Wine Types

Looking at different wine styles
So many wines, so many styles to choose from... where do you begin? Easy. Look afresh at the whole wine scene. In recent years, it has improved beyond recognition, both in terms of quality and style.

Red:
Red wine is made from black grapes that are fermented with the skin and pips

Wine producers worldwide are constantly developing reds that are smoother, more rounded and juicier. Styles range from light and refreshing to sweet and fortified. Enjoy a full-flavoured, intense, black-currant red produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Looking for a silkier, more mellow experience? The delicious cherry and raspberry flavours of the Pinot Noir grape rarely disappoint. For a juicy, modern style red, look no further than some of the excellent New World wines. Fancy something spicier? Plump for a deep, rich, full-bodied red made from the Syrah/Shiraz grape.

Rosé:
Rosé wine is produced from black grapes without the stalks. The juice is separated off as soon as it is sufficiently pink. Styles vary enormously. Some of the best rosés are produced from the Grenache grape and are deliciously fragrant and refreshing.

Blush:
Blush wine originated in California. Here, the skins of the black grapes are left to macerate, briefly, with the must. The result is a delightful pinkish-blue coloured wine with a coppery hue. Californian blush is produced predominantly from the Zinfandel grape.

White:
Surprisingly, white wine can be made from white or black grapes, as all grape juice is colourless, initially.

White wine styles vary from bone dry to golden sweet. Good dry, crisp whites include those made from the Muscadet and Verdicchio grapes. Or, for something a little tangier, the zesty Sauvignon Blanc grape is a reliable choice. For richer, nuttier flavoured whites, try a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Ripe, tropical fruit flavoured whites are particularly worth investigating at the moment. Seek out the Chardonnay grape. Also, sample an Alsace Gewürztraminer ("geh-verts-tram-in-er"). It oozes deliciously aromatic spiciness.

Sparkling:
A yeast and sugar solution is added to dry table wine to create the best of the sparkling wines. The wine is then sealed for secondary fermentation. Genuine Champagne has to be the perfect example of sparkling wine.