It should come as no surprise that there are so many different kinds of red wine, especially given that there are more than a thousand different types of grapes used to make wine. However, even if they may not always understand all the different types of red wine, as well as its different unique tastes, most people still like them. Even if you are ashamed to admit it, there are some wine drinkers who could not actually distinguish the differences between a merlot and a malbec. But it is just fine! As long as you know the basic and major types, you are good to go.
The best course of action if you want to learn more about wine is to try a sample of a wide range of different varietals. Experts actually encourage those who want to learn more about red wines to push themselves outside of their comfort zone as soon as they find anything they like. Although terrifying, it is a fantastic way to learn. The finest varieties to try are those that are generally popular. That being said, you must avoid starting with a rare wine that only experts would appreciate in order to learn more about your personal preferences.
Just figuring out which wines you enjoy is a wonderful place to start. Here are a few of the main varieties you will frequently encounter if you prefer a glass of red wine but need help identifying which is which. Learn how they taste and what meals to pair them with while tasting.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is both a red wine grape and the name of the wine varietal that is made from the grape. It is one of the most popular red wine varieties in the country. The wines made from cabs are often large, full-bodied, and tannic, and they can age for many years. Both single-varietal wines and wine blends, such as French Bordeaux blends, American Meritage blends, and Italian super Tuscan blends, contain Cabernet Sauvignon. In smaller quantities, Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found in wines like Chianti and Priorat.
Due to the fact that Cabernet is the most frequently grown red grape, it serves as many people’s introduction to red wine. It also goes well with flavorful foods and grilled meat, thus it appears frequently on wine lists. Basically, if you want to know what all the buzz is about, you should taste this type of red wine. Moreover, since it serves as the foundation for many well-known blends, experimenting with single-varietal Cabernet will help you determine what aspects of your preferred blend you enjoy.
Merlot
Merlot is the second-most often planted grape, and is actually a fantastic point to start if you want to sample red wine. The wine is really “easy” to drink because it is tasty and fruity without drying out your mouth with tannins.
Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot refers to both the single-varietal wines derived from the red wine grape as well as the vine itself. These moderately tannic wines are frequently mixed with other grapes to give finished red wines softness and depth because they are less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. Meritage, Bordeaux, super Tuscans, Priorat, and other well-known wine mixes may contain Merlot, among others.
This type of red wine is frequently less expensive. It is typically adored for its flavors of black cherry, plum, and vanilla in addition to its cost. You should feel comfortable switching to other medium-bodied red wines if you like Merlot.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, the red wine grape and varietal, gained popularity in French Burgundy wines. It is interesting to note that Pinot Noir is one of the grapes used to make sparkling wines and Champagne. Pinots often have a gentle tannic structure and a mild to light body. Although it may occasionally be combined with a tiny proportion of the Gamay grape in Burgundy (Bourgogne) wines, Pinot Noir is not frequently mixed with other grapes. Pinot Noir wines are marketed as Spätburgunder and Frühburgunder in Germany.
Try a glass of Pinot Noir after tasting some medium- to full-bodied reds to see what you think of a lighter-bodied red. Depending on where it is produced, pinot can have a variety of flavors; some are fruitier and others are earthier. Keep track of the region your bottle of Pinot is from and try contrasting a Californian and a French one.
Key Takeaway
Be willing to try a little bit of everything when seeking for the ideal bottle of red wine. Consider an Italian Cabernet or a Spanish Pinot Noir. These wines from Italy or Spain may not be the most well-known or well-liked, but that does not necessarily imply they are poor wines. Be willing to experiment and be open to new tastes. You never know what kind of treasure you might find.
