Most Popular Red Wine Types for Your Rack

Wine is produced all over the world from single varietal grape selections to popular varietal blends to please almost every palate, from the novice to the seasoned wine taster. Red wine happens to be the most popular choice the world over.

Barolo and Barbaresco

Wine

Derived from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo wines are typically deep red with a thick and complex flavor that is sometimes flowery, reminiscent of violets and roses. Other flavors are fruit, licorice or oak. Barolo should be enjoyed at 60F and can age for 5-10 years. Barbaresco is a red wine that is more elegant and aromatic, though still powerful. In a way, Barbaresco is the younger brother of Barolo. Both of these red wines are made in the Piedmont region of Italy and pair well with grilled meats.

Most Popular Red Wine Types for Your Rack

Beaujolais Nouveau

A very young, light, fruity wine meant to be served chilled, around 55F, with dominant flavors of strawberry and raspberry along with a grapey appeal that is virtually free of tannins. It is grown from the Gamay grape in the Beaujolais region (part of Burgundy) of France. Beaujolais Nouveau is released annually on the third Thursday of November. In food pairing, it goes well with grilled or roasted meats both light and dark, a variety of pastas, salads and cheeses.

Cabernet Franc

Originally from the Bourdeaux and Loire Valley region, Cabernet Franc enjoys the growing climates of California, Washington State, Australia, Chile, Canada, and South Africa. It is a wonderfully fruity wine, having lower tannin levels and a more distinct flavor reminiscent of berry; mainly blueberry, raspberry and at times plum. Cabernet Franc is more subdued and softer than its cousin Cabernet Sauvignon and is sold as a single varietal. However, it is ideal for blending with its cousin Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Cabernet Franc is best served at 59-64F and pairs well with Mediterranean Greek and Middle Eastern dishes as well as poultry and pasta.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Originally from Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon has a tremendous presence in the California wineries where the grape favors the warmer climate, and enjoys the popularity as the most sought after red wine. Cabernets are medium-bodied to full-bodied and characterized by a high tannin content which provides structure and intrigue to the wine and supporting flavors reminiscent of a rich, ripe berry, tobacco and sometimes green pepper. Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal wine for aging, with 5-10 years being optimal for peak maturation. The longer maturation process allows the wine's flavors to mellow, and makes the Cabernets ideal for blending with other grapes, primarily Merlot to add appealing fruit tones, without sacrificing character. Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at 59-64F, and pairs wonderfully with red meats, lamb, cheeses of strong flavor and dark chocolates.

Cotes du Rhone

Southeastern France's Rhone Valley produces some of that country's best bargain red wines offering good flavor, generally full-bodied with rich but smooth tanins, with plenty of food pairing options. Grenache, Syrah and Viognier are the primary varietals grown in the region. Red and rosé wines are made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignane, Counoise and Mourvèdre grape varieties. With the exception of Northern wines using a majority of Syrah, product must contain a minimum of 40% Grenache to be blended into the Côtes du Rhône. Best served at 59-64F and pairs well with game and other rich meat dishes.

Malbec

Originating from Bordeaux France, Malbec is generally a grape used for blending. In the sun-drenched climate of Argentina, Malbec has found renewed appreciation and acclaim and has become Argentina's signature grape producing a medium to full-bodied red wine. Malbec wine is reminiscent of ripe fruit flavors of plums and blackberry jam. The tannins are typically a bit tight with an earthy, wood appeal making for a fairly rustic wine that is quickly making a new name for itself with red wine lovers. Malbec is best served at 59-64F and pairs well with tomato-based sauces, Italian fare, red meat, Mexican, Cajun, and Indian dishes.

Merlot

A soft, medium-bodied red wine with juicy fruit flavors reminiscent of plums, cherries, blueberries and blackberries mixed with black pepper tones. Tannin levels are fairly low. Merlot is a prime wine for consumers just getting into red wines. Merlot originated from the Bordeaux region of France and is often blended with other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Blending Merlot with these wines mellows and softens the Cabernets. Merlot wines are very versatile with food pairings and are best served at 55- 60F degrees and enjoyed with poultry, red meat, pork, pastas, and salads.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a lighter flavored and colored red wine with flavors reminiscent of plums, tomatoes, cherries and red berries and, depending on the varietal's growing conditions, an earthy or wood flavor. Pinot Noir is planted in California, Oregon, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and other regions around the world. You are likely to pay a little more for Pinot Noir because it is produced in smaller quantities than most of the other popular red wine types. Pinot Noir is a versatile food wine best served at 55-60F, pairing well with spicy seasonings, creamy sauces, beef, ham, lamb, pork, poultry and fish.

