What are the different kinds of wine? – Complete Guide

Having a glass of wine undoubtedly is a sensational moment for everyone. But how many of us have wondered what wine is? Is it a mere alcoholic drink that stimulates our senses or something more precious? All the answers we have gathered after aeons of research indicate that drinking wine (like Pinot Noir) is a treasured experience. Therefore, we make reality what a wine writer dreams: We compiled the ultimate guide for the different kinds of wine for your eyes only.

(James Bond’s music echoes in the background…And the guide for the different types of wine unfolds)

So, what exactly is wine?

There is no strict definition of what wine is. There are only concrete facts and tempting sensations when consuming a glass of wine. These sensations differ depending on the person, and therefore, we should stick to the following points:

1) Wines derive from grape varieties belonging to the Vitis vinifera species

2) These grape varietals grant the wines specific attributes, such as distinctive flavors and colors.

3) There are over 10,000 grape varietals used in the winemaking process. The most popular are the following, according to their wine region: Cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, pinot grigio and the chardonnay grape varieties. These different grape varietals form the cornerstone of the world of making wine.

4) There are five different types of wines, which are the following: Red wines, white wines, rosé wines, sparkling wines, and fortified wines (dessert wines). Their overall description follows in the next paragraph.

…And of course, you can learn more about what wine is made of!

What are the different categories of wine?

We mentioned the different types of wine briefly, and now we elucidate more on the wine world. Without further ado, the different categories of wine and their fundamental traits are:

1) Red Wines

Red wines are typically made with dark-skinned grapes and have a deep, rich color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the specific type of grape used, but generally, they tend to be full-bodied, tannic and acidic. Red wines often offer aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries and other fruits, as well as hints of oak, tobacco, leather and earthy notes.

Red wines are often savory, robust and complex in flavor with moderate acidity and a dry finish. Depending on the type of grape used, a glass of red wine can range from light-bodied to full-bodied, with different levels of tannins and sweetness. Additionally, red wines vary in alcohol content, generally ranging from 12-15%.

The most popular red wines are cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot, and malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with bold tannins and deep flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry and cedar. Pinot Noir is known for its light body and subtle aromas of cherry, raspberry and earthy notes.

Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with smooth tannins and flavors of blackberry, plum and spice. Lastly, malbec is a full-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors and a hint of smokiness.

White Wines

White wines are typically made with light-skinned grapes and have a pale yellow color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the grape variety used, but generally, they tend to be lighter-bodied and crisp with moderate acidity and balanced sweetness. White wines often offer aromas of apples, lemons, pears and other fruits, as well as hints of herbs, nuts and citrus notes.

The flavors tend to be more delicate and subtle, with a lingering finish. Depending on the type of grape used, you can enjoy a light-bodied white wine to full-bodied white wine. Additionally, white wines vary in alcohol content, generally ranging between 8-14%.

The white grape varietal chardonnay presides over the others in the wine world. Shortly after, the varieties sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and riesling follow. Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with distinct intense fruit flavors, most notably from apples, citrus and tropical fruits. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its light body and bright acidity with notes of lemon, grapefruit and herbal aromas.

Pinot Grigio is a medium-bodied white wine with delicate fruit flavors of pear, peach and citrus. Riesling wine is a light-bodied white wine that offers fresh fruit notes from apples, peaches, apricots and honey.

Rosé wines

Rose wines are a type of wine that is light pink in color and tend to have a lighter body and acidity than red or white wines. Rose wines are made with both red and white grapes, but the juice ferments for a shorter amount of time, resulting in a less intense color and flavor profile.

Rose wines offer aromas of strawberries, cherries and other fruits, as well as floral notes. They tend to be crisp, light-bodied and dry with flavors of red berries, citrus and stone fruit. Rose wines typically have an average alcohol content of 11-13% by volume. Popular varieties of rose wine include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Zinfandel.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines are a type of wine that has been carbonated, giving it a refreshing and bubbly character. The most popular sparkling wines include Champagne, Prosecco and Cava. Sparkling wines can range from light-bodied to full-bodied in texture, with varying levels of sweetness from dry to off-dry.

