Although there are more than 50 key varieties of red wines, the average person tends to assume that all reds are simply red and the biggest difference between them is in who bottled them. In reality, reds encompass a color spectrum that ranges from light red wine to deep purple wine, with some being almost black. Different varieties also have distinctly different flavors, ranging from a hint of fruit to a touch of tobacco. Such a varied wine is appreciated best by first 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.
In addition to creating the variety of colors present in red wines, fermenting grapes in the skin also contributes flavenoids to the wine. The antioxidants, which are found in grape skin and seeds, enter the wine during the fermentation process. As a result, the concentration of flavenoids increases with the body of the wine. Four ounces of red wine per day contributes to heart health by reducing clotting, lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids are also thought to play a part in forming nerve cells that may be key in avoiding the onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Flavenoids also aid in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
The difference between types of red wines extends beyond what is written on the label. The differences, such as subtle variations in color, flavor and aroma, have been perfected by wine makers to make each red as different from another as the reds are from the whites. Those subtle differences begin with the grapes, but they are perfected in the winery. Fully appreciating the differences begins with learning and understanding more about them.
Picture sitting down to a outstanding dinner with an first-class bottle of wine. That excellent bottle can be from wines that you have made yourself. It does not take much to make great wines if you are aware of the right steps to take. Thankfully for us you can find instructional literature that can train you with everything you need to know when it comes to making wines. Additionally there are instruction booklets to growing your own grapes and understanding what the value of wines really are. All you require is a point in the right direction and you have the opportunity to be enjoying all sorts of delectable wines. For more helpful and educational material click here: Making Homemade Wine From Juice with more helpful material at Making Grape Wine in addition to Wine Making Bottles