Sangiovese

Italy's most commonly planted red grape varietal predominantly producing the popular wines Chianti and Chianti Classico, wines of medium- to full-body with a tannin structure range from medium-soft to firm, and a medium to high acidity content. Flavors associated with Sangiovese wines are reminiscent of cherry, plum, strawberry, cinnamon and vanilla with a finish that can range from elegant to bitter. Best served at 59-64F, Sangiovese varietal wine pairs well with chicken, red meat, fish, lamb, pork, pastas, stews or well-aged cheeses

Shiraz/Syrah

Australia and South Africa call it Shiraz. In France, it is known and grown as Syrah, but it happens to be the same grape varietal that produces a deep-purple color and bold, spicy, red, medium- to full-bodied wines with firm tannins with rich flavors reminiscent of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, clove, licorice, dark chocolate and smoked meat. Best served at 59-64F, Shiraz/Syrah pairs wonderfully with spicy Mexican, Cajun and barbeque dishes, grilled fare, beef stews, red meats, even pizza and meat lasagna.

Zinfandel

California's #2 most widely planted red wine grape. Originating in Croatia, not southern Italy as previously thought, where it is a kin to the Primitivo grape . DNA "fingerprinting" recently proved that both Zinfandel and Primitivo are clones of the same grape. California is the largest grower of Zinfandel and produces various styles, ranging from a blackberry and black pepper, to light and juicy-fruity, to rich, elegant, oaked red with medium to high tannin levels and higher alcohol content. "Zin" is frequently blended with other grapes. Best served at 59F, Zinfandel pairs well with grilled red or white meat, fish, lamb, gorgonzola cheese and dark chocolate. Lighter Zinfandels can also pair well with rich, creamy pastas, rotisserie chicken, duck, baked Italian dishes like lasagna, cannelloni and Cajun to Asian fare.

Most Popular Red Wine Types for Your Rack

We created http://www.YourLoveOfWine.com because we passionately want to share with those with an interest the art, science, and physical and psychological aspects of the wine tasting experience. An experience without pretension which both the novice and seasoned wine lover can enjoy and appreciate. Some of the most exquisite wine experiences are made by passionate vintners creating wines with more styles and tastes than ever could be imagined and YourLoveOfWine can take you on a wondrous journey, tracking down some truly exciting wines to bring to your door when you need them. Our mission is to deliver a greater online wine buying value than you will find anywhere through the combination of our outstanding customer service, depth of product offerings, value pricing and commitment to online wine buyers' satisfaction. Including 8 DIFFERENT WINE CLUBS (one for EVERY TASTE and BUDGET), the best of the elite Red and White Wines, Gift Baskets, Glassware, Wine Openers and Charms. See our selection of Quality Wine Racks at http://www.YourLoveOfWine.com/wineracks.php

Popular Red Wine Varieties

Red wine is believably the most renowned and most popular variety of wine procurable. It's not just taken for its excellent taste but also red wines have actually been recognized to have a beneficial effect on an individual's well-being by cutting down unhealthy cholesterol, raising good cholesterol and lessening the danger of blood clots. Nowadays there are umpteen diverse kinds of red wines being traded, making picking out a great wine somewhat hard for the inexpert wine imbiber.

The following are seven of the superlative best-selling red wine varieties together with a short account of each type:

Wine

1. Merlot - Merlot's graded as a moderate bodied wine that's advocated for anybody that is fresh to drinking wine. Its origins can be traced to the Bordeaux area situated in France and it's an outstanding dinner wine selection particularly when it is served with poultry, pork, pastas, and red meat.

Popular Red Wine Varieties

2. Barolo - The Barolo wines are regarded as extremely fragrant wines that must be cooled to about 60 degrees and best served with barbequed meats. They possess a rich crimson color and an intense flavor. Several people associate the scent with violets and roses.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon - The Cabernet Sauvignon is viewed as an intermediate to a flavorful wine that's rich in tannin content. It's seen extensively in a lot of the wineries in California even though it was originally produced in Bordeaux. These wines are superb when had with red meats, lamb, strong-tasting cheeses, and dark chocolates.

