You don't have to be a fine wine sophisticate to know that white wines and red wines come from different grape varieties, but an understanding of the differences between the grapes used for red wine can enhance your enjoyment of wine. Wines are produced throughout the world and different regions yield many different types of wine choices. The taste will vary year to year depending on the rainfall and other climate conditions.
SANGIOVESE
These grapes are grown in northern Italy. These grapes are used in Chianti and other northern Italian wines and are made into blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes. The red wine produced from this variety make a smooth wine that is commonly paired with Tuscan foods and pasta.
MERLOT
This grape produces a dry, rich red. It is not only used to produce merlot wine, but may also be blended with cabernet sauvignon. These wines will have a soft finish with a hint of berries. The red wine produced with merlot grapes are most popular as a 'winter wine', since it accents heavy, hearty meats and meals well.
PINOT NOIR
One of the most finicky grapes, this variety requires warm days and cool nights. Once it yields its harvest, however, it produces a red wine that has a unique flavour of cherry and strawberry blends. This wine is a very versatile red that accents many food groups well.
SYRAH
This grape, also known as 'Shiraz', produces a harvest the makes a light, fruity red when grown in Australia. If grown in France, it has more tannin, which produces the dry factor in wine because of how long the grape stays attached to the stem.
DURIF
These grapes were used in burgundy wines during the popularity of burgundy wine, about fifty years ago. Developed by a French doctor, it is a cross of two grapes (the Syrah and Pelourisn). The blend creates a red wine known as 'Petit Sirah' still popular as a choice of red in the United States. This may be due to the fact that this grape thrives in California, making it an affordable option for wines.
GRIGNOLINO
This grape is regionally enjoyed in its native home of the Piedmont Italy region. The reds produced by these grapes are different in that they shouldn't be aged like some other wines. Best when consumed with red meat, the medium body also makes it a popular choice as a snack wine. This wine will rarely be found outside of its native regions due to the limited availability of the grapes.
Many wine drinkers have decided to produce their own varieties of red wines by experimenting with growing their own grapes and producing wines at home. There are no end of the blends and tastes you can create on your own. Research the different flavours and explore new wines with your own vineyard and a home winemaking kit.
SANGIOVESE
These grapes are grown in northern Italy. These grapes are used in Chianti and other northern Italian wines and are made into blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes. The red wine produced from this variety make a smooth wine that is commonly paired with Tuscan foods and pasta.
MERLOT
This grape produces a dry, rich red. It is not only used to produce merlot wine, but may also be blended with cabernet sauvignon. These wines will have a soft finish with a hint of berries. The red wine produced with merlot grapes are most popular as a 'winter wine', since it accents heavy, hearty meats and meals well.
PINOT NOIR
One of the most finicky grapes, this variety requires warm days and cool nights. Once it yields its harvest, however, it produces a red wine that has a unique flavour of cherry and strawberry blends. This wine is a very versatile red that accents many food groups well.
SYRAH
This grape, also known as 'Shiraz', produces a harvest the makes a light, fruity red when grown in Australia. If grown in France, it has more tannin, which produces the dry factor in wine because of how long the grape stays attached to the stem.
DURIF
These grapes were used in burgundy wines during the popularity of burgundy wine, about fifty years ago. Developed by a French doctor, it is a cross of two grapes (the Syrah and Pelourisn). The blend creates a red wine known as 'Petit Sirah' still popular as a choice of red in the United States. This may be due to the fact that this grape thrives in California, making it an affordable option for wines.
GRIGNOLINO
This grape is regionally enjoyed in its native home of the Piedmont Italy region. The reds produced by these grapes are different in that they shouldn't be aged like some other wines. Best when consumed with red meat, the medium body also makes it a popular choice as a snack wine. This wine will rarely be found outside of its native regions due to the limited availability of the grapes.
Many wine drinkers have decided to produce their own varieties of red wines by experimenting with growing their own grapes and producing wines at home. There are no end of the blends and tastes you can create on your own. Research the different flavours and explore new wines with your own vineyard and a home winemaking kit.
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For a fantastic selection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shirazvisit Laithwaites online.