Red wine is defined as wine made from grapes that are vinified using skin contact and tannic extraction to produce a red colored wine. There are many types of red wine that range from light, almost rosé wine to inky, opaque dark reds. A wine grape that is used for red wine nearly always has clear juice, so it’s from the skins that color is obtained, via a technique calledRed wine is defined as wine made from grapes that are vinified using skin contact and tannic extraction to produce a red colored wine. There are many types of red wine that range from light, almost rosé wine to inky, opaque dark reds. A wine grape that is used for red wine nearly always has clear juice, so it’s from the skins that color is obtained, via a technique called maceration – essentially keeping the juice in contact with the skins so that color and tannin are transferred to the grape juice during and after fermentation.
Good red wine is made all over the world, though the grapes generally prefer slightly warmer climates than white wine grapes in order to fully ripen. Styles can range from completely dry to very sweet. The most popular wines are on the drier side of the spectrum, but a prime example of sweet wine is Port wine. ...more ...less
Red wine varietals can be sorted into three main categories: early, intermediate, and late ripening. Early ripening varieties are the most suited to cooler climates since more delicate reds thrive in a more marginal climate where they don’t get too ripe.
Intermediate ripening grapes offer a bit more flexibility and with careful attention to vinification can be grown in cooler or warmer climates as well, giving the finished wine aRed wine varietals can be sorted into three main categories: early, intermediate, and late ripening. Early ripening varieties are the most suited to cooler climates since more delicate reds thrive in a more marginal climate where they don’t get too ripe.
Intermediate ripening grapes offer a bit more flexibility and with careful attention to vinification can be grown in cooler or warmer climates as well, giving the finished wine a different expression – a wine from the marginal, cool microclimate of the Bordeaux will have different aromas and tastes than one made from grapes grown in the warm Napa Valley.
Full-bodied, fruit forward red grapes do well in warmer climates, producing wines with the potential for long aging if vinified with that in mind. Warm climates also provide the best ripening environments for red dessert wine.
Red wines can provide aromas and tastes of everything ranging from bright, tart cherry to dark chocolate, cedar, and spice. There are so many bottles waiting to be tried as you figure out what kind of wine you like to drink – the best part of learning about wine is drinking it! ...more ...less