What are the four main types of wine?

Welcome to your Vino journey! We’re here to be your guide as we explore the vast world of wines together. By obtaining a deeper understanding on the process of wine production and evaluation, you will develop a deeper appreciation for the craft, plus you’ll be able to flex this knowledge amongst your peers, coming off as a true wine connoisseur.

Why?

First off, we have to ask ourselves why do wines come in different colours? Well, the simple answer is that wines pretty much take colour from the skin of their grapes. The fermentation time plays a part in this as well as wines that are fermented over longer periods develop darker shades. This applies to aged wines too as older vintages tend to take on a deep, rich hue as they sit on the shelf.

Red

The most shocking piece of news you’ll read today: red wine is named as such because it is red. Red wines are made from red grapes (or what we call black-skinned grapes) that have a colourless juice. The grape skins are mixed with the extract during fermentation where the pigment from the skins is what gives it colour.

Red wines are generally high in tannins that leave a bitter-dry sensation in your mouth after each sip. They are best enjoyed at the dinner table with hearty meals consisting of red meat and other fatty or oily foods. Some popular names that you may have heard of include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

See Summer Steals - French Reds

White

White wine (technically yellow-ish to golden in colour) on the other hand, are mostly produced from green grapes. So why are they not green? Unlike reds, white wines are fermented without their skins, only the clear extract is used. Because of this, they have much less tannins than red wines but are high in acidity, highlighting fresh, crisp, and tart nuances.

As you may have already guessed, white wines pair well with foods that are light on the palette such as fish, poultry, and cheese. It is recommended to chill white wines before drinking to unveil its aroma and flavours. Sauvignon Blanc is possibly the most iconic name in the business, and for good reason as it is grown in almost every wine region, with countless variations.

See Summer Steals - Chill Whites

Rosé

Contrary to popular belief, rosé is not made from roses. In fact, it is traditionally produced by macerating red wine grape skins and juices together for up to 36 hours, after which the skins are removed. The limited contact time that the skins have with the liquid is what bestows the alluring blush hue. A popular modern method of making rosé is by blending red and white wines to derive a wonderfully aromatic and dry tipple.

Although there are many permutations of rosé, it is a good beginner wine thanks to its sweet strawberry, melon, and floral notes. It is a popular crowd-pleaser at gatherings and makes a great choice for less formal occasions.

See 2020 Miraval - IGP Mediterranee Rose Studio

Sparkling (Bubbly)

There’s nothing more satisfying than the “pop” of a bottle to celebrate special occasions. Whilst Champagne is the most admired bubbly in the world, there is a plethora of fizzy wines out there which are equally enjoyable such as Prosecco, Cava, and even Lambrusco which is a lightly carbonated red wine; bet you didn’t know that!

Here’s a fun fact: Champagne is a unique product taken so seriously that only wines made from grapes grown and harvested in Champagne (a north-eastern region in France) may be named after it. Unlike still wines, sparkling wines undergo two stages of fermentation – the first is to harness alcohol, and the second for carbonation. Rather than pairing with food, bubblies are best enjoyed when it calls for celebration!

See Summer Steals - Celebrate Good Times

Take it easy

Ultimately, there aren’t many hard and fast rules when it comes to wine, especially with the evolution of processing techniques and emergence of hybrid varietals. The best way to experience wines is to try them yourself, and what better way to do so than in the company of your best buddies!

If you're looking for a good beginner wine set, why not check out our Summer Steals - Wine of Everything mixed bundle which includes one wine of each type: Reds, Whites, Rose, and Sparkling. With this selection, curiosity doesn't kill the cat!

Discover and explore the interesting world of wine at www.sgwinemart.com