Red wine has been produced for thousands of years all over the world. The different types of red wines produced are many and they vary greatly, but they are typically made from red or black grapes. Red wines are delicious beverages that can also offer health benefits in small quantities.
While each type of wine has the same basic ingredients and characteristics, the specific process used by the winemaker can significantly alter the final product. For example, a type of wine that is typically known for being dry can be made sweeter or vice versa. As such, it is important to not make assumptions about the flavor profile and quality of a wine based on the type alone.
Wines categorized by the type of grape they are made from are also commonly referred to as “varietals” by winemakers and wine enthusiasts. These varietals can differ based on factors such as the region the grapes were cultivated in, how late the grapes were harvested, and how long the wine was allowed to ferment. However, each varietal will share some base characteristics due to the shared base ingredient.
Dry Red Wines
A “dry wine” refers to a non-sweet wine. These wines allow the underlying flavors of the ingredients to take center stage. Common types of dry red wines include:
Aglianico;
Blaufränkisch;
Bobal;
Carignan;
Castelão;
Cinsaut;
Corvina Veronese;
Criolla Grande;
Croatina;
Dolcetto;
Dornfelder;
Douce Noir;
Marufo;
Mencía;
Montepulciano;
Mourvèdre;
Nebbiolo;
Negroamaro;
Nero d’Avola;
Pamid;
Prokupac;
Red Bordeaux;
Ruby Cabernet;
Sangiovese;
Saperavi;
Tannat;
Tempranillo;
Touriga Franca;
Trincadeira;
Zweigelt.
Dry reds can also be “semi-dry,” which means that a small amount of residual sugar remains, giving the wine a subtle, sweet flavor.
Sweet Red Wines
Sweet red wines are wines that feature substantial sugar content. Typically, this sugar is added by winemakers near the end of the production process. Common types of sweet red wines include:
Alicante Henri Bouschet;
Black Muscat;
Concord;
Isabella;
Tinta Barroca.
Sweet reds can also be “semi-sweet,” which means that while the wine is still distinctly sweet, it is more subtle. This is because the sugar content is lower than a typical sweet wine.
Dessert Red Wines
While the terms “sweet wine” and “dessert wine” are often used interchangeably, the two are different. Sweet wines have sweeteners added during the production process. In contrast, dessert wines are naturally sweet and derive their flavor from natural processes including selecting sweet grapes, harvesting later in the season, and freezing grapes.
Common types of dessert red wines include:
Late-harvest wine;
Noble rot;
Recioto della Valpolicella;
Straw wine;
Tawny port.
As the name implies, dessert wines are typically served at the end of a meal, and are meant to be slowly slipped and enjoyed.
Red Wines by Boldness
Red wines are often categorized by “boldness,” which is essentially a catchall term to refer to the intensity of flavors. There is not a single quality that equates to “boldness,” but rather it is assessed based on the overall experience of the wine. Therefore, a bolder wine could have higher levels of tannins or higher alcohol content, or may otherwise feature more dramatic flavors.
Light
Lighter wines feature subtle flavors, and are often described using words like smooth, crisp, delicate, and bright. They are also high in acidity and low in alcohol and tannin content. Wines with an alcohol content of 12.5 percent or lower are typically considered light. Examples of light reds commonly include Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Cinsaut. Light reds typically pair well with fatty fish or lean red meats. Some reds may also be described as “medium-light,” which as the term implies, falls somewhere between the boldness of a light and medium-bodied wine.
Medium-bodied
Medium-bodied red wines feature interesting flavor profiles that do not overpower, and are often described using words like balanced, moderate, elegant, and structured. The acidity and tannin content are balanced, and the alcohol content is moderate. Medium-bodied wines will have an alcohol content between 12.5 and 13.5 percent. Examples of medium-bodied reds commonly include Merlot, Nebbiolo, and Tempranillo. They typically pair well with pastas, chicken, and fish.
Full-bodied
Full-bodied wines feature intense flavors, and are often described using words like robust, complex, dramatic, and rich. They are often described as feeling heavy and thick in your mouth. Full-bodied wines are low in acidity and high in alcohol and tannin content. Any wine with an alcohol content of 13.5 percent or higher is considered a full-bodied wine.
Examples of full-bodied reds commonly include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah. Full-bodied reds typically pair well with rich meats, sharp cheeses, and decadent desserts. Some reds may also be described as “medium-full,” which as the term implies, falls somewhere between the boldness of a medium and full-bodied wine.
Red Wines for Cooking
While the exact type of wine that will best suit your recipe depends on the specific recipe and desired outcome, mid-range, medium-bodied reds are typically considered the go-to option for red wines in cooking, as they confer strong flavors without overpowering the dish. The modest level of tannins in medium-bodied reds also prevents bitterness or chalkiness in the final product that may result from high tannin content. Red wines are a popular ingredient in stews, roasts, and decadent chocolate desserts. Popular choices include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Sparkling Red Wines
Sparkling wines are wines that feature high levels of carbonation, which are then preserved through a thorough bottling and storage process. This carbonation is largely derived strategically through the fermentation process. Common types of sparkling red wines include:
Brachetto d’Acqui;
Bugey-Cerdon;
Lambrusco;
Sparkling Shiraz.
Sparkling wines are often used as part of celebrations, as well as a striking pairing for appetizers or rich meals.
The amount of red wines available in the world can be daunting for the average wine enthusiast, but you can navigate the tasting experience by simply sampling a variety of red wines and learning what you do and do not like. You can do this in a variety of ways such as attending wine tasting events, hosting dinner parties, and subscribing to wine of the month clubs.
