Types of Wines

The taste of a wine depends a great deal on the variety of grapes used in its production. Some other factors which give the wine its distinct flavor are the climate of the region where they are produced, exposure to sunlight, handling of the grapes during the wine production, the type of yeast that was used, how the wine is aged, etc. Based upon their color and taste, wines are divided into various categories. Here are the different types of wines, explained in detail.

Types of Wines
Wines are basically divided into two major categories, namely, red wines and white wines. There are a close to forty main types of red wine grapes, as well as fifty types of white grape varieties, that are grown in the world today and used to produce red and white wines respectively. Below are four of each types of wines, i.e., white as well as red.

Types of Red Wines

Chianti
Being an Italian wine, Chianti goes very well with Italian dishes, such as pizzas and pastas, and also with well-seasoned foods. This wine originally belongs to the Chianti region in Italy. Chianti is a very strong wine and its typical flavors include cherry, almond, plum, strawberry, tobacco, spice, vanilla and coffee. Because of its fruity flavor, Chianti is well liked by both beginners as well as old wine drinkers.

Merlot
Out of all the types of French wines, Merlot is perhaps the most soft and smooth, and thus, ideal for beginners. The best thing about this wine is that it goes well with all kinds of dishes. Merlot has a typical herbal flavor to it. Besides, France, the grape variety used to make Merlot wine, is now grown in Australia and US west coast too.

Zinfandel
Zinfandel tastes the best with pizzas, pastas, grilled meat and barbecues. The grape variety used in producing this red wine is grown only in California. Zinfandel has a very pungent, zesty taste to it with dominant flavors of pepper and berry.

Pinot Noir
This red wine can be paired with chicken, grilled salmon and lamb. The grape variety is grown in France, Austria, Oregon California and New Zealand. Pinot Noir has a very fresh and delicate feel to it. Its typical aromas include the likes of tea-leaf, worn leather or sometimes it may even be fruity.

Some other types of wines, which are red are Barbera, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Tempranillo.

Types of White Wines

Chardonnay
Chardonnay goes very well with fish and chicken dishes. This variety of white wine originated in Burgundy, France. Chardonnay are usually very velvety in taste, dry, and have a citrus flavor to them. When fermented in oak barrels, they acquire a buttery tone, such as coconut, toffee and vanilla. Californian Chardonnay has a citrus fruity flavor to it, accompanied by a dash of vanilla, melon and certain amount of creaminess.

Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc goes very well with salads, poultry dishes and seafood. Sauvignon Blanc, produced in New Zealand, is the most sought after by the wine connoisseurs. This type of wine has a kind of herbal character to it. The flavors vary from tropical fruits, such as mango and melon, to sour green fruits of pear and apple. Sauvignon Blancs come with smokey qualities, complete with an acidic finish.

Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc pairs very well with salads, spicy rice dishes, seafood, sushi, and all white meats. This types of wine is made from a grape variety grown in France, California and South Africa. Chenin Blancs vary from being very sweet to dry, with typical flavors including that of apple, lime, pear and melon. Chenin Blancs have an acidic finish to them and leave an oil-like feel in the mouth post drinking.

Riesling
Riesling tastes best with fish, pork and chicken. Riesling wines are lighter than Chardonnay and their aroma is quite similar to that of fresh apples. It is originally a German wine. German Rieslings are slightly sweet in taste, while the Riesling from eastern USA and Alsace is dry and not so sweet.

Some other types of wines, which are white, are Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Viognier and Semillon.

Besides the red and the white wines, fortified or dessert wines, such as Port, Sherry and Vermouth are also an important part of the types of wines list. And lastly, wine types will be incomplete without the mention of sparkling wine or champagne, as most of us call it, which is made by using a slightly different technique than the regular red or white wines.