Sparkling wines offer aromas of citrus, apples, pears and other fruits, as well as hints of bread, yeast and green apple. The flavors tend to be complex with a lingering finish. Depending on the type of sparkling wine, they can contain moderate to high levels of acidity and an average alcohol content of 11-13%.

Fortified Wines (Dessert Wines)

Fortified wines are a type of wine that has been fortified with additional alcohol. They tend to have higher alcohol contents, between 15-22% and are often sweeter than other types of wine. Fortified wines include port, sherry and Madeira. Port is a sweet wine that offers aromas of ripe fruits, spices and sweet nuts. Sherry is a fortified wine that ranges from dry to sweet, offering aromas of honey, dried apricot and nutty flavors.

Madeira is a sweet, fortified white wine with notes of hazelnut, caramel and dried fruits. These wines offer complex and intense flavor profiles due to the extended aging process. Fortified wines are best served at room temperature and pair well with desserts or savory dishes.

How are different kinds of wine made?

Common Production Process

All different kinds of wine have a shared core in their production process, which is the alcoholic fermentation process. The other production stages that are, more or less, similar for all types of wine are the following:

1) Destemming: The removal of grape stems from the clusters.

2) Grape sorting: The sorting occurs according to the size, ripeness, and overall condition of the berries.

3) Crushing: This stage involves the utilization of a crusher machine that extracts the grape juice from the berries.

4) Maceration: The winemakers soak the grape skins before the fermentation process.

5) Dejuicing: Dejuicing is the separation of juice from the solids before alcoholic fermentation.

6) Pressing: This stage facilitates the further separation of the grape juice from the solids.

7) Must Clarification: The removal of other unwanted particles from grape juice.

8) Alcoholic Fermentation: The process of converting grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The microorganism that catalyzes this reaction is the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

9) Malolactic Fermentation: It is a secondary fermentation process involving the conversion of malic to lactic acid. It is a process that reduces the wine’s acidity and boosts the overall flavor profile.

10) Post-Fermentation Processes: These stages are aging, bottling and labelling.

Different Production Processes (For Sparkling Wines and Fortified Wines)

A process known as secondary fermentation produces bubbles in sparkling wines. This occurs when carbon dioxide from yeast combines with the sugar and still wine inside the bottle. The yeast consumes the sugar, releasing small amounts of CO2 gas, which becomes trapped inside the liquid and create tiny, effervescent bubbles.

In Champagne, this process takes place inside the bottle, while other sparkling wines may use a tank method where the CO2 is added directly to the wine. The longer secondary fermentation takes place, the smaller and finer the bubbles will be in sparkling wine. This process can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the type of sparkling wine being produced.

The creation of fortified wines occurs with the addition of alcohol to still wine. This results in a higher alcohol content of 15-22%. The most common fortified wines include port, sherry and madeira. They are typically produced through the addition of brandy during the fermentation process and require an extended aging period in order for their flavor profiles to develop fully.

The base wine for fortified wines is usually a dry white or red, and the addition of brandy results in a sweeter, more complex flavor profile that can include hints of honey, dried fruits and spices.

Wait, what’s the difference between red and white wine?

The most notable differences between red and white wines are the following:

1) Winemakers of red wines retain the grape skins and seeds during the fermentation process. This means the omission of the must clarification stage and results in the production of high tannin wines. Tannins are phenolic compounds naturally present in grape skins, and their principal role is to intensify the red wine’s flavor.

2) The tannins significantly contribute to the second difference between red and white wines. The aging process in red wines occurs in oak barrels, while white wines age in stainless steel tanks.

3) The above differences result in different flavor profiles between red and white wines. A glass of red wine is a full bodied wine with the heavy presence of tannins, while a glass of white wine has the characteristic crisp flavours of tartaric, malic, and citric acid.

What about kinds of rosé wine?

Among the types of wine with the most interesting production processes are the rosé wines. Rosé wines emerge by blending red and white grapes, with the fermentation occurring for a shorter amount of time. The process begins with the harvest of both red and white grapes, with their subsequent crushing and blending.

