What Are The 5 Basics of Wine?

The 5 basics of wine revolve around the grape variety, region, climate, winemaking techniques, and aging process. Each element plays a crucial role in shaping the flavors, aromas, and overall characteristics of the wine. So, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned wine lover, understanding these basics will enhance your appreciation and know how of the diverse world of wine If you need to go even more basic, just check out our glossary of wine tems. In this article, we will discuss the different types of wine and grapes used for that wine.

Different Types of Grapes For Wine

There are several different types of grapes used for making wine, each with its own unique characteristics. Types of wine grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. One of the most popular types is Cabernet Sauvignon.

The type of grape used is crucial in the winemaking process as it directly influences the taste, aroma, and overall profile of the wine. Understanding the different grape varieties helps wine lovers appreciate the diverse array of wines available and make better choices when selecting a bottle to enjoy. Let’s explore this a little more!

Red Wines

Red wines are renowned for their rich and robust flavors. They are made from dark colored grapes and undergo fermentation with the grape skins, which gives them their characteristic red hue. From light bodied to full bodied, these types of wines offer a wide range of options to suit different preferences. Popular red wine regions include Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa Valley.

Popular Red Wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon: The King of Reds, they are known for its bold flavors and full bodied taste with notes of blackcurrant and tobacco. It’s often hailed as the king of red wines due to its bold and complex flavors, strong tannins, and ability to age gracefully.

Merlot: A Smooth and approachable option with flavors of plum and cherry.

Pinot Noir: Elegance in a Glass, Pinot Noir is known for its delicate profile and often showcases notes of red fruit and earthiness.

Syrah/Shiraz: Bold and Spicy, Syrah and Shiraz are essentially the same grape variety, but they often go by different names depending on where they are grown.

Zinfandel: A Quintessential American Red, Zinfandel is adaptable to various food pairings. It is known for its fruit driven flavors featuring prominent hints of ripe berries, occasional nuances of black pepper, and even a touch of sweet spices at times.

Sangiovese: The heart of Italian reds known for its bright acidity and vibrant red fruit flavors. They often exhibit notes of cherries, strawberries, and herbs.

Malbec: Argentina’s claim to fame feature flavors of blackberry and plum, with occasional undertones of cocoa and violet. Malbec wines are frequently characterized by their silky and velvety texture.

White Wines

White wines are made from green or yellow grapes and are typically lighter in color compared to red wines. They are known for their crisp acidity and refreshing flavors. From zesty Sauvignon Blanc to buttery Chardonnay, these types of wines offer a diverse array of taste profiles.

Popular White Wines

Chardonnay: Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted white grape varieties and is known for its versatility. It can produce both rich and buttery or crisp and refreshing white wines. 

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is famous for its lively acidity and vibrant flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. It’s popular in regions like New Zealand, California, and the Loire Valley in France.

Riesling: Riesling is known for its aromatic qualities and can range from bone-dry to sweet. It’s particularly popular in Germany and Alsace but is grown in many wine regions around the world.

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: This grape variety is known for its light and crisp wines. Pinot Grigio is the Italian name, while Pinot Gris is the French name, and both are popular choices for easy-drinking white wines.

Rosé Wines

Rosé wines, also known as blush wines, have gained popularity in recent years. These wines can be made from a variety of red or black grapes and are produced by limiting the contact between the grape skins and the juice during fermentation. Rosé wines offer a delightful balance between the characteristics of red and white wines.

Provence Rosé: Provence, a region in the south of France, is famous for producing pale and elegant rosé wines. They are typically dry, light in color, and have flavors of red berries, melons (water and honeydew) and rose floral notes. Provençal rosé is light perfect for a summer day and can be paired with light foods such as salads, fresh fruit, or potato / pasta salads.

Rosé of Pinot Noir: Is made from Pinot Noir grapes. the juice has limited contact from the skins which are s. quickly removed before frementation. Rosé of Pinot Noir tends to be dry but has elements of sweetness. It tends to be fruit-forward, with flavors of strawberry, rose and pomegranate flavors.

Grenache Rosé: Grenache is a grape that is indigenous to the Aragon region of northeastern Spain and is considered one of the oldest grapes. These grapes also produce a wine that is high in alcohol and low in acid. Grenache based rosés often have a fruity profile with notes of raspberry and red currant.

Syrah/Shiraz Rosé: Syrah, known as Shiraz in some regions, produces rosé wines with darker hues and bold flavors. Syrah Rosé wines can have a touch of spiciness or herbal notes. It may also have notes of grapefruit, lemon, or orange zest, contributing to it’s refreshing nature.

Sangiovese Rosé: Sangiovese is an Italian grape variety used to make rosé wines, and may be referred to as rosato. This type of wine flavors can include red berries, cherries, and sometimes spices like clove or allspice.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines are synonymous with celebration and festivity. They are known for their effervescence, which is created through a secondary fermentation process. Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are some of the well known sparkling wine varieties that add a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Champagne: Champagne is often considered the pinnacle of sparkling wine and hails from the Champagne region of France. It is known for its range of styles from Brut (dry) to Demi-Sec (semi-sweet) and flavors which can include citrus, green apple, pear and nutty notes.

