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STYLES OF WINE
With so many options out there, how do you hone in on your favorites? Well, as diverse as wine is, most wines can be categorized into 9 styles. Once you try each of the 9 styles, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you like and don’t like.
Consider this a homework assignment.
Taste at least one wine from each of the 9 styles over the next month (or so) and take detailed, objective notes.
Consider this a homework assignment.
Taste at least one wine from each of the 9 styles over the next month (or so) and take detailed, objective notes.
SPARKLING WINE
Sparkling wines are characterized by carbonation caused from a second fermentation.
This gives bubbly wines distinct yeasty and bready aromas. Sparkling wines come in all styles (white, rosé, and red) and sweetness levels. The label terms “Brut,” “Extra Brut,” and “Brut Nature” are the most dry (e.g. not sweet.)
This gives bubbly wines distinct yeasty and bready aromas. Sparkling wines come in all styles (white, rosé, and red) and sweetness levels. The label terms “Brut,” “Extra Brut,” and “Brut Nature” are the most dry (e.g. not sweet.)
WHAT TO TRY
CAVA
CHAMPAGNE
CRÉMANT
CAP CLASSIQUE
PROSECCO
LAMBRUSCO
SEKT
AMERICAN SPARKLERS
SEE OUR WINESCHAMPAGNE
CRÉMANT
CAP CLASSIQUE
PROSECCO
LAMBRUSCO
SEKT
AMERICAN SPARKLERS
LIGHT-BODIED WHITE WINE
Light-bodied, easy-drinking dry white wines may not command high prices, but are some of the most-sold wines in the world (even if red wines get more attention.) Light whites have increased acidity and thus, pair with a wide array of cuisines.
Aromas range from sweeter stone fruits to savory, herby, and peppery flavors.
Aromas range from sweeter stone fruits to savory, herby, and peppery flavors.
WHAT TO TRY
SAUVIGNON BLANC
PINOT GRIGIO (AKA PINOT GRIS)
CHENIN BLANC
MUSCADET
GRÜNER VELTLINER
CHASSELAS
VERMENTINO
VERDICCHIO
SEE OUR WINESPINOT GRIGIO (AKA PINOT GRIS)
CHENIN BLANC
MUSCADET
GRÜNER VELTLINER
CHASSELAS
VERMENTINO
VERDICCHIO
FULL-BODIED WHITE WINE
Full-bodied white wines are great wines for red wine lovers because of their rich smooth taste and subtle creamy notes. What makes white wines so rich?
Aging white wines in oak barrels causes several interactions to occur that increase body.
Aging white wines in oak barrels causes several interactions to occur that increase body.
WHAT TO TRY
CHARDONNAY
VIOGNIER
MARSANNE
ROUSSANNE
GRENACHE BLANC
SÉMILLON
AGED RIOJA BLANCO
AROMATIC WHITE WINE
Aromatic grapes include some of oldest wine varieties in the world. In fact, Cleopatra was noted to love of Muscat of Alexandria–a rich, aromatic sweet wine from Greece.
Expect explosive, perfumed aromas that spring out of the glass. Aromatic whites are available in dry or sweet styles, but often taste a touch sweet because of their sweet aromas.
Expect explosive, perfumed aromas that spring out of the glass. Aromatic whites are available in dry or sweet styles, but often taste a touch sweet because of their sweet aromas.
WHAT TO TRY
RIESLING
TORRONTÉS
MOSCATO
MUSKATELLER
MOSCATEL
GEWÜRZTRAMINER
MOSCHOFILERO
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MOSCATO
MUSKATELLER
MOSCATEL
GEWÜRZTRAMINER
MOSCHOFILERO
ROSÉ WINE (PINK WINE)
Rosé is made by “dyeing” the wine for a short time with red grape skins. Rosé first became popular in the late 1700’s when French Bordeaux wines imported to England had a pale color and were called Claret.
Nearly any red grape can be made into rosé. Also, it’s possible to blend in white wines to add acidity and complexity.
The world’s largest rosé region is Provence, France.
Nearly any red grape can be made into rosé. Also, it’s possible to blend in white wines to add acidity and complexity.
