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.

The color and flavor of red wines is a combination of the wine making process and the variety of grapes used. 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.

The variety of colors of red wines is not the only product of fermenting the grapes with the skin. Flavenoids, which are known as antioxidants, are present in both the grape seed and skin, and they escape into the wine during fermentation. Because of this, a fuller-bodied wine has a higher flavenoid content. As a result, four ounces per day can help reduce bad cholesterol and clotting, while raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids have also been linked to the formation of nerve cells, which could help people avoid Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as the inhibited growth of certain types of cancer cells.

For many, recognizing the difference between red wines and whites is limited to looking at the color, while the difference in reds is written on the label. In reality, the difference between reds and whites, as well as the difference between varieties of red, begins in the vineyard and continues in the winery. Subtleties in color, flavor and aroma have been perfected by the makers and the variety keeps people coming back for more. Learning about those subtle differences makes it much easier to appreciate them.

Imagine having a seat and having a great dinner with an first-class bottle of wine. That excellent bottle can be from the wines that you have made yourself. It does not take much to make oustanding wines if you are aware of what you are doing. Thankfully for us you can find books that can guide you with all that you require to know when it comes to making wines. Additionally there are guides to growing your own grapes and understanding what the intrinsic value of wines really are. All you need is a point in the appropriate direction and you have the opportunity to be savoring in all kinds of luscious wines. For more helpful and educational material click here: Making Peach Wine and more information at Fruit Wine Making and at
Wine Making Process