Understanding Basics to the Best Red Wine

Wine's color is the direct result of the grape skins in contact with the grape's juice during the fermentation process, creating red wine's distinct color spectrum. A particular red hue depends on which of approximately 50 key red grape varietals are used and the length of time the skin's pigmentation is in contact with juice.

Descriptions of red wine aroma vary as much as the number of different varietals. The varied descriptions of red wine include blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, coffee, cinnamon, clove, cocoa, currant, fig, leather, licorice, mocha, pepper (white/black), plum, strawberry, raisin, raspberry, smoke, toast, tobacco, violet.

The Importance of the Glass

Red wines are best appreciated and enjoyed when sipped out of a wine glass able to accommodate 10-20 ounces, allowing adequate room to swirl the wine and area for the wine to breathe. A glass that is wider at the bottom with a narrower opening at the top is preferred; a tulip shaped glass that is wider at the top is the least preferable.

Best Temperatures

Wines are at their best when served at proper temperatures. Serve them too warm and the taste of alcohol is overly evident; serve them too cold and they will quickly veer towards bitter and more astringent on the palate.

Beaujolais is one of the youngest wines and should be served chilled at 50F-54F so the fruity, refreshing flavor will come through. Lighter-bodied reds like Chianti and some Pinot Noirs are best when slightly chilled at 55F-60F. The full-bodied wines, such as Syrah and Cabernets, are best enjoyed a touch warmer than a wine cellar at 59F-64F. Sweet Madeira and vintage Port are best at 64-68F.

Red wines are often classified by body-type

A red wine referred to as light-bodied is making a reference to the mouth-feel and tannin structure, having fewer tannins present and less presence on the palate. These wines are often less demanding in terms of the intensity of the food flavors they are paired with. The Gamay grape varietal which produces Beaujolais wine is typically light-bodied and fruity and meant for immediate consumption, having tropical flavors and aromas - reminiscent of bananas. There are wines made from Gamay produced in the designated Cru areas of northern Beaujolais with more body and tannin meant to be consumed after some modest aging; these wines typically have the flavor of sour cherries, black pepper, dried berry and blackcurrant. Gamay Beaujolais is considered to be an early ripening Californian clone of Pinot Noir. Gamay has also been introduced recently into Oregon's Willamette Valley wine region, known for its wines made from Pinot Noir, another Burgundian grape.

A medium-bodied red wine will contain more tannins than the Beaujolais but will not have the puckery mouth feel of an intense California Cabernet Sauvignon or an Italian Super Tuscan. Typical examples of medium-bodied red wines are Merlot, Shiraz and some Chianti.

Full-bodied red wines have the highest amount of tannin and often alcohol content. Examples of full-bodied reds are France's Bordeaux wines. California's Cabernet Sauvignon ranges from medium-bodied to full-bodied with rich, ripe berry, tobacco and sometimes green pepper flavor. Italy's Super Tuscans can not be easily pinned to one style, comprised mostly of Sangiovese, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot or Syrah.

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Basic Wine Knowledge

It is true that Wine is a beverage that is well known all over the world. You will come across lot of wine lovers, throughout the world. The consumption of wine is increasing a lot.

You should be aware about the fact that wines are available all over the world. At the same time, you will come across different types of wines that are available in the market. Two common types of wines are white wines and red wines. It is said that red wines are good for heart and white wines are good cancer. You should know that wines are manufactured with the help of grapes. Different types of flavors are created. It is true that the flavor of wine will depend upon the way of manufacturing the wines. You should be aware about that fact that some wines are manufactured in a different way that produces carbon dioxide. Such wines are known as sparkling wines.

You might have heard about Champagne. You should know that Champagne is a region that is located in France. It is true that sparkling wines that are produced in Champagne are known as Champagne. The sparkling wines that are not produced in the region of Champagne cannot be called Champagne. However, these sparkling wines are simply known as sparkling wines. If you are planning to know the procedure of manufacturing champagne then you should know that these sparkling wines are manufactured with the help of grapes. The grape fruit is fermented and the additional ingredients will help you create the percentage of alcohol in the drink.

It is true that varieties of wines are available in the market. Different wine producing regions produces special wines. You should be aware about the fact that the taste and quality of wines will depend upon the year of producing. The taste of the wine is enhanced if the wine is fermented for a long period of time. You will come across lot of people who will prefer having home made wines. It is easy to make wines. Therefore, people have started making the wines at the home. On the other hand, there are some people who would prefer to have a particular brand of quality of wine. The process of making wines is an art. If you are planning to learn the process of wine making then it is better to search on internet. Over the internet, you will get all the information that is required to prepare wines.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about basic wine knowledge visit Fine Wine Shop for current articles and discussions.

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