4. Beaujolais Nouveau - The Beaujolais Nouveau wines ought to be had with pastas, cheeses, salads, and barbequed meats and must be cooled to a chill 55 degrees. It's believed to be a new but fruity and delicate wine with virtually no tannin content.

5. Cabernet Franc - The Cabernet Franc is indeed a fruit wine having extremely small tannin levels. It tastes best when cooled to about 62 degrees and really is splendid when had with poultry and pasta.

6. Sangiovese - The Sangiovese wine is a moderate delicate to strong wine with average high acidity levels. It must be taken with pork, fish, red meat, chicken, pasta, lamb, and mature cheeses.

7. Malbec - The Malbec wine is a robust wine that when had at around 62 degrees goes well with Cajun, Mexican, Italian, and Indian dishes as well as red meat. Wine lovers everywhere are taking to Malbec like never before.

The above are merely some of the choicest red wines in stores at present and there are lots more available that can be bought for a great range of prices. In case you wish to check out the different kinds of available red wines one of the finest ways is by entering wine sampling events. This permits you to sample an assortment of wines in enjoyable and enchanting surroundings.

Popular Red Wine Varieties

Darren Williger is a guitar playing, tea drinking, meditating, low carbohydrate eating, wine making sales maker who writes for WineSatori.com, and HomemadeVino.com

Most Popular Fruit Wines

Fruit wines are unique wines since they are not made from grapes. They have adopted the nickname 'something' wines, since the word wine is legally defined as a drink made only from grapes. The definition of fruit wines is "fermented alcoholic beverages made from a variety of ingredients other than grapes and having a variety of flavors." Fruit wines can be made from any adequately sweet fruit. It can also be made by the addition of sugar or honey from other and many plant supplies, which are not fruits. In Great Britain, the phrase 'country wine' is the common name for fruit wines.

There are a couple of foods, besides grapes, that have a balance quantity of sugar, acid, tannin, nutritive salts for yeast and water to produce "a stable, drinkable wine." There must be enough natural sugar to support a "satisfactory fermentation and provide bacteriological stability through sufficient ethanol content," then the winemaker adds regular sugar, honey, or sweet sap that has been taken from trees. If the food is too acidic then sugar and water maybe added to water-down the acidity. You may also have to add more tannin or acid to balance out the taste. It may be added as chemicals, or by adding a balance fruit such as crabapples, raisins, or dates to the unbalanced base.

Wines

Plum wine is one example of a fruit wine. It is a popular wine drunk in Japan and Korea. It is also produced in Japan. Another example of fruit wines are pineapple wines. Pineapple wine is made of pineapple juice. The fermentation of the pineapple juice takes place in temperature controlled containers and is stopped when it is almost dry. The end result is a soft, dry and fruity wine with an obvious pineapple bouquet. "It is made in Hawaii by the Tedeschi Vineyards called 'Maui Blanc' located in Ulupalakua, Maui-Hawaii, on the slopes of Haleakala." Its alcohol content is 11.5% by volume. The next example of a fruit wine is pomace wine. It is made from grape pomace. Because of its generally low quality and alcohol content, it can not be stored for long, and generally distilled into pomace brandy.

There are many ways to produce fruit wines. All of which do not have anything to do with grapes. There are many different types of fruit wines, with different flavors that would appeal to your liking.

Most Popular Fruit Wines

Lindsay Alston is a contributing editor for Classic Wines, specializing in fruit wines

White Wines - The Most Popular

Wine. Not what you do when you don't get your way. What you drink with a fine meal. Well, maybe not what you drink, depending on your tastes, but what a lot of people drink. Some would say that there is nothing like a fine wine. So the question we're going to try to answer in this article is just what IS a fine wine?

Well, there is basically red wine and white wine. And since it's bad etiquette to mixed them together we're going to concentrate on what are considered the finest white wines in this article.

Wines

Naturally there will be experts who will disagree when it comes to what the finest white wines are but the following list is a pretty safe bet with most people.

One of the most popular white wines today is Pinot Grigio. The wine comes from the Northeast region of Veneto and Friuli. The tastes of this wine range from melon to pear and some even offer a subtle tropical or citrus fruit, often there is a honey or smoky flavor component as well. As for color, Pinot Grigio is typically a pale, straw-like yellow with some golden hues thrown in to boot. This wine goes very well with seafood, light pastas and cheese cracker combinations. Since this wine is fairly acidic itself, avoid drinking it with foods that are high in acid concentration, like citrus fruits or tomato-based recipes.

