Thu August 7th 2008

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An Introduction to Different Types of Wine

The first step in educating yourself about wine should be to acquire a basic understanding of the differences between various types of wine, or their unique "styles."

With such an immense variety available, many people are reluctant to experiment with different styles of wine. If you have never tried a port or a pinot noir, you may be hesitant without knowing what flavors to expect. Although many feel they need to be experts to truly enjoy wines, experimenting with different types of wine can lead to some exciting discoveries!



While increasing your knowledge may heighten your enjoyment, the best way to gain a sense of your preferences is to try different wines.

With so many wines and so many styles to choose from, where do you begin? Easy. Look afresh at the whole wine scene. In recent years, it has improved beyond recognition, both in quality and style.

Variation Within Types of Wine
Ever wonder what causes wines to be so different in flavor and texture from each other? Wine can be made from an array of grapes or just a single type that may be cultivated only in distinct regions of the world. While some wines are named after the principal grape in their composition, known as varietals, others are named after the growing region itself.

While the climate of the region affects the taste of the grape, the ripeness at harvest helps determine the dryness or sweetness of the wine as it is prepared for vinification.

The vinification process (winemaking) is where the expertise of the winemaker shapes the taste of the wine. During vinification, the winemaker will oversee the picking and crushing of grapes, as well as control the temperature of the fermentation process.
Different styles of wine, however, often require a different fermentation and aging process. For example, red wine acquires its color through the grape skins left in with the juice. Similarly, storing wine in oak barrels imparts a vanilla and toast aroma.

Other Types of Wine: Sparkling Wines, Champagnes, Rosés and Blushes
When most people think of wine varieties, they tend to immediately think of red and white wines. However, the world of wine is far more complex than merely these two varieties. In addition to red and white wines, wine enthusiasts can also enjoy rosés, rice wines and fruit wines, to name a few.

Experimenting with other types of wine can open up a vast world of enjoyment. For example, next time you go out to a sushi dinner, try a variety of rice wines, also known as sake. While many have tried the hot sake, fewer people have thoroughly explored the depths of chilled and unfiltered sake. Read more to learn about the world of wine outside of traditional red and white varieties.

Champagne is another type of wine that doesn't neatly fit into the red versus white distinction. It stands in a category of its own due to the unique process through which it is produced. When winemakers produce sparkling wines, they add a yeast and sugar solution to dry table wine. The wine is then sealed for secondary fermentation. Genuine Champagne has to be the perfect example of sparkling wine.

Along with Rice wines and Champagnes, Rosé wine falls into the "other wine" category. Rosé is produced from black grapes without the stalks. The juice is separated off as soon as it is sufficiently pink. Styles vary enormously. Some of the best rosés are produced from the Grenache grape and are deliciously fragrant and refreshing.

Reading a Wine Label
When it comes to choosing a wine, knowing how to read the wine label is key. Although some may think that the wine label is merely decorative, it does, in fact, store a wealth of knowledge about the nature of a particular wine. In addition to telling you the alcohol content and the vineyard where the wine is produced, a wine label can also relate the type of grape(s) used, the vintage of the wine and the terrior of the region in which the wine was made.

Another key fact to reading wine labels is to read the back label, as well as the front label. Few people outside of the most elite wine connoisseurs thoroughly examine the back label. Learn more tips about how to read a wine label so that you can choose wines that best suit your tastes.

Red Wine Styles
While people may be familiar with the types of red wines available, they are likely to be less familiar with how the production process of the wine affects the style of the finished product. For example, did you know that red wine gets its color because the grape skins are left in the wine during the fermentation process? Learn more about how wine styles can be tailored through the production process.

Red Wines
Red wine is made from black grapes that are fermented with the skin and pips. Wine producers worldwide are constantly developing reds that are smoother, more rounded and juicier. Styles range from light and refreshing to sweet and fortified.

Alternatively, other reds can be silkier and mellower. One example of this variety includes the delicious cherry and raspberry flavors of the Pinot Noir. For a juicy, modern style red, look no further than some of the excellent New World wines. Fancy something spicier? Plump for a deep, rich, full-bodied red made from the Syrah or Shiraz grape. Read on the find out more about the unique facets of red wines.

White Wines
Surprisingly, white wine can be made from either white or black grapes, as all grape juice is initially colorless. White wine styles vary from bone dry to golden sweet. Muscadet and Verdicchio grapes generally make good dry, crisp whites. For something a little tangier, the zesty Sauvignon Blanc grape is a reliable choice.

For richer, nuttier flavored whites, try a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, ripe, tropical fruit flavored whites can be found in the Chardonnay grape. Learn more about the distinct features associated with white wines.

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