In this article I’m going to go through a list covering wine types. The term type refers to the general district of the wine (Riesling, Pinot Noir) note that there are many ways to classify wines. Experts describe them using words like flavor, color, sweetness, fizz and others.
White Wine Types
Riesling
The Riesling is known as the classic German grape of the Rhine and Mosel. This wine grows in a variety of wine districts. In European classification the German’s Riesling stands supreme, Usually slightly sweet but with strong acidity to balance it. Other wine countries are not as successful with the Riesling grape. However a small region in France called Alsace is proficient with the Riesling grape, though it is true that it stands very close to the border with Germany.
Beyond Europe another great provider is Eastern USA, the style differs in sweetness. It is typically dry but retains the aroma that you would expect from a Riesling. Another notable wine district is California, though this time not in a good way. The wine turns out too sweet and with poorly balanced acidity.
Chardonnay
A popular wine brand because it’s remarkable versatility. The main Chardonnay breeder is France, more specifically, Burgundy. It makes sense because it originated in Burgundy. Compared to other dry white wines it is surprisingly wide-bodied, and usually flavored with rich tastes like lemon and grapefruit.
But like I said before, the Chardonnay is a versatile wine, grown successfully in a variety of climates. Again California is a highlight, this time sporting a good, rich citrus flavor (lemon, grape), vanilla and sometimes melony hints.
Sauvignon Blanc
The last of the common white wine types. The grape variety as well as climatic differences show a broad range of wine characteristics. New Zealand, France’s Bordeaux and Loire districts as well as Australia all make for excellent Sauvignon Blancs. However some Australian warmer climates tend to be flat and indistinctive.
In France it is combined with Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc is normally lighter than the Chardonnay, but displays smoky qualities if it is not preserved in oak barrels. In this case a strong acid finish is required (this also means it goes bad really fast). The dominant tastes range from green apples and pear to melon and mango. Another important distinction from other wines is it’s herbal component. This is due to the cool climates it thrives upon – where it is common to mown the grass.
Red Wine Types
Syrah (or shiraz)
A delightful wine type that works very well with meat. The Syrah excels in France’s Rhode Valley, Australia and California. The normal taste in any wine country is wild flavors of black-currant (or other black-fruit). Often times it is further enhanced with black pepper spice and roasting meat. California has many wine regions that produce great Syrah.
This adds up to a very fruity wine. This abundance of flavors is well complimented by soft alcohol and gripping tannins, resulting in one very special wine. Typically preserved in oak barrels they have good longevity and intense flavors. The shiraz variety offers some of the deepest and spiciest red wine types.
Merlot
One of the most well known red wine types of all the wine brands out there. The most important characteristic is it’s softness. It makes it an easy-to-drink wine that is suitable for new red wine drinkers. This also means it will work great with any kind of food.
The best is grown in the Bordeaux, although US West Coast, Australia and many other countries do almost as well. This is the base template wine. The taste is typical and herbal and black-cherry flavors provide a round texture.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Another one of the common types. This wine brand is accepted as one of the top 5 wine types. Able to grow pretty much everywhere red wine grapes grow, the finest come from Medoc, France, Australia, California and Chile. Usually it undergoes oak treatment. Recently Napa Valley has acquired the fame of making some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon.
The taste is firm and full-bodied when young. As it ages it turns into a more bulky form but bell pepper notes remain. Because it undergoes oak treatment it also gets a vanilla flavor.
Pinot Noir
Last but not least, the noble Pinot Noir. A very feisty wine variety, it is very difficult to grow successfully. The best regions are Burgundy, Austria, California and Oregon. It makes for one of the great reds from Burgundy, France’s wine brand.
The taste is quite the opposite from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Much more fresh and delicate. Tannins are soft and the aromas will be fruity in both taste and texture. The trick with this wine is the staggering range of personalities so it is impossible to say which is the best.
Next time you taste an unknown wine type remember the different types of wines varieties I have enlisted here and take the pleasure of figuring out what each dimension is like. Now that you know more about the different wine characteristics I hope it will enrich your enjoyment of all wine types.