The winemakers retain the grape skins during fermentation to give the wine its pink hue and characteristic aromas of strawberries, watermelon and other fruits. Fermentation typically takes place between one to two weeks, depending on the desired flavor profile of the rose wine. Rose wines vary in sweetness from dry to off-dry, with an average alcohol content of 11-13% by volume.

Is there such a thing as good wine and bad wine?

Good wine and bad wine can be very different. Good wines have a balanced flavor profile with smooth, fruity flavors and aromas that enhance the overall experience of drinking them. Bad wines, on the other hand, can taste harsh and acidic, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.

A good wine is also cellared and stored correctly in ideal conditions so that it can reach its full potential. Bad wines do not receive this same care and can become compromised in flavor.

How can I tell if a wine is good or bad?

One of the best ways to differentiate good and bad wines is by tasting them. Good wines have complex flavors that linger in your mouth, while bad wines may be overly tart or acidic with a harsh aftertaste. Look out for certain aromas when you taste the wine, such as earthy and fruity notes, which can be a sign of a good quality wine.

Additionally, you can look for visual cues such as the color and clarity of the wines. Good wines will typically be vibrant in color and clear, while bad wines may appear cloudy or dull. Finally, look at the storage of the wine. With these tips, you can be sure to differentiate between good and bad wines with ease.

How should I store different kinds of wine?

All different kinds of wines should be in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and any sources of vibration or heat. The temperature should remain constant between 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity should always be between 50-80%. It is important to store bottles horizontally to ensure the cork remains moist, which will help prevent air from entering the bottle and spoiling the wine.

If possible, invest in a quality wine cooler or cellar to store your wines. These devices keep temperatures and humidity levels consistent. Additionally, you should label each bottle with the vintage and type of wine so that you know exactly what you shall have when it comes the time to enjoy a glass.

How long do different kinds of wine last?

The shelf life of red wines depends on the quality of the wine and its storage. Generally, good quality red wines will last three to five years if their storage is in a cool, dark place with consistent temperatures and humidity levels. Inadequate cellaring tends to result in faster oxidization of wines, meaning they may only last one to two years.

To ensure the best possible taste, you should consume all kinds of wines within six months after opening. This also helps to prevent any oxidation and degradation of flavor that can occur over time. With proper storage and care, wines can remain enjoyable for a longer period of time.

What is the best way to serve different kinds of wine?

Red Wines

Ideal food pairings with red wines are red meats, cheeses, and other hearty dishes. The tannins in red wines provide a perfect balance to the richness of these foods. Other notable foods excellently fitting with red wines are lighter meals such as salmon or pork. For instance, Pinot Noir pairs excellently with mushrooms and other earthy aromas.

Merlot works well with tomato-based dishes and grilled meats, while Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed with grilled steak or venison. Red wines are also ideal for desserts such as chocolate cake and dark fruits.

Also, here are the 5 Barbaresco red wines you have to try in 2023!

White Wines

White wines are the perfect accompaniment to light, delicately flavored foods. These include fish and seafood such as salmon, halibut, crab, and oysters. White wines also pair well with vegetable dishes such as risotto or roasted vegetables.

Chicken and pork can benefit from a glass of white wine due to their acidity, which helps to cut through the fattiness of these proteins. White wines are also excellent for pairing with sushi, salads, and light creamy sauces.

Rosé Wines

Rose wines are fitting to lighter meals and snacks, such as salads, sushi, and light cream sauces. Additionally, rose wines pair well with a variety of seafood dishes such as salmon and halibut. The fruity notes of rose wine make them an ideal choice for grilled fruits such as peaches or strawberries. They also work well with roasted vegetables and white meats such as chicken or turkey.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines have effervescent bubbles and light, fruity flavors. Therefore, most sparkling wines are the perfect accompaniment to festive occasions. The acidity of sparkling wines makes them ideal for pairing with canapés or other finger foods such as chicken fingers or shrimp cocktail.

Sparkling wines also pair well with light dishes such as salads or vegetable-based soups. The acidity of sparkling wines also makes them an excellent complement to desserts such as meringue, custard or macarons.

Fortified Wines

Fortified wines, such as port and sherry, pair well with robust dishes due to their sweeter, more complex flavor profiles. They are ideal for pairing with red meat dishes such as steak or lamb, as the sweetness of these wines cuts through the richness of the proteins.

