|
There is much more to wine types than simply red and white. California wines are especially popular. Thanks to the perfect conditions there for growing and harvesting the grapes, there are many different California wines, ranging from the sweetest, lightest white wine to the heaviest, richest, most full-bodied red. You can match your wine with your food or simply relax with a glass and perhaps some nibbles like nuts or even chocolate, depending on the wine.
In addition to red and white wine, you can also get sparkling wine, fortified wine, sparkling wine, rosé wine (also known as blush or amber wine), fruit wine, rice wine and more! Wine can be made from a selection of grapes or from just one type. The climate of the grape-growing area affects the flavor of the grape and the grape's flavor at harvest determines whether the wine will be dry, medium, or sweet. The best way to learn about different types of wine is to sample as many kinds as possible!
Types of Red Wine
California red wines include Merlot, Petit Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. These wines are usually aged in wood to result in a deep, complex flavor. The Shiraz and Syrah grapes are good for making rich, full-bodied wines. Other wines are made to achieve a fruity and refreshingly light flavor. Reds can also be mellow and silky, such as Pinot Noir. Red wines get their color from the skin of the grapes since pure grape juice is clear.
The production process greatly affects the style of the finished wine. Red wine gets its color because the skins of the grapes are left in the wine during fermentation. Red wines are made from black grapes, along with their pips and skin. Various types of red wines are served with meat dishes or ripe cheese dishes. Most red wines are best served at room temperature although very young, fruity reds have a better flavor when chilled slightly.
Types of Amber Wine
Amber wine, also called rosé or blush, is made from black grapes without their stalks. After a couple of days of fermentation, when the juice is pink enough, it is separated off to halt further color changes. The pink shade of an amber wine can range from a pale tangerine shade to a near purple, depending on how the wine was made and which grapes were used. Amber wine is best served chilled. Historically, amber wines were delicate and dry, such as those made from the Anjou grape. In the 1970s, the most popular amber wines were medium sweet, such as Mateus Rosé.
Nowadays, Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan grapes are frequently used in amber winemaking, resulting in a well rounded, dry style. These wines are refreshing, fragrant, and go well with spicy dishes, seafood, and poultry. No type of amber wine is good for cooking with because it is not flavorful enough. White Zinfandel (despite the name!) is an example of a delicious, easy to drink blush wine, pale pink in color. It is crisply refreshing and fruity.
Types of White Wine
Some examples of white California wine include French Colombard, Chardonnay, Johannesburg Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. White wines range in flavor from very dry to very sweet. They are not usually aged in wooden barrels. This keeps them fresh and light. White wine can be made from either black or white grapes, since grape juice is naturally colorless.
Examples of crisp, dry white wines include Verdiccio and Muscadet. Sauvignon Blanc grapes result in zesty, tangy wines. Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon gives rich, nutty white wines. The Chardonnay grape is widely used and produces buttery, oaky ripe wines. White wine is traditionally drunk with mild fish dishes and creamy sauces. If you are eating a fish dish, such as baked tilapia, try an unoaked Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling so as not to overpower the delicate fish flavor.
Author: California Wine Guide Staff Writer
|
