Wines are of many types. Red wine is a type of wine which is extracted from red, dark purple or blue colored grapes. This wine is red in color. Red wine is produced by fermenting grape juice. The red color of the wine is due to the tannins present in the wine which is a chemical compound. Red wine is stronger than white wine. Red wine is the most popular wine compared to other wines and is produced all over the world. There are almost 50 varieties of red wines like Australian Shiraz, Syrah, Chianti, Bordeaux, Sauvignon, etc.

Red wine comes in different flavors some of which are listed here:

Cherry, Plum, Blackberry, Raspberry, Currant, Raisin, Fig, Pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, Coffee, Cocoa, Mocha, Tobacco, Leather, etc.

Types of red wine

The type of Red wine depends on the area in which it is produced and the type of grape used for extracting the wine.

Syrah:

Syrah, also called as ‘Shiraz’, is mostly served with meat, beef or pastas. They are mostly dark colored wines. Syrah is widely cultivated in the regions of France, Australia, and California. One of the main ingredients of ‘syrah’ is ‘aroma’ which is very good for health.

Merlot:

Merlot, a red wine, is known for its light color and soft taste. It can be served with any kind of food. It is a very light drink and is not strong at all. ‘Merlot’ is cultivated in countries like Romania, Chile, Washington, Italy and Australia. They are also present in herbal and medicinal form.

Cabernet sauvignon:

Cabernet sauvignon is produced from oak. This red wine is beneficial in preventing cardiovascular problems and also cancer because of its medicinal properties.

Pinot noir:

Pinot noir is rarely found because it is difficult to grow. This red wine plant is cultivated in countries like New Zealand, USA, Oregon and many other valleys.

This red wine is best suited with meat and lamb.

Zinfandel:

Zinfandel is the native wine of California because it is produced only in California. This is very hot and spicy in taste and goes well with meat, pizzas, and pastas.

Sangiovese:

Sangiovese goes well with Italian dishes and is available in valley areas.

Barbera: Barbera is available only in USA.

Wine and Health

Consumption of wine to a limited extent may be beneficial to one’s health. It removes bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol while reducing blood clotting, which is used to prevent a number of heart diseases and leukemia, because it acts as an antioxidant. They are used to prevent Parkinson’s disease because of presence of ‘resveratrol’ in the wine. Red wine contains higher amount of flavonoids which is very useful. Melatonin present in red wine is used to cure a number of skin diseases. Over consumption of wine may lead to many health problems like:

1) Red wine headache (RWD) – It is a disease caused due to excessive consumption of red wine, which may further lead to nausea.

2) Consumption of red wine is hazardous during pregnancy. It also increases the chances of breast cancer.

3) Brain migraines

4) Diabetes

Hence, moderation is highly recommended for the consumption of red wine.

‘Resveratrol’ is a frequent word on doctors’ lips today. It is being acclaimed as a miracle supplement today.  But, most of us have no clue what resveratrol comprises. Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the plant kingdom like grapes, mulberries, peanuts, etc. and according to recent studies, it fights some chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, resveratrol also serves in helping the immune system and losing some pounds.

Red wine produced from grapes is particularly rich in this miracle compound and thus, Red wine is also called resveratrol wine by physicians. Studies have demonstrated that people who regularly drink red wine are much less prone to diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, inflammation, and so forth. It is taken to be true that the skin and seeds of grapes contain resveratrol in great amounts. This is the reason red wine is abundant in resveratrol when white wine isn’t. Red wine is produced by fermenting the skin, seeds and twigs of grapes when white wine is produced by fermenting only grape juice.

As red wine contains huge quantity of resveratrol, the alcohol content in red wine can be grounds for concern. To not have the effects of alcohol in red wine and simultaneously get the advantages of resveratrol, you can choose to take resveratrol wine pills. Though, it is generally taken to be true that it is more beneficial to consume a health-benefit element in its natural form instead of going in for its tablet form, resveratrol wine tablet does not conform to the rule. It is a boon for people who want the benefits of resveratrol in red wine without the ill- consequences of alcohol.