Prosecco: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, primarily from the Veneto region. It’s known for its light and fruity character. The bubbles in Prosecco are typically fine and persistent, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

Cava: Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine typically made from indigenous Spanish grape varieties, including Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Cava often exhibits vibrant citrus notes, including lemon and lime, which provide a refreshing and zesty quality. It is also usually more affordable than Champagne but slightly more expensive than Prosecco.

Crémant: Crémant is a term used for French sparkling wines made in regions other than Champagne. Different regions, such as Alsace, the Loire Valley, and Burgundy, produce Crémant, each with its unique style. It often has a fresh flavor profile with bright citrus, green apple, and pear notes, along with floral aromas of acacia and white flowers.

Fortified Wines

Fortified wines are a category of wines that have been fortified with the addition of spirits, such as brandy. This process increases the alcohol content and enhances the wine’s flavors. Port, Sherry, and Madeira are popular examples of these types of wines.

Sherry: Sherry is a fortified wine from the Jerez region of Spain and has a Protected Designation of Origin status. It is typically made by adding brandy to wine made from a variety of grape types, with the most common grape varieties being Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel.

Port Wine: Port wine is a sweet fortified wine from ‘Port’ugal, primarily from the Douro Valley. It’s known for its rich, sweet, and complex flavors. A few port types of wine include Tawny Port, White Port and Late Bottled Vintage Port. Tawny Port gradually develops a brownish color and nutty, caramelized flavors. White Port is made from white grape varieties and can range from dry to sweet, often served as an aperitif or in cocktails. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port is made from a single vintage but aged longer in barrels before bottling and known for deep color and rich fruitiness.

Madeira: Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. It comes in different styles and levels of sweetness, including Sercial (dry) and Malmsey (sweet).

Marsala: Marsala is an Italian fortified wine produced in the region of Sicily and is often made from a blend of several grape varieties inlcuding Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia. It is often used in cooking but can also be enjoyed as a dessert wine, and comes in various sweetness levels.

Vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine that is aromatized with a variety of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and roots. It is commonly used in cocktails to add a bitter and sweet note.

Dessert Wines

Are All Dessert Wines a Digestif?

No, not all dessert wines are used as digestifs. While many digestifs are sweet, dessert wines are primarily intended to be enjoyed with or as a dessert, making them a sweet ending to a meal. However, some dessert wines are also used as digestifs, especially when they have higher alcohol content, like some fortified wines.

Dessert wines have a high sugar conent are designed to be sipped slowly, allowing the complex flavors to unfold. Muscat, Tokaji, and Vin Santo are notable dessert wine examples.

Late Harvest Wines: Late harvest wines are made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to become overripe and accumulate higher sugar levels. You can expect rich and ripe fruit flavors, such as apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple, and mango. Grape varieties used could be Late Harvest Riesling and Late Harvest Gewürztraminer.

Ice Wines: Ice wines are produced from grapes that have frozen on the vine, concentrating their sugars and flavors. In fact, Ice wines are extremely sweet. You can expect ripe tropical fruit flavors, such as pineapple, mango, and papaya. These wines are often associated with regions like Canada and Germany.

Sauternes: Sauternes is a sweet white wine from the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. It is made from grapes affected by noble rot (which is a type of beneficial fungus). The fungus pierces the grape’s skin, allowing moisture to evaporate and grapes to dehydrate. This concentrates the sugars, acids, and flavors within the grape.

Vin Santo: Vin Santo (which means holy wine) is an Italian dessert wine typically made from white grape varieties such as Trebbiano and Malvasia. The flavor profile of Vin Santo typically includes notes of dried apricot, fig, almond and honey.

Organic and Biodynamic Wines

With an increasing focus on sustainability and natural practices, organic and biodynamic wines can cover all types of wine, and have gained popularity. These wines are produced using grapes grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, resulting in a more environmentally friendly product.

Types of Wine FAQs

Are All Sparkling Wines Considered Champagne?

No, Champagne refers specifically to sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France. Other regions produce sparkling wines using different methods and grape varieties, such as Prosecco from Italy or Cava from Spain.

Can Wine Improve With Age?

Certain wines, especially those with high tannins and acidity, have the potential to improve with age. Through the process of aging, these wines undergo complex chemical reactions that can soften their tannins, develop new flavors, and enhance their overall complexity. However, it’s important to note that not all wines are meant to be aged, and the majority of wines are best enjoyed when young and fresh.

What is the Most Expensive Bottle of Wine?

The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold was a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, which fetched a staggering price of over $550,000 at an auction. This wine is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and rarity.

What Are the Three Common Types of Wine?

The three major types of wine are red wine, white wine, and rosé wine.