All About Red Wine

As you are probably aware Red wine is made from grapes and depending on the colour of the grape depends on the colour of the wine. Red Wine comes in a variety of reds depending on the grape colours themselves; they may be deep purple, reddish, or even a bluish colour. It is the grape skins that are responsible for the colouring of Red Wine. This is because during the fermentation process the skins are in contact with the grape juice allowing the distribution of both colour and tannins. The actual colour of the wine after fermentation depends on the type of grape and the amount of time the skins pigmentation is in contact with the juice.

The process of making Red Wine is referred to as the fermentation process. During fermentation, the sugars of the grape are converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide. This takes place in large stainless steel tanks, oak barrels or large vats. This process creates good red wine colourings, flavour components, nuances and tannins. The more contact the Red Wine grapes have with their skins the bigger the wine is more likely to be. If the grapes are not quite right then more sugar is added to increase alcohol levels, this is referred to as 'enrichment'.

Pressing

After fermentation the pressing process is performed. This involves taking out the remains of the grapes, which end up as sticky solids then squeezing them to get a thick liquid that can be added to enhance colour and flavour.

Malolactic Fermentation.

The Malolactic fermentation process objective is to produce a softer mouth feel and overall palate presence. The process converts the harsher malic acids to lactic acid bacteria.

Maturation of the Wine

Maturation of the wine takes place in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. Traditional Oak barrels are mainly used however the stainless steel tanks are becoming increasingly more popular as they are more economical meaning they do not have to be replaced after so many years like the oak barrels. However Oak barrels offer great protection, impart flavour and allows tiny amounts of oxygen in which creates greater flavour complexity. However stainless tanks are easy to maintain and sometimes the wine producer may add oak chips to the juice for oak effect.

Racking

This involves moving the juice from one barrel to another. This separates the juice from the bottom layer of sediment which can have a negative impact on the flavour. It also gives wine ventilation to open up flavours and allow further development.

Finishing & Filtration

The final process is very important as it involves removing unwanted particulates still residing in the wine. Sometimes egg whites are used to bind floaters and weight them down so that they end up at the bottom of the barrel and can be separated. The filtration process removes bigger solids such as dead yeast cells and other particles which makes the red wine brighter and clearer.

Bottling the Wine

Finally the wine is nearly ready for consumer use. Bottling the wine is done through mechanical bottling lines. Many of the larger estates have these on site, however some of the smaller wineries may rent these. Once the wine is in the bottle nitrogen or carbon dioxide is added to move any oxygen that remains on the top. The bottle is then capped with a cork or screw top. The bottles are then labelled and transferred to the case for distribution.

Red Wine should be drank in a wider rounder bowl which has plenty of room to breath and ample space to swirl the wine .

Some Red Wine glasses such as the Bordeaux glass are particular to certain wine types. This type should be tall with a wide bowl designed for cabernets and merlots which directs wine to the back of the mouth. A Burgundy glass is larger than the Bordeaux glass which is designed to accumulate aromas of the more delicate reds such as Pinot Noirs. These glasses direct wine to the tip of the tongue.

Buy Red Wine Online

Red Wine is often classified by body-type. Body types include light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied.

Light-bodied wines have fewer types of tannin and have far less presence on the palate than a full-bodied wine. A typical light-bodied wine is the French Beaujolais Nouveau from the Gamay grape variety. Typical medium-bodied wines include Merlots, Shiraz, and Chianti, a medium-bodied wine has more tannins that a light-bodied wine. Full-bodied wines (My favourite) include the French Bordeaux's and Californian Cabernet sauvignon to name just a couple, full-bodied wines have more tannin and normally higher alcohol content.

There is a wide range of Red Wines on the market, and enough to suit all tastes and budgets.

I will list in order the Red Wines which I think are the most popular of the red wines grapes, this however does not necessarily mean it is correct, its just the list I have created and the ones that are more apparent to me and my friends (I have asked for their input with this).

1. Cabernet Sauvignon
These grapes are small, black with very tough skin. The wine is high in tannins and if not oaked it can be quite harsh. These grapes consist of rich flavours and taste of black current, chocolate and can be spicy.
2. Merlot
Merlot grapes are also small dark blue in colour with thin skins. Merlot is a softer smoother wine than Cabernet with far less tannins. It has complex flavours and low acid. Flavours of this wine include plum, cherry, black currant, and rose.
3. Pinot Noir
A very smooth wine, sometimes referred to as "liquid silk". A soft texture, full bodied, but not as heavy as a cabernet. The flavours of this lovely wine consist of raspberries, cherries and smoke. Low in acid and tannins but high in alcohol.
4. Syrah/Shiraz
A black skinned grape with thick skin, it is a worldwide grape growing well in most places. Deep in colour, high and in tannins. The flavours consist of plum, blackberries and smoke. Made in two different styles; heavy and rich and fruitier and easy to drink.
5. Sangiovese
One of Italy's oldest wines. Its colour has little depth; however it is high in tannins and acid.
6. Zinfandel
An all American grape. An easy growing grape that can be vinified in many styles from light to claret, to a very high alcohol wine. Flavours consist of berry and spice to black pepper.

Wine production in carried out hundreds of regions around the world, too many in fact to list here. But some of the most popular nations include: Australia, Spain, France, Italy, South Africa, New Zealand, South America, and America. There is however many other nations whose wines are filling our shelves and undoubtedly will soon be up there with the best of the them.

Every country produces its own unique wine due to climate, environment, vegetation etc. If you are not sure which type of wine you like, then my advice to you would be Get Sampling, this really is the only way find out what you like. Yes you can read a lot about wines, but everyone has a different palate and preference etc