Varieties of Red Wine Grape: Part One

Wine is without a doubt one of the most popular alcoholic beverages currently in production. Although most people might enjoy wine, they might not know that there are several different types of grape that go into making different types of wine. This article will explore several of the wine varieties that produce red wine.

Barbera

This variety of red wine grape is one of the most popular in Italy, although it has also spread to other regions including Argentina, Brazil, and the Central and Napa Valleys of California. Its juice is a dark ruby color with high acidity and low tannins, while the taste contains a great deal of fruitiness. It is a versatile fruit, producing sweet, sparkling, and dry wines, and it is often blended with other varieties.

Merlot

Merlot is certainly one of the most well-known and popular varieties of red wine grape and is widely cultivated in various regions of France (especially Bordeaux), Chile, Argentina, Italy, and in the United States (especially in California and Washington). The merlot usually produces a medium red color and has a very fruity flavor tasting of berries and plums. It is frequently combined with other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pinot Noir

The pinot noir, another famous red wine grape, has become the most popular and important wine grape in the Burgundy region of France and is also one of the three varieties that are allowed in the famous Champagne district. However, it has also become popular in several other countries, including the U.S. (where in California and Oregon it is especially popular), as well as Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. Pinot ages well, with a flavor a cherry-strawberry aroma. It is often blended with other types of wine to produce champagne. It goes well with a number of foods, including salmon, swordfish, and other fish.

Zinfandel

This variety of red wine grape is believed to have originated in Croatia and to have come to the United States during the 19^th Century, spreading to California by 1859. In addition to being the second most widely grown grape in California (second to Cabernet Sauvignon), it is also grown in countries as widely dispersed as China, South Africa, southern Italy, Brazil, and Australia. The juice of the zinfandel is high in sugar and acid and thus the quality depends on both the climate and on the skill of the maker. It can also be processed to create a white wine called White Zinfandel. It goes well with a variety of dishes, including pizza, chicken, or steak.

Sources

World Wide Wine