Another very popular white wine is what they call a Chardonnay. There are many types of these wines. These are what they call "low maintenance" wines that adapt well to a variety of climates which means that quite a bit of this wine can be produced, usually in the millions of bottles per year. Because of this you can get a good Chardonnay for around . Some of the more popular Chardonnay wines are Jacob's Creek, which goes great with chicken, veggies or shrimp, Eola Hills which is fine with grilled salmon or smoked tuna, Carmenet, which is wonderful with cheese, Round Hill, which is a great wine to have with pork and poultry and the list goes on and on.

Another very popular white wine is champagne. Yes, champagne is a white wine, just a very fancy one. There is a light taste and fizz to champagne that is unlike any other white wine. There is no denying that nothing tastes quite like champagne. That is why you will find this wine at the fanciest parties and gatherings and of course it is the drink of choice for New Year's Eve. The best champagnes are very expensive. They are derived from a blend of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Champagne is considered a sparkling wine, due to the bubbles, which are formed during a second fermentation process. This second fermentation takes still wine and seals in the carbon dioxide that is formed when yeast converts sugar into alcohol, making for millions of bubbles with no place to go. The most expensive popular champagne of today is Deutz 1990 Cuvee William Brut at 5 a bottle. So if you're going to drink a lot of champagne prepare a nice budget beforehand.

The above is only the tip of the iceberg of white wines but they are the most popular. In our next article we'll see what red wines have to offer for our tastes.

White Wines - The Most Popular

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Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Wine [http://wine.for-fun-and-value.com/]

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Most Popular Red Wine Types for Your Rack

Wine is produced all over the world from single varietal grape selections to popular varietal blends to please almost every palate, from the novice to the seasoned wine taster. Red wine happens to be the most popular choice the world over.

Barolo and Barbaresco

Wines

Derived from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo wines are typically deep red with a thick and complex flavor that is sometimes flowery, reminiscent of violets and roses. Other flavors are fruit, licorice or oak. Barolo should be enjoyed at 60F and can age for 5-10 years. Barbaresco is a red wine that is more elegant and aromatic, though still powerful. In a way, Barbaresco is the younger brother of Barolo. Both of these red wines are made in the Piedmont region of Italy and pair well with grilled meats.

Beaujolais Nouveau

A very young, light, fruity wine meant to be served chilled, around 55F, with dominant flavors of strawberry and raspberry along with a grapey appeal that is virtually free of tannins. It is grown from the Gamay grape in the Beaujolais region (part of Burgundy) of France. Beaujolais Nouveau is released annually on the third Thursday of November. In food pairing, it goes well with grilled or roasted meats both light and dark, a variety of pastas, salads and cheeses.

Cabernet Franc

Originally from the Bourdeaux and Loire Valley region, Cabernet Franc enjoys the growing climates of California, Washington State, Australia, Chile, Canada, and South Africa. It is a wonderfully fruity wine, having lower tannin levels and a more distinct flavor reminiscent of berry; mainly blueberry, raspberry and at times plum. Cabernet Franc is more subdued and softer than its cousin Cabernet Sauvignon and is sold as a single varietal. However, it is ideal for blending with its cousin Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Cabernet Franc is best served at 59-64F and pairs well with Mediterranean Greek and Middle Eastern dishes as well as poultry and pasta.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Originally from Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon has a tremendous presence in the California wineries where the grape favors the warmer climate, and enjoys the popularity as the most sought after red wine. Cabernets are medium-bodied to full-bodied and characterized by a high tannin content which provides structure and intrigue to the wine and supporting flavors reminiscent of a rich, ripe berry, tobacco and sometimes green pepper. Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal wine for aging, with 5-10 years being optimal for peak maturation. The longer maturation process allows the wine's flavors to mellow, and makes the Cabernets ideal for blending with other grapes, primarily Merlot to add appealing fruit tones, without sacrificing character. Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at 59-64F, and pairs wonderfully with red meats, lamb, cheeses of strong flavor and dark chocolates.

Cotes du Rhone

Southeastern France's Rhone Valley produces some of that country's best bargain red wines offering good flavor, generally full-bodied with rich but smooth tanins, with plenty of food pairing options. Grenache, Syrah and Viognier are the primary varietals grown in the region. Red and rosé wines are made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignane, Counoise and Mourvèdre grape varieties. With the exception of Northern wines using a majority of Syrah, product must contain a minimum of 40% Grenache to be blended into the Côtes du Rhône. Best served at 59-64F and pairs well with game and other rich meat dishes.