Doctors say you’d have to consume three bottles of red wine per day to get the same advantages as one pill of resveratrol has, thus my advice is to opt for the tablets and at times drink a some glasses of wine to complement your supper.

Scientists: Johns Hopkins found that red wine is a best drink for our brain, red wine protect the brain from damage after a stroke.After two hours, scientists found that feeding mice a single modest dose of resveratrol, and some of compound found in the skins and seeds of red grapes, Researchers cutting an ischemic strok by essentially cutting of blood supply to the animals brains.After some time they found that the animals that had preventively ingested the resveratrol suffered significantly less brain damage than the ones that had not been given the compound.

Although red wine is not considered a cure all and certainly not a replacement for visiting your doctor, you can find some widely agreed upon benefits to drinking red wine. There are a great many benefits that red wine brings, such as its ability to help lower LDL or bad cholesterol with the body ; this is a proven fact. It is commonly said that wine can be good for our health, but it is important to understand what the specifics are of these benefits in order for us to ensure that we make best of them.

One example of this is that not many people are actually aware that this applies only to red wine and that only red wine offers these benefits, because of the certain flavnoids in the red wine that is not available in white wine. This however does not necessarily mean that white wine is completely unhealthy, rather it is the red wine benefits that we particularly look for when looking for benefits from wine. However, it is important to remember that these benefits are based upon moderation rather than heavy or binge drinking.

Australian wine has dominated the UK supermarket shelves and restaurant tables for at least twenty years. In fact Australia is now responsible for the most wines sales by volume to the UK than any other country in the world. However despite it being a big seller when it comes to the UK it is only in the top 10 when it comes to overall wine production statistics.

Initially Australia was known primarily for its Chardonnay. It was this oaky white wine which really bought it to the forefront of the British market. Because of the Australian climate the grapes tended to mature more than the same grapes would in Europe – producing a wine with a higher sugar and in some cases higher alcohol content than its European counterpart. The climate has also led to Australia being able to produce fewer weak wines and therefore the wine produced is more consistent than that produced in Europe which is more at the mercy of changeable weather. However as tastes change and time has moved on the wine industry has too and Australia now produces a wide range of wines.

There is a vast amount of wine produced in Australia and we are now going to take a whistlestop tour around some of the wine regions concentrating on those which produce red wine.

In New South Wales the best known region is Hunter Valley, here you will find some excellent Shiraz. Wines can be labelled as being form the upper or lower valley but both areas concentrate on Shiraz for their red wine.

Also in New South Wales is Mudgee and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. This area was previously responsible for some of the cheaper lower quality wines but this has changed over the last few years and there are some really good Shiraz wines now coming out of this region.

For great Pinot Noir wines head to Victoria, The Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley are both producers of some fine varieties of this type of wine. In fact Victoria is singlehandedly responsible for a great deal of red wines that end up on tables across the UK with Goulburn Valley, Great Western, Rutherglen, King valley and Milawa all producing some fantastic wine.

South Australia is where many of the wines produced for mass consumption come from. Coonawarra is seen as one of the finest wine regions of the area producing rich Cabernet Sauvignon and fiery Shiraz. Also notable in this area is the wine region of Barossa Valley which is one of the oldest and best known places for viticulture in Australia. Shiraz is what the region made its name from so it is definitely worth checking it out!

For a great range of Australian red wines, or just to browse wine in general, it is a good idea to consult an independent online wine retailer. You can browse wines in your chosen price range, and you can research before you buy.

When it comes to red wine, it can get confusing as to which kind of wine is right for you. There is such a wide variety of grape types that go into wine production that you can find yourself bewildered when faced with a supermarket shelf.

To optimize the experience, red wines need time to age, then a minute of time to breathe once opened before serving. They do not need to be chilled, and they go well with strong flavours and dark meats.

In this article, different varieties of red wine grapes are detailed, giving you as chance to experiment with flavours whilst allowing you to get to know some of the products that are available.

