Different Types of Red Grapes Wine



Different Types of Red Grapes Wine

Red or 'black' grapes produce different levels of color and body, the color coming from the grape skin. Creating a light-bodied red wine depends on the amount of structure obtained from extract and tannins that the wine takes on.

These 'flavorings' provide depth and longevity. Medium-bodied wines will have a taste that may be a direct result of the grape variety or varieties used in the blend, the climatic conditions or even, in some cases, the vintage.

Red Grapes Body

Thick-skinned grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, are capable of making full-bodied, dense, and long-lived wines. Winemaking also plays a part, as color and extract can be controlled as part of the process to make wines that are well balanced and harmonious.

Light-bodied red wines include Beaujolais Primeur, medium-bodied red wines include Chinon and Barossa Valley Shiraz is among the most popular of the full-bodied red wines.

Gamay Grapes Wine

Gamay is the Beaujolais grape, known for its light, soft, and easy-drinking qualities. Light in tannin and full of cherry and strawberry flavor, it peaks in the Beaujolais Crus (officially classified vineyards), such as Morgon and Fleurie. In the Loire, where it is used to make red and rose wines, Gamay accounts for about fifteen percent of all French plantings. Gamay is usually fermented through a process called maceration, where fermentation takes place below a protective layer of carbon dioxide. Gamay is grown almost exclusively in France, principally in Burgundy and the Loire Valley.

Grenache / Garnacha Grapes Wine

The strawberry-scented and peppery tones, which often dominate a Côtes du Rhône or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, are the well-known characteristics of Grenache. At best, Grenache can reveal concentration and great power from old, low-yielding vines. The Grenache thrives in the exceptionally hot climates of Spain and the south of France. It blends well with Shiraz and is used with Tempranillo for Riojas. In Spain, where it is known as Garnacha, it is renowned for providing the color and flavor in the fruity Rosados. As well as being planted in Spain and France the Grenache is also found in Australia and the USA.

Malbec Grapes Wine

The hallmark characteristic of Malbec wines are deep color and flavors full of black fruit. The grape originates from southwest France, in the Appellation of Cahors, where the wines were once known as 'Black Wines'. Expect to find Malbec in blends too, such as in Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux. In recent years Malbec grapes have thrived in irrigated, sandy soils in the warm climate of Argentina. Good crops combined with advances in winemaking techniques have produced some excellent, full-flavored wines. Malbec is grown in France, Italy, Spain, South America and the USA.

Mourvèdre / Monastrell / Mataro Grapes

This powerful grape variety adds blackberry like concentration and structure to many blends. It can be truly exciting, as in Bandol, and in the tiny vineyard plantings of the southern coastal districts of California. Young Mourvèdres tend to be earthy but ageing can cause the development of a smoky aroma. Grown in the south of France, Spain and Australia, the Mourvèdre prefers a hot climate.

Nebbiolo Grapes

The two greatest names and expressions of the magical Nebbiolo grape, Barolo and Barberesco, grow in the hills of Piedmont, Italy. Often requiring age, these are rich and savory wines, with aromas of tar and roses! Nebbiolo is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vessels. Generally, it requires a long ageing period in wood in order to soften but trends are towards shorter periods, in maceration and more bottle ageing. Apart from Piedmont, Nebbiolo is grown in California, South America, and the USA.

Pinotage Grapes

Pinotage, the earthy, spicy, deeply colored grape of South Africa, has aromas of plum skin and a generous, well-structured palate. The grape is actually a hybrid of the Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes and was created by a professor at Stellenbosch University in the 1920s. Although most associated with South Africa, attempts have been made to grow the grape in New Zealand, Chile and Australia.

Sangiovese Grapes

Sangiovese, the great Italian grape, makes the concentrated red wines of Tuscany. It is the main constituent of Chiantis, the best of which are rich, plummy, cherry-scented wines, highish in acidity, and with tannins which softens towards cedary elegance with age. The lighter wines, such as the Sangiovese de Romagna, are ideal for everyday drinking. They are best drunk while young and fresh. Apart from Italy, the Sangiovese has also impressed in California, Australia and Argentina.

Tempranillo Grapes

Spain's best red grape, Tempranillo is the backbone of Rioja and the wines of Ribera del Duero. Wines range in flavor from strawberry and vanilla lightness to full-bodied cherry-dominated depth. Tempranillo is also used in the production of port. The Tempranillo variety is also grown in Portugal, where it is called Tinta Roriz, and Argentina.

Zinfandel Grapes

Rarely seen outside of California, Zinfandel can vary enormously in style, from the bland, slightly pink 'White Zins', to old vine, oak-aged, richly fruity, elegant wines, which finish with a note of tangy acidity. Part of the explanation for the variety of Zinfandel wines lies in the fact that the very latest technology is used in production. This technology ensures that the grape rises to the challenge of adaptability. Found predominantly in California.


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