Malbec

Originating from Bordeaux France, Malbec is generally a grape used for blending. In the sun-drenched climate of Argentina, Malbec has found renewed appreciation and acclaim and has become Argentina's signature grape producing a medium to full-bodied red wine. Malbec wine is reminiscent of ripe fruit flavors of plums and blackberry jam. The tannins are typically a bit tight with an earthy, wood appeal making for a fairly rustic wine that is quickly making a new name for itself with red wine lovers. Malbec is best served at 59-64F and pairs well with tomato-based sauces, Italian fare, red meat, Mexican, Cajun, and Indian dishes.

Merlot

A soft, medium-bodied red wine with juicy fruit flavors reminiscent of plums, cherries, blueberries and blackberries mixed with black pepper tones. Tannin levels are fairly low. Merlot is a prime wine for consumers just getting into red wines. Merlot originated from the Bordeaux region of France and is often blended with other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Blending Merlot with these wines mellows and softens the Cabernets. Merlot wines are very versatile with food pairings and are best served at 55- 60F degrees and enjoyed with poultry, red meat, pork, pastas, and salads.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a lighter flavored and colored red wine with flavors reminiscent of plums, tomatoes, cherries and red berries and, depending on the varietal's growing conditions, an earthy or wood flavor. Pinot Noir is planted in California, Oregon, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and other regions around the world. You are likely to pay a little more for Pinot Noir because it is produced in smaller quantities than most of the other popular red wine types. Pinot Noir is a versatile food wine best served at 55-60F, pairing well with spicy seasonings, creamy sauces, beef, ham, lamb, pork, poultry and fish.

Sangiovese

Italy's most commonly planted red grape varietal predominantly producing the popular wines Chianti and Chianti Classico, wines of medium- to full-body with a tannin structure range from medium-soft to firm, and a medium to high acidity content. Flavors associated with Sangiovese wines are reminiscent of cherry, plum, strawberry, cinnamon and vanilla with a finish that can range from elegant to bitter. Best served at 59-64F, Sangiovese varietal wine pairs well with chicken, red meat, fish, lamb, pork, pastas, stews or well-aged cheeses

Shiraz/Syrah

Australia and South Africa call it Shiraz. In France, it is known and grown as Syrah, but it happens to be the same grape varietal that produces a deep-purple color and bold, spicy, red, medium- to full-bodied wines with firm tannins with rich flavors reminiscent of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, clove, licorice, dark chocolate and smoked meat. Best served at 59-64F, Shiraz/Syrah pairs wonderfully with spicy Mexican, Cajun and barbeque dishes, grilled fare, beef stews, red meats, even pizza and meat lasagna.

Zinfandel

California's #2 most widely planted red wine grape. Originating in Croatia, not southern Italy as previously thought, where it is a kin to the Primitivo grape . DNA "fingerprinting" recently proved that both Zinfandel and Primitivo are clones of the same grape. California is the largest grower of Zinfandel and produces various styles, ranging from a blackberry and black pepper, to light and juicy-fruity, to rich, elegant, oaked red with medium to high tannin levels and higher alcohol content. "Zin" is frequently blended with other grapes. Best served at 59F, Zinfandel pairs well with grilled red or white meat, fish, lamb, gorgonzola cheese and dark chocolate. Lighter Zinfandels can also pair well with rich, creamy pastas, rotisserie chicken, duck, baked Italian dishes like lasagna, cannelloni and Cajun to Asian fare.

Most Popular Red Wine Types for Your Rack

We created http://www.YourLoveOfWine.com because we passionately want to share with those with an interest the art, science, and physical and psychological aspects of the wine tasting experience. An experience without pretension which both the novice and seasoned wine lover can enjoy and appreciate. Some of the most exquisite wine experiences are made by passionate vintners creating wines with more styles and tastes than ever could be imagined and YourLoveOfWine can take you on a wondrous journey, tracking down some truly exciting wines to bring to your door when you need them. Our mission is to deliver a greater online wine buying value than you will find anywhere through the combination of our outstanding customer service, depth of product offerings, value pricing and commitment to online wine buyers' satisfaction. Including 8 DIFFERENT WINE CLUBS (one for EVERY TASTE and BUDGET), the best of the elite Red and White Wines, Gift Baskets, Glassware, Wine Openers and Charms. See our selection of Quality Wine Racks at http://www.YourLoveOfWine.com/wineracks.php