Having learned about wine and the winemaking process, we can begin to dive into the specifics. There is a great variety of wine available today, generally divided into the red wine and white wine category.
But there’s more to this beloved alcoholic beverage than just these two labels.
Each type of wine and each bottle is not only produced in its own specific way; it’s also consumed in its own unique way, from the type of glass used to the temperature at which it should be served.
It’s useful to understand the basics of these many varieties. Let’s explore the complexities behind each type of wine.
An overview of wine varieties
Although differing grape blends, yeast strains, and production steps result in countless are countless types of wine, this drink can generally be classified into five main kinds.
1. Red wine
The first of the many types of wine is the classic red wine. Drinks under this umbrella gain their color from dark grape skins.
Grapes used in red wine can vary in color. Some have black skin while others are colored a darker purple.
Aside from its shade, red wine tends to be higher in tannin compared to other kinds of wine. It’s therefore considered a dry wine. However, depending on the grapes used and the aging process, red wine can be sweet, too.
Read more about tannins and dryness here
2. White wine
Next comes white wine. Contrary to popular misconception, white wine can be made from both red and white wine grapes. The only difference is that when winemakers use red grapes to make white wine, they leave out the skin before fermentation.
Many associate white wine with a lighter taste. It tends to contain more fruity notes, and is therefore generally sweeter than reds.
Related Article: What is Sweet Wine? Here are Types and How to Make It!
3. Rosé
In between the red and white shades, the rosé makes its mark. This beloved blush pink drink obtains its special shade through white wine juice being exposed to red wine grape skins for a short period of time.
Rosé’s characteristics are closer to white wine in that many would describe it as a light wine. It can have notes of flowers or fruit.
While both sweet and dry rosé varieties exist, most bottles are normally on the dryer side.
4. Fortified wine
If you’ve ever heard of vermouth, port, or sherry, then you already have some knowledge on fortified wine. What sets them apart is their higher alcohol content.
Fortified wines are so named because distilled spirit is added into the production process in order to fortify it, meaning alcohol content is added. They are made by fermenting wine as normal and then incorporating a distilled spirit to this base wine.
The final product can be dry or sweet in taste depending on the kind of liquor used and when it’s added in during the process. Adding the spirit after fermentation results in a dry wine, while adding it beforehand results in a sweet wine.
Fortified wine is often used in cooking, baking, or in cocktails. However, some types can be consumed straight.
Related Article: A Comprehensive Guide to Fortified Wine and Its Types
5. Champagne
Finally, champagne is a sparkling white wine variant specific to the region of Champagne in France.
What kind of grapes is champagne made from? Champagne is made with one of or a combination of the following grapes:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier
Champagne contains an ABV percentage of anywhere between 11-13%. It’s known for its flavors of citrus, almond, and apples.
Related Article: Learn the Basics of Wine Guide
Popular wines and how to serve them
Red wine: Pinot noir
This dry wine is a crowd favorite. It has flavors of cherry, raspberry, and mushroom on the forefront, and notes of baking spices peeking through.
Glass
A pinot noir glass has a narrow rim which widens and then tapers at an angle toward the stem. This allows the drinker to fully enjoy the wine’s aroma.
Temperature
With this wine, chilled is best. Serve at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit
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White wine: Chardonnay
Made of Chardonnay grapes, this type of wine often has a citrusy taste because of the climate in which it’s grown. It also has oaky hints due to fermentation in oak barrels.
Glass
Chardonnay glasses are U-shaped with a wider opening for the wine to move around the sides of the glass.
Temperature
Store a bottle of chardonnay in the fridge for two hours and then serve.
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- Penfold Max’s Chardonnay
- Riedel Winewings Chardonnay glass
Rosé: Zinfandel rosé
Also known as white zinfandel, this variety is highly acidic and contains dominant notes of fruits including green melon, strawberries, and lemon.
Glass
Because of its similarities to white wine, rosé can be served in any white wine glass.
Temperature
Rosé is best served chilled at anywhere between 46 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit depending on how dry or sweet the wine is.
Fortified wine: Port
Port is most commonly known as a dessert wine. Its sweetness cleanses the palate after a meal. While other fortified wines are normally consumed in cooking or as an ingredient in cocktails, port can be consumed on its own.
Glass
You can use a port glass to serve port. If you don’t have one, white wine glasses will also do.
Temperature
When serving port straight, ensure it’s at a temperature between 55 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Top up your glass 3oz at a time.
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Champagne
Types of champagne are classified according to their sweetness, varying from very sweet to extra dry.
Glass
Champagne is served in flutes which are designed to keep the bubbles in the drink.
Temperature
Depending on the age of the champagne, this drink should be served at a temperature between 46 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
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