Beginner\'s Guide To Different Types Of Wine

Beginner\'s Guide To Different Types Of Wine Related Information:

Wine has been a firm favourite for many centuries, adorning the tables of kings and dignitaries right down to the tables of humble working class families. Today there are many different types of wine, and the uneducated buyer tends to select wines by price, alcohol content, or even the look of the bottle. But if you want a wine that is truly palatable and suits your personal tastes, it is worth finding out the basics about different types of wines.

Below, you will find a little information about some of the popular wines around today. Hopefully, this should give you an insight as to which wine may suit your taste buds, enabling you to make a more informed choice next time you are looking for a quality bottle of wine.

White wines

Below you will find a selection of popular whites, along with a description of each:

Chardonnay originates from Burgundy in France, and is a dry white wine. This wine has a long history going back thousands of years, and comes in both still and standard varieties. The zesty citrus flavours of this wine make it a great choice for dishes such as fish and chicken. This is a very versatile wine that can produce a variety if flavours through fermentation.

Muscat is a sweet and very fruity wine, which comes from grapes grown in warmer climates. Aromatic and rich, this wine is usually recommended as a wine that is best drunk on its own.

Riesling is a wine that originates from Germany, and the German Rieslings offer a blend of slight acidity and sweetness to create a balanced and palatable drink. Riesling made in California is usually far sweeter, and not as balanced as the German Riesling. A balanced Riesling is often paired with fish, pork or chicken.

Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that originates from France, although it can also be produced in New Zealand. This is a tangy and refreshing dry white wine, which has a herbal aroma and a zest that can range from tropical to citrus. This wine is a good choice for poultry, salads, and seafood.

Red wines

Below you will find a selection of popular reds, along with a description of each:

Pinot Noir is a lighter and more refreshing red wine than many other types of red. It’s earthy yet fruity flavour makes it ideal for accompanying dishes such as poultry, lamb, and pork. This red is produced in a variety of countries including California, Australia and Italy, although its roots are in the famous Burgundy of France.

Merlot is a soft and fruit red, with cherry and currant flavours, and pleasant aromas. Not as deep or rich as many fuller bodied reds, this is a red wine that is well suited to dishes such as lamb and beef.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich and full bodied wine, which is often blended with Shiraz or merlot for extra depth and character. The flavours can depend on the blend, and can range from deep berry flavours to rich vanilla and chocolate ones. This rich wine can be enjoyed with a variety of meats, as well as with pasta and mature cheese.

Other wines

Of course, there are other types of wine – it’s not all about whites and reds. For instance, you may enjoy a chilled rosé, a wine that is rarely given the attention or publicity that it deserves. This pink wine is best served chilled and served with lighter dishes to complement its refreshing and light taste and aromas.

You will also need to decide between still and sparkly wines, which is a matter of preference – some people enjoy the exhilarating bubbles of a sparkly whereas others find it hard to digest.