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There are many different types of wine, but broadly they can be classified into five main categories:
1. Red wine: made with red grapes, red wine is characterized by its body, intense flavor and dark color.
2. White wine: made from white grapes or red grapes with white skins, white wine is characterized by its freshness, lightness and fruity flavor.
3. Rosé wine: made from red grapes, but with a brief maceration to obtain a pale pink color, rosé wine is characterized by its soft and fruity flavor.
4. Sparkling wine: it is characterized by having bubbles due to a second fermentation in a bottle or closed tank. The best known are Champagne, Cava, Prosecco and Asti.
5. Fortified wine: it is characterized by having a higher alcohol content, obtained by adding distilled alcohol, such as sherry, port and vermouth.
Each type of wine has its own characteristics, flavors and aromas, and many varieties can be found within each category depending on the grape used, the production method and the region where it is produced.
Let's dig deeper into these five types:
Red wine
Red wine is a variety of wine made from red grapes, using the must and the grape skins in the fermentation process to obtain the characteristic reddish color. Red wine can be made from many different grape varieties, and flavor and aroma characteristics can vary widely depending on the grape used, region of production, method of production, and aging.
Red wine is characterized by having an intense and complex flavor, with notes that can vary from fruity to earthy, spicy and herbaceous. It can also have a heavier body and higher tannin content than white or rosé wine, giving it a drier mouthfeel. Red wine is generally served at room temperature or slightly cool, and can pair well with a variety of dishes, including red meat, strong cheeses, and sauce dishes.
White wine
White wine is a variety of wine made from white or red grapes with white skins, resulting in a wine with a pale yellow or light golden color. Unlike red wine, in the production of white wine, the must is separated from the juice of the grapes from the skins before fermentation, which gives it a different flavor and aroma.
White wine is characterized by its freshness, lightness and acidity. Flavors and aromas can range from tropical fruits to citrus, apples, and pears, depending on the grape variety used and the manufacturing process. In general, white wine is served cold, between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius, and is a good option to pair with fish, shellfish, salads, soft cheeses, and vegetarian dishes.
Some popular grape varieties used in making white wine include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Moscato. Each variety has its own flavor and aroma profile, so a wide variety of options can be enjoyed within the white wine category.
Rosé wine
Rosé wine is a variety of wine that is made from red grapes, but with a brief maceration of the skins to obtain a pale pink color. The maceration is carried out for a few hours or days, depending on the style of wine that you want to make. The must is then fermented in a similar way to white wine, but with the presence of the skins during fermentation to obtain a characteristic flavor and aroma.
Rosé wine is characterized by having a soft and fruity flavor, and moderate acidity. The flavors and aromas can vary from red fruits and citrus to floral and herbaceous notes, depending on the grape variety used and the production process. In general, rosé wine is served cold, between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius, and it is a good option to pair with salads, chicken dishes, fish and shellfish, as well as to enjoy as an aperitif.
The most common grapes used in making rosé wine include Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Sangiovese. Rosé wine is produced in many wine-growing regions around the world, including France, Spain, Italy, the United States, Australia, and South Africa, among others.
Sparkling wine
Sparkling wine is a variety of wine that has carbon dioxide bubbles within it, giving it a fizzy effect in the mouth. This type of wine is produced through a fermentation process in which an additional amount of yeast and sugar are added to the wine before bottling, causing a second fermentation within the bottle. During this second fermentation, carbon dioxide is produced and trapped in the wine, creating the characteristic bubbles.
Sparkling wine can be produced in different styles and levels of sweetness. The best known are Champagne and Cava, which are made in the Champagne (France) and Penedés (Spain) regions, respectively. There are also other wine regions that produce high-quality sparkling wines, such as Prosecco from Italy and Crémant from France.
The taste of sparkling wine can range from dry and sour to sweet and fruity, depending on the style and region of production. Sparkling wine is generally served chilled and is an excellent choice for celebrations, appetizers, and desserts. It can also pair well with seafood, soft cheeses, and chicken dishes.
It is important to note that the term "Champagne" can only be used to describe sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France, while other sparkling wines are known by different names depending on their region of production.
Fortified wine
Fortified wine is a variety of wine that has been strengthened by the addition of alcohol, usually brandy. The objective of this process is to increase the alcohol content of the wine and improve its durability. Brandy is added to wine during the fermentation process, which stops fermentation and leaves a significant amount of residual sugar in the wine.
There are several styles of fortified wine, such as Sherry, Port, and Madeira. Jerez, also known as Sherry, is a fortified wine produced in the Jerez region of southern Spain. Port is a fortified wine produced in the Alto Douro region of Portugal. Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the island of Madeira, Portugal.
Fortified wines have a sweet and complex flavor, with notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spices. They can also be dry or semi-dry, depending on the style of wine. Fortified wines are often served as an aperitif or dessert, and pair well with blue cheese, dried fruit, and rich desserts.
It is important to note that the alcohol content of fortified wines can be higher than that of regular wines, and should be consumed in moderation.