Types of wine

Here is another article I have found on types of wine:

Different Wine Styles

We all know the two basic types of wine: red and white. However, within these categories, there are many different wine varieties that use different grapes, blends of grapes, etc.

Don't limit yourself to reds and whites, however. A rice wine might be the perfect accompaniment to a sushi dinner, and a fruit wine might make your dessert even sweeter!

With so many blends and styles on the market, the only way to really know what suits you is to taste a variety of wines. Why not go to a local vineyard or wine store for a tasting event? This is a great way to sample many different wines without buying an entire bottle. Usually, a tasting is complimentary when you purchase a bottle of wine.

Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. A salesperson at your local wine shop or even at your local supermarket will be happy to help you find a bottle to meet your needs.

Here's an overview of some of the more popular wine types:

• Red: Red wine is made from red, or black, grapes. Unlike white wine, when winemakers ferment red wine, they use the skin of the grapes. This allows the tannins from the grapes to enter the wine and gives red wine its dark color.
  
  There are many different types of red wine. Some, such as varietals, use only one grape variety, such as Zinfandel. Others use a blend of two or more grapes, such as a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
  
  Red wines run the gamut, from the smooth and velvety Pinot Noir to the full-flavored, intense and spicy Shiraz. If you're a beginner, you might want to opt for a mellower red and work your way up to the more intense styles and blends.
  
  
• Rosé: Like red wine, rosé wine (also known as blush wine) is produced from red black or black grapes. However, it is only allowed contact with the skins for a short period of time. This gives the wine the slight color of a red (more like a pink) but a taste more similar to a white.
  
  
• Sparkling: Many people confuse sparkling wine with champagne. However, sparkling wine isn't produced from champagne grapes (those grapes are grown only in Champagne, France). In order to produce sparkling wines, winemakers add a yeast and sugar solution to dry table wine. Then, the wine is resealed in order to go through a second fermentation process.
  
  
• White: Contrary to popular belief, white wine can be made from either red or white grapes. The reason the wine remains white or golden is that the skins are not used in the fermentation process.
  
  White wine styles vary from very dry to super sweet and are typically served chilled. Chardonnays have been popular in recent years and offer savory, smoky and/or vanilla characteristics. If you're looking for something sweeter, try a Riesling or a Pinot Gris.

Variations in Types of Wine

Within all the basic categories of wine, there are many wine varieties. However, don't let this confuse you. Here are a few tips that will help you on your next trip to the wine store:

1. Wine can be made from a variety of grapes or from a single type of grape. When looking at names of wines, remember that some wines, known as varietals, are named after the principal grape in their composition. Other wines are named after the region in which the grapes were grown.
   
   
2. The climate of the region in which the grapes were grown will have an impact on the dryness or sweetness of the wine.
   
   
3. While the grapes used in the wine will have a large impact on the taste of the wine, the winemaker can also influence its taste during the vinification (winemaking) process.