Everything that you need to know about common types of wine

 Did you know that wine grapes are different from the quintessential table grapes that we all eat? The wine grapes come with thicker skin. They are also sweeter and smaller, and they always contain seeds. There are over one thousand varieties of wine grapes, and they can be mind boggling unless you have spent time knowing them. If you always wonder to yourself about the common types of wine, then try visiting this site https://www.ishopchangi.com/en/category/wine-and-spirits? This article also is a quick guide to tell you all about them.

·         Cabernet Sauvignon

This full-bodied red wine tastes of black cherry, cedar, and spices. The grapes are cultivated in the Bordeaux region. It is one of the most sought-after wine varieties everywhere in the world. The wine spells sophistication and class. The Cabernet has a lot of tannins in it and a consequently higher level of alcohol too. The best meals to pair the wine with are smoked meats and aged and hard cheeses.

There are some other wines like the Merlot, Cabernet French version, and Chile’s Caemenere similar in taste with the Cabernet Sauvignon. All of these wines have bold tannins, more acid, and savory flavors. Some other Bordeaux wine blends come close to the Cabernet in taste and flavor.

·         Syrah

The Syrah is also another full-bodied red wine cultivated in France and Australian valleys. The wine has a fruity flavor like blueberry and plum. The tannins are milder than Cabernet; this wine has a beefy broth flavor and is best blended with other wines such as Grenache to create the much-loved Rhone blend. Syrah connoisseurs love the tobacco and the black pepper undertones in their taste. Syrah goes best with all meat and diverse cuisines from around the world.  

If you are craving Syrah but cannot find it anywhere, you could ideally go for the Malbec, Petite Syrah, and Monastrell for similar fruity and oaky tones.

·         Zinfandel

If you are looking for a flavorful blast in the mouth, then Zinfandel is the right wine for your taste. The taste of this medium to full-bodied red wine ranges from fruity to spicy to sweet. This wine has originated in Croatia and is considered premium wine in most parts of the world. It pairs well with both red and poultry meats and almost all the cuisines from around the world.

When looking for Zinfandel alternatives, you can close your eyes and go for Grenache with more fruity flavors and a medium peppery meaty flavor like the Syrah; Spanish wine called the Tempranillo that is a low-bodied wine with cherry flavors and the Rhône Blend. The Rhone blend is very similar in taste to Zinfandel.

·         Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a medium to full-bodied white wine that tastes like citrus and tropical fruits with a hint of butterscotch, vanilla, or oaky notes. It is a dry variety of wine and is cultivated mainly in Burgundy. It is best paired with seafood and a softer but firmer variety of cheese. If Chardonnay is not available, you could settle down with a Sémillon that may be weightier but has a similar oaky-citrus flavor. Viognier is another alternative with its lighter and zestier flavors.

·         Sauvignon Blanc

This is a light to medium white wine that has exotic fruit flavor like honeydew, passion fruit, and kiwi. It is a dry wine too that is mainly cultivated in France. It pairs beautifully well with seafood, poultry, and pork. Sauvignon has Vermentino for an alternative that is less herby but with a more bitter taste. Then there is Verdejo from Spain and Grüner Veltliner from Austria.

Conclusion:

Thorough knowledge of wine is a great help when you have to prepare food pairings. All the more important if you are hosting guests and, more particularly, those you want to impress. Wine, just like food, has flavors, weights, and nuances that help to contribute greatly to the overall fine dining experience. So pay attention and pick the right one for you!!!