Additionally, fortified wines also work well with strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar. They are also great for pairing with desserts such as fruit pies, tart tatin and crème brulee. The sweetness of these wines complements the flavor of these treats, making them an ideal accompaniment to any meal.

FAQ

What are the 4 classifications of wines?

1) Red Wines

Red wines are typically made with dark-skinned grapes and have a deep, rich color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the specific type of grape used, but generally, they tend to be full-bodied, tannic and acidic. The most popular red wines are cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot, and malbec.

2) WHITE WINES

White wines are typically made with light-skinned grapes and have a pale yellow color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the grape variety used, but generally, they tend to be lighter-bodied and crisp with moderate acidity and balanced sweetness. The most prominent varieties contributing to the savory notes of white wines are chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and riesling.

3) ROSE WINES

Rose wines are a type of wine that is light pink in color and tend to have a lighter body and acidity than red or white wines. Rose wines are made with both red and white grapes, but the juice is usually fermented for a shorter amount of time, resulting in a less intense color and flavor profile. Popular varieties of rose wine include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Zinfandel.

4) SPARKLING WINES

Sparkling wines are a type of wine that has been carbonated, giving it a refreshing and bubbly character. The most popular sparkling wines include Champagne, Prosecco and Cava. Sparkling wines can range from light-bodied to full-bodied in texture, with varying levels of sweetness from dry to off-dry.

 

What are the 5 classifications of wine?

1) Red Wines

Red wines are typically made with dark-skinned grapes and have a deep, rich color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the specific type of grape used, but generally, they tend to be full-bodied, tannic and acidic. The most popular red wines are cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot, and malbec.

2) WHITE WINES

White wines are typically made with light-skinned grapes and have a pale yellow color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the grape variety used, but generally, they tend to be lighter-bodied and crisp with moderate acidity and balanced sweetness. The most prominent varieties contributing to the savory notes of white wines are chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and riesling.

3) ROSE WINES

Rose wines are a type of wine that is light pink in color and tend to have a lighter body and acidity than red or white wines. Rose wines are made with both red and white grapes, but the juice is usually fermented for a shorter amount of time, resulting in a less intense color and flavor profile. Popular varieties of rose wine include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Zinfandel.

4) SPARKLING WINES

Sparkling wines are a type of wine that has been carbonated, giving it a refreshing and bubbly character. The most popular sparkling wines include Champagne, Prosecco and Cava. Sparkling wines can range from light-bodied to full-bodied in texture, with varying levels of sweetness from dry to off-dry.

5) FORTIFIED (DESSERT WINES)

Fortified wines are a type of wine that has been fortified with additional alcohol. They tend to have higher alcohol contents, between 15-22% and are often sweeter than other types of wine. Fortified wines include port, sherry and Madeira.

What are the 3 types of wine (and not kinds of wine)?

1) Red Wines

Red wines are typically made with dark-skinned grapes and have a deep, rich color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the specific type of grape used, but generally, they tend to be full-bodied, tannic and acidic. The most popular red wines are cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot, and malbec.

2) WHITE WINES

White wines are typically made with light-skinned grapes and have a pale yellow color. They can vary in flavor profiles depending on the grape variety used, but generally, they tend to be lighter-bodied and crisp with moderate acidity and balanced sweetness. The most prominent varieties contributing to the savory notes of white wines are chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and riesling.

3) ROSE WINES

Rose wines are a type of wine that is light pink in color and tend to have a lighter body and acidity than red or white wines. Rose wines are made with both red and white grapes, but the juice is usually fermented for a shorter amount of time, resulting in a less intense color and flavor profile. Popular varieties of rose wine include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Zinfandel.

…and now that you have a pretty clear understanding of the different kinds of wine, isn’t it time to try some pairing?

Which type of wine is best?

Each type of wine has its own merits and weaknesses. Various individuals can choose which type of wine to savor depending on the occasion, their preferences, and the food combined. Wine drinkers are well-known for their tendency to taste different types of wine and enjoy the magnificent aromas they provide. You should emulate their tactics and taste any kind of wine available.