drink, but an experience. Whether you enjoy a glass alongside a dish or use it in a recipe, proper use and storage can make a world of difference.
Source: Wine Enthusiast