On the whole, there are six classic red grape varieties that make up the majority of wines that are available for purchase. There of course others, but this is just an overview of the most common varieties available:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is traditionally associated with Bordeaux but is now grown all over the New World and Europe. It has a black current like taste, which is created from small grapes who have thick skins. Cabernet Sauvignon is probably one of the most established types of red wine and it covers the world, ranging from Eastern European (often tight budget) speciality wines, through Chilean and Australian varieties, through to the prestigious and historic red wines of Bordeaux that have been matured to produce smoother, generally more expensive wines.

Merlot

Merlot is also traditionally associated with the Bordeaux region of France. It hasn’t spread across the world in the same way as the Cabernet Sauvignon due to its more specific soil condition requirements. But it has found a happy new home in the valleys of Northern California. A rich, juicy wine, it has tastes resembling fruitcake and black currant.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is associated with Burgundy region wineries, and until recently was not produced with particular success anywhere else. However New Zealand is now producing some very fine Pinot Noir wine. The wines produced by this grape are at first summery in their taste. They remind you of summer fruits. After five to ten years of maturing, however, this taste changes to become much richer, and deservedly more expensive.

Shiraz or Syrah

What the French call Syrah, is known by Australians as Shiraz. It is traditionally grown in the Rhone Valley, but has become popular right across the New World. There are great varieties of this distinct wine coming out of Australia, Chile, California and South Africa. It is one of the true favourites of people who prefer red wine. The flavour is fruity but sometimes can even be peppery, making it not a taste that everyone likes.

Sangiovese

This is the most widely planted red grape in Italy. Famous for Chianti (a product of this grape), it has been regarded by many as a really tasty pour from the jug wine. It may not be a fruity wine, but it is a great partner for all types of food, it has a taste of black cherries but this is often not that obvious. It is starting to become better known, and is certainly one to look out for as the New World starts to get more interested in and good at growing Sangiovese grapes.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is another of Northern Italy’s classic grapes which, despite being responsible for some of Italy’s finest wines, has not been made the jump into the New World. It’s spiritual home is Barolo, and it would seem ideally suited to planting in warmer climes. The taste is of black cherries and sometimes even chocolate making it a rich wine.

There are many more types of grape and particular blends of complementary grapes that go into making red wines – but this should give you an overview to start your sampling with

Many people with even just a basic understanding of wine know that there are certain “rules” about what is and is not proper when it comes to your menu and your choice of red or white, specifically, red meat means red wine, and everything else means white.  But what’s the real difference between these two choices, and how can you tell which is going to be best for your particular menu?

It’s important to remember that wine is just a beverage made when you ferment grapes or other fruits; the fermentation process is when sugars are converted to alcohol.  When you make beer, the natural starches in the barley or other grains is much like sugar, and this is what converts to alcohol during that fermentation.  Many people assume that any type of wine is just made from grapes, but there are many fruits that can be used, including apples, bananas, strawberries, elderberries, blackberries, and so on. 

Wines are named after the fruit they are made from, and when they are made from grapes, it is the type of grape it is made from.  For example, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot are all types of grapes.  If not named after the grapes, they are named after the area they are grown in, such as Bordeaux, Rioja, Chianti, or Cotnari.

You may not think that there is much difference then between red or white wine; since it’s all grapes, why go so far so as to even make rules about what foods to serve it with?  However, think about the difference between coffee and tea.  Typically you think of coffee as a “heavier” beverage and tea as something lighter.  Coffee has a much more pungent flavor and is typically stronger than tea.  You can also compare cola with lemon-lime soda; cola is a heavier drink while the lemon-lime soda is crisper and lighter.  In the same way, red wine is typically “heavier” than white, and usually has a much stronger flavor.  It is usually more pungent in taste.  White wines are usually crisper, lighter, and have a fruitier flavor. 

The main reason that certain wines are recommended with certain foods is that you never want the food to interfere with its flavor, and vice versa.  You also want something that’s strong enough to complement the flavors of the food as well.  For example, people rarely have tea with chocolate; the strong flavor of the coffee is a better fit for the sweetness of the chocolate.  Of course, recommendations for wine are not hard and fast rules, and there’s no reason you can’t mix things up and stick with the flavor that you prefer regardless of what you’re eating.  Try a few different combinations and see what makes you palate the happiest.

