Different Types of Red Wine and How to Choose the Right One for Every Occasion
Red wine can be a great addition to any meal or gathering. From popular varieties like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon to less-common styles like Syrah, there are many different types of red wine available. This can make it hard to choose the right bottle for every occasion, but don’t worry — we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll explain the different types of red wine and how to choose the best one for any event. We’ll also cover the different levels of sweetness in red wine and how to pair them with food. With our tips, you’ll soon be an expert at choosing the perfect red wine for every gathering. So grab your wine glasses and let’s get started!
Varieties of Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon
This flavor of red wine is popular in many countries around the world and is known for its strong, dark color and intense tannins. With hints of blackberry and cassis, this dry and full-bodied red has a long finish.
Merlot
From France, Merlot red wines are usually very smooth with a hint of pepper. They range from medium-bodied to light-bodied and provide a velvety texture that can easily go with many dishes.
Syrah/Shiraz
Stemming from the same type of grape, these full-bodied reds are intense in flavor but not overly tannic due to their higher alcohol content. Typically fruit-forward but balanced with black pepper and herbal aromas, these wines are nice accompaniments to bold flavors.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red that is known for its earthy flavors, like mushrooms as well as notes of cherry or berry that can be found in some varieties. It pairs well with red meat and game dishes as well as hearty meals like stews or root vegetables.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is typically a medium-bodied red wine that is often referred to as fruity or jammy due to its spicy aromas and bright fruit flavors like raspberry or blackberry. This type of red wine goes well with barbeque, smoky cheeses, and spicy foods.
Malbec
A dry, full-bodied wine, Malbec has become highly popular and recognizable due to its dark color, silky texture, and notes of dark fruit, licorice, and chocolate. It pairs well with red and dark meats as well as fattier fish such as salmon.
How To Choose a Red Wine
Assess Aroma
When examining the aroma of red wine, think about what you can detect in the nose. This can help you determine the richness of the wine as well as its potential body and sweetness level. Some wines have more prominent aromas than others. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its strong blackberry aroma, whereas Merlot is known for having more subtle scents, such as those of cherry or plums.
Consider Body and Texture
Once you have assessed the aroma, next consider the body or texture of the wine. Lighter-bodied wines tend to be tarter, while fuller-bodied wines are deeper in flavor complexity. Typically dryness increases along with the body as well. This is not always the case, however, so it is important to note if you prefer drier or sweeter wines when selecting your red wine variety.
Consider Acidic Levels
The acidity level of red wine should also be considered. The higher the acidity levels, the more bitterness or tartness you can expect in a glass of red wine (think Syrah or Shiraz). So if you want an extremely smooth experience, then look for a lower acidity level within your chosen variety of red wine. For example, a Merlot often fits this description.
Examine Tannins
Along with acidity levels, tannin levels should also be taken into consideration when selecting a type of red wine. Tannins add depth and structure to any glass of wine, so knowing how much tannins you would like will help you narrow down your choice even further. For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon has moderate tannins, while Syrah or Shiraz has high levels.
Consider Sweetness
The optimal sweetness level in any glass of red wine will depend on personal preference. Some may enjoy a sweeter bottle, such as Zinfandel, whereas others may prefer something less cloying such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. Higher alcohol levels can lead to some residual sugar remaining in your glass which may create more sweetness.
Red Wines for Various Occasions
Formal Dinners
When attending a formal dinner or another special occasion it is important to select a more sophisticated bottle such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah or Shiraz. These are typically full-bodied wines with rich textures that will pair nicely with hearty dishes such as steaks or prime rib roasts without overwhelming the plate’s other flavors.
Holidays & Special Occasions
For holidays and special occasions where loved ones are gathered together to celebrate (think Thanksgiving dinners or New Year’s Eve parties), look for bottles of Zinfandel or Merlot which tend to be softer and smoother than other types of red wine. While lighter-bodied, they are still robust enough to pair nicely with heavier dishes requiring richer flavors (like roasted turkey).
Casual Meals & Gatherings
If you’re gathering with friends over casual meals like burgers or barbecue ribs then opt for something lighter yet still flavorful such as a Pinot Noir. These wines provide an aromatic quality perfect for pairing with grilled meats while not being too intense on the palate.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor activities like camping trips or hikes where you’ll be cooking over an open flame, consider a red wine such as a Malbec, which provides darker fruit flavors. The fruit flavors like blackberry are usually paired together with an underlying spicy edge that nicely complements the added smokiness from grilling meats and vegetables over a campfire!
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect bottle of red wine for any occasion can be a daunting task. But, armed with the knowledge of the different types of red wine available, their varied levels of sweetness, and tips for pairing various red wines with food, you can more easily choose the best bottle for any event. Whether it’s a formal dinner, casual gathering, outdoor event, or an intimate date night, you can now be confident in selecting and serving the right red wine for any situation. So, the next time you’re looking for the perfect bottle of red, you’ll know exactly how to choose the best one for the occasion.