Valuing Red Wines

There are more than 50 main varieties of red wines, but many people fail to recognize that the differences in those varieties go beyond the name on the label. Devotees, however, realize the colors of reds can range from the lightest blush of red wine to deep purples, with some reds being nearly black in color. The flavors tend to vary as greatly as the colors, including fruity flavors and those with a slight taste of tobacco. Anyone who wants to develop a greater appreciation for this versatile wine should begin with 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.

The variety of colors of red wines is not the only product of fermenting the grapes with the skin. Flavenoids, which are known as antioxidants, are present in both the grape seed and skin, and they escape into the wine during fermentation. Because of this, a fuller-bodied wine has a higher flavenoid content. As a result, four ounces per day can help reduce bad cholesterol and clotting, while raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids have also been linked to the formation of nerve cells, which could help people avoid Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as the inhibited growth of certain types 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.

Are you a devotee of excellent wines but do not know how to appraise the wine for its value? Do not be discouraged. There are resources out there in retail stores and on the internet that can instruct how to appraise the value of wines as well as even instruct you on how to make your own wines. You can even purchase books that educate you on how to cultivate and grow your very own grapes! Think of how pleasantly surprised your friends and family will be when you present them with a present of wines from your own garden. If you want to know more, click here: Making Grape Homemade Wine with more helpful material at Making Plum Wine as well as Wine Making With Fruit