I have often been amazed at the contradictory results of research studies on food and drink. One day something is good for your health, then a few weeks down the line the same thing is described as being harmful.

Red wine, however, has been consistently promoted as being good for the heart and in a new report on the effects of alcohol consumption on weight gain red wine comes out tops again.

Lu Wang, M.D., Ph.D., of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, and colleagues studied 19,220 U.S. women age 39 or older, all of whom, at the start of the study, were of normal, healthy weight. They were all asked about their drinking habits and then their weight was logged over a period of 13 years. They all managed to gain at least a little weight, but those women who drank no alcohol at all showed the greatest weight gain. 41% became overweight with nearly 4% (732) actually becoming obese.

Those with the least weight gain were the ladies who drank between 180 ml and 500 ml of alcohol per day. When the results were further refined, red wine produced the best results. A standard glass of wine is usually 120 ml.

The research team does, however, caution us with the usual advice on the adverse effects of drinking too much alcohol. Drinking a lot of beer and lager is normally associated with a beer belly which can be as unhealthy as being obese. Equally one really can’t imagine anyone drinking 500 ml of spirits a day to be particularly healthy.

The French are great wine drinkers, of course. Most of them wouldn’t think of eating at midday or in the evening without a glass or two of wine. Even hospital patients are served a glass of wine with their meals! They drink the wine that’s local to them and is usually excellent value for money and has a fairly light body. Drinking 2 or 3 glasses of heavy red wine or with a strong tannin content is not their style, so when you trot down to your local Tesco’s take a look at the French wine section first.

A final tip; make sure that it says “appellation controle” and has a minimum alcohol content of 12%.

Sangria can be described as fruit-based flavored drink which contains wine to attain a sweet, spiced, tangy or quick tasty drink for festive occasions. It has its cultural roots in Spain, and is usually created using red wine, though white wine sangria has become quite recognized as well.

Conventional red wine sangria is usually made with juicy, seasonal fruits. Citrus flavored soda and carbonated water are also added to the combination to give the drink an exceptional taste distinct from that of the wine included in the recipe.Outdoor parties may be enjoyed properly with sangria beverage in summer and spring season as people like to have cool and light drink for these events. It is favored by wine lovers and also enjoyed by people who don’t typically get pleasure from wine.

Despite the fact that the drink was originated in Spain, countries and cultures of the entire world have adopted and adapted sangria to suit their certain Places and culture of the entire world have included sangria in their tastes though the origin of this flavored drink was Spain. Sangria is also a well-liked drink as it makes for a good, economical punch that is compatible to social gatherings. It may be made from kind of wines, combined at the same time to generate a mouthwatering drink to be celebrated by altogether.

One or more wines with any recipe or percentage can be added to sangria to create a unique savor and flavor. Several sangria wines could be good quality on their own, but still less flavorsome or expensive wines could make great sangria, as the soda and fruit included to the mix can fetch pleasures to life.

A large number of sangria recipes can be found to select from. The essential recipe can be unreal up in a variety of ways to accomplish unique and tasty punches. White wine sangria has become rapidly popular. Many of the best sangrias comprise white wine, and various recipes that which have plenty of fruit tend to be best with white wine.

White wine sangria is a sweet beverage that may make strong nearly any menu. Guest may enjoy well with this quiet tasty treat in addition to it might prove to be worthy at a certain family dinner too. Sangria can be made in large and little quantities and can definitely be the best flavored drink for any social occasion.