The world’s largest rosé region is Provence, France.
WHAT TO TRY
PROVENCE ROSÉ
SANGIOVESE ROSÉ
GARNACHA ROSÉ
PINOT NOIR ROSÉ
SYRAH ROSÉ
CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ
BEAUJOLAIS ROSÉ
WHITE ZINFANDEL (SWEET)
SEE OUR WINESSANGIOVESE ROSÉ
GARNACHA ROSÉ
PINOT NOIR ROSÉ
SYRAH ROSÉ
CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ
BEAUJOLAIS ROSÉ
WHITE ZINFANDEL (SWEET)
LIGHT-BODIED RED WINE
Light-bodied red wines are typified by their translucent color, light tannin, increased acidity, and delicate, floral-herbal aromas.
Light-bodied red wines are very versatile food wines – they make a perfect match with poultry. This style is growing in popularity given that it pairs with a wide variety of cuisines.
Light-bodied red wines are very versatile food wines – they make a perfect match with poultry. This style is growing in popularity given that it pairs with a wide variety of cuisines.
WHAT TO TRY
PINOT NOIR
GAMAY
BEAUJOLAIS
FRAPPATO
CINSAULT
NERELLO MASCALESE
SCHIAVA
ZWEIGELT
LAMBRUSCO
SEE OUR WINESGAMAY
BEAUJOLAIS
FRAPPATO
CINSAULT
NERELLO MASCALESE
SCHIAVA
ZWEIGELT
LAMBRUSCO
MEDIUM-BODIED RED WINE
Not too light nor too heavy, this is the “baby bear” red wine style. There are a wide array of choices (and thus, flavors) in this red wine category. Tannin is moderate, and expect most to have slightly higher acidity.
The aforementioned traits make for a wine that can pair with most foods (but avoid super delicate dishes.) Additionally, many of these wines have the structure to age well.
The aforementioned traits make for a wine that can pair with most foods (but avoid super delicate dishes.) Additionally, many of these wines have the structure to age well.
WHAT TO TRY
MERLOT
GRENACHE
SANGIOVESE
TEMPRANILLO
BARBERA
CABERNET FRANC
DOLCETTO
CARMÉNÈRE
BLAUFRÄNKISCH
VALPOLICELLA BLENDS
MENCÍA
MONTEPULCIANO
NEBBIOLO
XINOMAVRO
ZINFANDEL
FULL-BODIED RED WINE
Full-bodied red wines are the deepest, darkest, and highest in tannin of the red wines. Despite what you might have heard about it, tannin is what gives wine antioxidant properties. Additionally, it ensures many of these wines will age for decades.
Bold red wine pairs well with fatty, umami-driven foods because of their high tannin. Truthfully though, you might want to ditch the food altogether – they drink well solo.
Bold red wine pairs well with fatty, umami-driven foods because of their high tannin. Truthfully though, you might want to ditch the food altogether – they drink well solo.
WHAT TO TRY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SYRAH (AKA SHIRAZ)
BORDEAUX BLEND
MALBEC
MONASTRELL
NERO D’AVOLA
PETITE SIRAH
PETIT VERDOT
PINOTAGE
SAGRANTINO
TANNAT
TOURIGA NACIONAL
DESSERT / OTHER WINE
In the 1800’s, sweet wines were more popular than dry wines. In fact, several of the most exalted wines in the world, from Sauternes in Bordeaux to Tokaji Aszú from Hungary, will age just as long as bold red wines (or longer!)
The dessert wine style is actually a catchall for some of the more rare wines of the world. Each is made with a unique method and range from dry to sweet.
The dessert wine style is actually a catchall for some of the more rare wines of the world. Each is made with a unique method and range from dry to sweet.
WHAT TO TRY
SHERRY
PORT
SAUTERNAIS
ICE WINE
MADEIRA
MARSALA
MOSCATEL DE SETÚBAL
VIN SANTO
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA
SEE OUR WINESPORT
SAUTERNAIS
ICE WINE
MADEIRA
MARSALA
MOSCATEL DE SETÚBAL
VIN SANTO
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA