Wine Types of the World

 

Wine types can be broadly divided into five categories:

  1. Red wine is made from black grapes, with the skins left on during fermentation. This gives red wine its characteristic color and flavor compounds. Red wines are typically bold and full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth. Some popular red wine grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
  2. White wine is made from white grapes, or from black grapes with the skins removed before fermentation. This results in a lighter-colored wine with more delicate flavors. White wines can range from dry to sweet, and from light-bodied to full-bodied. Some popular white wine grape varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Moscato.
  3. Rosé wine is made from black grapes, but the skins are removed early in the fermentation process. This gives rosé wine its characteristic pink color and light, fruity flavor. Rosé wines can be either dry or sweet.
  4. Sparkling wine is made through a secondary fermentation process that produces carbon dioxide gas. This gives sparkling wine its characteristic bubbles. Sparkling wines can be made from red, white, or rosé grapes, and can range from dry to sweet. Some popular sparkling wines include Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava.
  5. Dessert wine is a sweet wine that is typically served after dinner. Dessert wines can be made from red, white, or rosé grapes, and can be either fortified or non-fortified. Fortified dessert wines are made by adding brandy or another spirit to the wine during fermentation. Some popular dessert wines include Port, Sherry, and Sauternes.

Within each of these broad categories, there are many different types of wine. For example, red wine can be further classified by grape variety, region, and style. Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, USA will taste different from Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, France. And a young Cabernet Sauvignon will taste different from a mature Cabernet Sauvignon.

The world of wine is vast and complex, but with a little understanding of the basics, you can start to explore and find wines that you enjoy.