Grapes
Red Wines. From black grapes that are fermented
with the skins and pips (seeds). Red wines tend to have a more intense flavor
than white wines, and will hold up well when paired with heavier foods.
Full flavored and intense? Cabernet
Sauvignon
Mellow and silky? Pinot Noir
Spicy and rich? Syrah/Shiraz
Rose Wines. From black grapes, the juice is
separated from the skins as soon as it is sufficiently pink. Good Roses are
fragrant and refreshing.
Blush Wines. Originating in California, blush
wines are also made from black grapes which are allowed to soak briefly in the juice,
resulting in a pinkish wine.
White Wines. White wines can be made from white
or black grapes because all grape juice is colorless initially. White wines
are sometimes sweeter than red wines, and work well paired with lighter, more delicately
flavored foods, and highly spiced foods.
Dry and crisp? Muscadet or Verdicchio
Tangy? Sauvignon Blanc
Rich, nutty? Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend
Tropical fruit? Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer
Sparkling Wines. Dry table wine is enhanced
with a yeast and sugar solution and sealed for a second fermentation period. Champagne
must come from the Champagne region in France. Other sparkling wines don’t
qualify for the Champagne moniker.
Cabernet Sauvignon (red). Intense black currant flavor.
Gamay (red). Light cherry and raspberry flavor.
Grenache (rose). Ripe, fruity wines.
Merlot (red). Soft black cherry and black currant
flavors. Can be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pinot Noir (red). From light and fruity when young
to truffles when mature.
Sangiovese (red). Herbed, fruity flavor.
Syrah/Shiraz (red). Rich and full-bodied with fruity
and spicy flavors.
Tempranillo (red). Strawberry flavor.
Zinfandel. Ripe berry flavor.
Chardonnay (white). From light and fresh to oaked
and buttery.
Chenin Blanc (white). From extra sweet to dry
Gewurztraminer (white). From dry to sweet, with an
aroma of spice
Muscat (white). From dry to sweet.
Riesling (white). From dry apple to sweet honey.
Sauvignon Blanc (white). Fresh and tangy.
Semillion (white). From light lemon to peach sweet.
Viognier (white). Dry apricot.
|