Posts Tagged ‘Red Wines’
Valuing Red Wines
Types of Red Wine : Zinfandel Wine Facts
Although there are more than 50 key varieties of red wines, the average person tends to assume that all reds are simply red and the biggest difference between them is in who bottled them. In reality, reds encompass a color spectrum that ranges from light red wine to deep purple wine, with some being almost black. Different varieties also have distinctly different flavors, ranging from a hint of fruit to a touch of tobacco. Such a varied wine is appreciated best by first learning more about it.
Both the color as well as the flavor of wines which are red is a combination of what the variety of the grapes that are used as well as the process that the wine was made through. Grapes used to make reds range from deep red to purple to blue and the skins are left on during fermentation. The skins contribute to the varieties of color and, along with the grape seed, determine the amount of tannins in the finished product. The longer the skins are left in contact with the fermenting grapes, the deeper the color and the higher the tannin content. Reds with the highest tannin content are considered full-bodied, like Cabernet, while lower tannin content gives medium-bodied Merlot or light-bodied Beaujolais. The fruity reds, which are named because of their flavor not because there is any sweetness, have the lowest tannin content of all the reds.
In addition to creating the variety of colors present in red wines, fermenting grapes in the skin also contributes flavenoids to the wine. The antioxidants, which are found in grape skin and seeds, enter the wine during the fermentation process. As a result, the concentration of flavenoids increases with the body of the wine. Four ounces of red wine per day contributes to heart health by reducing clotting, lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids are also thought to play a part in forming nerve cells that may be key in avoiding the onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Flavenoids also aid in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
For many, recognizing the difference between red wines and whites is limited to looking at the color, while the difference in reds is written on the label. In reality, the difference between reds and whites, as well as the difference between varieties of red, begins in the vineyard and continues in the winery. Subtleties in color, flavor and aroma have been perfected by the makers and the variety keeps people coming back for more. Learning about those subtle differences makes it much easier to appreciate them.
Different wines are valued at unique values so it is important to understad your wines prior to beginning making large purchases for your wine collection. There are other ways to aquire great wines at unbelievable prices. You can make your own wines directly from your very own grapes that you grow in your garden or your very own vineyard. It isn’t challenging when you have the right tools as well as the appropriate information. When you have gathering you have the option to supply the wines and everbody will be impressed that you did it all by yourself instead of purchasing them. For additional educational information go here: Making Ice Wine and more information at Making Pear Wine and at Making Homemade Wine From Juice