Types of Wines

One of the most refreshing drinks man has laid his hands upon is a bottle of chilled wine. It is a work of art, a creation that takes years of effort and dedication and the end result is the delectable liquid, one that cheers and refreshes the senses. It is an actual marriage with each step to the food laid out, and depending on the menu, the choice of the wine is made. The wine must be served at the right temperature; it will either cloy or else become watery.

Wine has fruit in it, fermented mostly in its own juices, till it acquires character, such as body, smell, flavor and taste. Most of the wines are made from grapes, but there are instances of wines made from apple, elderberry and pomegranates.

Bring on the Wine

There is nothing more boring, than watching paint dry. Aging is all there is, and the more aged a wine is, the better it is. Wine is a branch of alcoholic beverages that has wondrous uses. It is a teatime drink, a morning pick-me-up or a doctor’s palliative when one is feeling weak. More than all, it is also a social drink and indeed a classy one. Champagne is a type of wine that gained popularity in France as the drink of the kings.

Red Wines

History would not speak in the crimson tones or in so confident a manner if there were not the wine in the man. Red betrays the disposition in man to be something more than what he ought to be. Red wines, for this matter, continue to be the true light of courage and great taste. Some reds that have enamored the best of the past are:

• Zinfandel
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir
• Grenache
• Sangiovese

Red wines are flavored more by the tannins than anything else. These give the body or richness and we classify the wines as full-bodied, light-bodied or medium-bodied.  An example of full-bodied wines is Super Tuscans French Bordeaux wines. Nouveua is a light-bodied wine while Chianti is a medium bodied wine.

White Wines

Did someone say, “Champagne”? Yes, it is a white wine and it has become synonymous with the kings and celebratory times. White wines are pale yellow or light apple green in color. The white wine varietals are:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Gewurztraminer
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Gris
• Chenin Blanc

White wines are an aperitif by themselves or may accompany meals. The lighter the meal the lighter the wine. Many still hold the thumb rule of white meat-white wine very dearly. Rieslings and Chardonnay are popular choices for meals.

History of Wines

There is evidence that people have indulged in wine drinking since 6000 BC. The Phoenician ships that sank sometime in 750 BC had wine cargo intact. Excavations at ancient sites tell us of winemaking presses, jars made of ceramic and of pottery shards more than 7000 years old, all used for their wine making.

Wines are special, They do not need sugar or sweeteners, ferment by themselves without any chemicals and often intoxicate more than any alcoholic spirit you cared to choose. History of civilization bears witness to the splendor of the art. Dionysus the Greek god and Bacchus the Roman god were representatives of wine. Grape based drink madhu was drunk in India, as chronicled by Chanakya, the Chief Minister in the court of King Chandragupta Maurya.

Getting To Know Them

Types of Wines come in two formal attires, red and white. People choose them for their intoxication, their smell, their body and their taste. In addition, one classifies them according to their constituent grape variety. If there is only one particular grape variety, then the wine is a varietal; otherwise, it is a blend.

The grape varieties get their names of the place where they are grown. The most famous grape varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon and Cabernet. Grouping wine goes by region in European countries while in other places; one refers to the grape varietal. Vintage wines are those made from grapes grown in a particular year. Most good wines improve with aging when stored in a proper way.

Tasting and Collecting Wines

Wine tasting and wine collection are two hobbies that thrill wine enthusiasts. Tasting requires a thorough knowledge of the various wines, their manufacture and their properties. Wines have varying degree of sweetness depending on the amount of sugar added. Dry wines have very little sugar. Decant the wines to remove sedimentation and then allow them to breathe by pouring into a wide receptacle. Swirling the wines in a glass allows the volatile chemicals to vaporize, bringing out the aroma of the wine. If the wine is good, there will be smells of fruit and hints of sweetness. One gets added flavors such as chocolate or vanilla by aging them in oak casks.

Vintage Wines

Collecting vintage wines happen to be a tradition among people. Prices of vintage bottles can be as high as a couple of thousand dollars a bottle. One should know which brands are dependable and age well. Burgundy, Bordeaux or vintage port is safe bets. The main wine producers in the world are France, Italy, Spain, USA, Australia, Argentina, China and Germany. France produces a little less than 15 hectoliters compared to Germany’s 10.

Moderate consumption of wine is beneficial to health. It also has a religious significance for Christians who “do this in remembrance of me” during the Eucharist festival. Visit Avon, Colorado liquor store, where you can taste the best liquor and have a pleasant time. Wines need to be stored in cellars or wine rooms. These are usually in the cool and dark corners of the house. The low temperature and the absence of light are essential for the wine to mature properly.