Generally, wine falls under three main types: Still, Sparkling and Fortified. Still is by far the largest category and is further broken down into Red, White and Rose. Wines can be single varietals, made with one single grape variety (like Shiraz) or blends produced by mixing different blends together (like Semillion Sauvignon Blanc or Bordeaux). There are five main characteristics that are generally used to describe wines; Sweetness, Acidity, Tannin, Alcohol and Body.
Lets start with the biggest category of still wines.
White Wine
The difference between red wine and white is fermentation time on the skins, as the colour comes from anthocyanin pigments in the grape’s skin. White wine is a wine that is fermented without skin contact. As tannin also comes from the grapes skins, seeds and stems, and white wine is fermented without these, the only way tannin develops in whites is through ageing in wooden barrels.
You will find a wide range of white styles which can be categorised from light, medium, and full-bodied. Find out more about White Varietals here.
Red Wine
Red wine offers diversity in both style and structure, making it ideal for enjoying with or without food. When looking to pair with dinner, the firmer structure of reds works well with stronger flavours. Fuller-bodied reds generally pair well with denser, heavier foods, while lighter-bodied reds with higher acidity pair well with lighter dishes. Matching the weight of the wine with the richness of the food is a great place to start.
You will find a wide range of red styles that can be categorised from light, medium, and full-bodied. Find out more about Red Varietals here.