A study with the aim to find whether red wine has a protective effect on the teeth has carried out by Gazzani and her colleagues, Professor of Department of Medicinal Chemistry in University of Pavia, Italy. Firstly, the researchers purchased ordinary red wine from supermarket and then did dealcoholization. The purpose of using dealcoholization wine is to discover which substances play the role, alcohol or other substances. The teeth are easily damaged by Streptococcus mutans in mouth, which survive by relying on sugar in food. Once the Streptococcus mutans affix the teeth, the surface of teeth will be carried out to the mineralization and the acid substance has the opportunity to get in, then corrosion teeth happened. From this experiment, researchers discovered that Streptococcus mutans are easy to mix with saliva and adhere the teeth, the dealcoholization red wine can prevent the viscosity of saliva or dental bacteria.

Researchers said that the material which can block Streptococcus mutans is a compounds called proanthocyanidins. From previous study, proanthocyanidins is a kind of antioxidan which can be found in a variety of foods such as grapes, apples, cinnamon, cocoa, tea and so on. Besides, grape skin and grape seeds contain proanthocyanidins, but the researchers do not know whether grape juice has the function of protecting the teeth. “As for grape juice, we have no data now,” Gazzani said, “but we believe that the finding from red wine does not apply to grape juice, because the chemical composition in grape juice and grape wine is different.”

The acids and sugars in some red wine can cause tooth decay, but according to the findings of Gazzani, red wine also has the function of protecting the teeth. so it can be described as mixing merits and demerits. In addition, red wine benefits the health a lot, for example, red wine can increase brain power, boost the immune system function, prevent diabetes and obesity, anti-aging and so on. People with moderate consumption of red wine are more sensitive on thinking than those who have never had alcohol. This is because natural active ingredients in the grape skins can promote healthy blood flow to the brain. However, remember that excessive drinking may lead to high blood pressure, liver disease, infertility and so on.

What can be said about red wine can be said about great conversation: the best will be savored for years to come. A particularly keen vintage of Pinot Noir, an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, or a sensual Syrah will linger in your memory with the same resonance as a hilarious witticism or a moving exchange. Each great wine has its own individual taste and presence, and as such, should be enjoyed with the same appreciation and respect you accord an old friend. 

Pinot Noir 

Pinot Noir, one of the darker red wines, is grown from a delicate grape which requires great finesse and very specific weather conditions to reach maturity. Often, the grapes from a previously successful crop are not consistent in shape or size. Because of the difficulty involved in its production, a great Pinot Noir tends to be slightly more expensive than other comparable wines. Best uncorked five to eight years after its bottling date, Pinot Noir will surprise you with its complexity while delighting you with its multitude of flavors. The low, powerful, earthy taste, like the slow note of a gracefully tuned cello, grabs hold of your tongue as it introduces a full-bodied flavor to your palette. Drinking an excellent vintage of Pinot Noir is almost always a precursor to a fantastic evening of camaraderie and memorable banter. 

Cabernet Sauvignon 

Cabernet Sauvignon has a slightly lighter and fruitier taste than Pinot Noir, and introduces playful elements that make it an excellent companion to pasta dishes and exuberant friends. Unlike Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon grows relatively easily, due to the grape’s tough outer skin. Known for its remarkable ability to age into a truly fine wine, the older vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon are especially delicious. The wine gained widespread popularity in the 1980′s, due not only to its availability, but its prestigious status among vino connoisseurs. A great Cab always compliments the food with which it is served, highlighting the delicate flourishes of a dish without overwhelming the food’s underlying notes. Whether served with pasta, beef, or even a simple salad and cheese dish, this wine will delight you while enhancing your culinary experience. 

Syrah 

One of the oldest cultivated red wines, Syrah requires a hot climate to attain ripeness, and as a result tends to be grown only in very specific regions of California and France. Its unusually dark look, which can range into the violet, distinguishes it from other red wines almost as much as its distinctive rich texture. A Syrah is an excellent conversational wine, partly because its taste is so remarkable! With its spicy overtone, Syrah quickly intrigues your taste buds and demands that they experience a slew of visceral textures. Best served with fish or light pastas, a Syrah matures elegantly, and may be drunk to great effect many years after its initial bottling. 

Red wine is ultimately as much about the company you keep as the vintages you drink. Never be shy when trying an unfamiliar wine—but have no shame in returning to your old favorites. 

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