Wine has a rich history dating back to around 6000 BC and is thought to have originated in areas now within the borders of Georgia and Iran. In spite of its age wine does still holds a certain sense of mystery . Choosing a wine can seem almost over whelming to someone unique to the wine world. Should I decide red or white, sweet or semi-sweet? What food goes with what wine?
Here is a simple wine primer. You'll find a short description of some common wines and some food pairing suggestions. A type of grape is know as a variety and the wine made from that type of grape is know as a varietal. The varietal is listed on the bottle for example a Riesling or Pinot Noir. There are two major types of wine, white and red. White Wines: are made from black or white grapes. White wines can range from the very dry to golden sweet. Let's get started with the whites…
Riesling
The Riesling is a classic German grape. Germany's Rieslings are typically sweet while Rieslings from the United States are usually not as sweet. Riesling grapes produce a wine that is much lighter then Chardonnay. Riesling wines pair well with fish, chicken and pork.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay grapes grow will in most viticultural areas of the world. Chardonnay grapes are planted in more wine regions worldwide then any other grape. Chardonnay grapes can be made into either a tranquil or sparkling wine. Chardonnay wines are dry wines. Depending on the station the identifying tastes or notes can differ. You will experience hints of citrus furits like lemon and grapefruit. If the wine is fermented in new oak barrels you will pick up hints of vanilla, coconut or even toffee. Chardonnay's pair well with fish and chicken.
Sauvignon Blanc
Like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blancs are grown in many of the world's wine regions. Sauvignon Blanc grapes are known for producing a dry and refreshing white wine. The Sauvigon Blancs are lighter then Chardonnay. Sauvignon blanc normally will have an aroma of bell peppers of freshly cut grass. The wines can taste can range from sour green fruits of apple, pear and gooseberry through to tropical fruits of melon, mango and blackcurrant. Sauvignon Blancs pair well with seafood, poultry and salads.
Muscat
Muscat grapes are grown all over the world. The muscat grape is used for wine, raisins and table grapes. The muscat is know for its sweet flavor and in Italy it is used for sparking wines like Asti. Muscat is often used to make sweet dessert wines. The muscat wines will have a sweet and and fruity taste with hints of grapefruit. Muscat's because of the sweetness of the wine do not tend to pair well with food.
aroma. Muscat wines are instantly recognizable to anyone who has tasted a Muscat table grape.
Red wines are fermented with the skin and seeds from black grapes. Red wine styles can range from light and refreshing to heavier fortified sweet wines. Let's look at some popular red wines:
Zinfandel
Zinfandel grapes are grown only in California. It is used to make everything from blush wines to heavy rich reds. Zinfandel wines can taste like raspberries, blackberries and pepper. The taste of the wine will depend on the ripeness of the grape when it is harvested and the climate of the area where the grapes were grown. Zinfandel's pair will with foods with a tomato-sauce like pasta and pizza. It will also pair very well with barbecued meats.
Shiraz/Syrah
In Modern World wines the grapes and wine made from them are know as shiraz. They are plump for a deep, rich, full-bodied red. In Europe winemakers and grape growers only use the name syrah. The syrah/shiraz grapes gain very powerful red wines. They will have aromas of black-fruit like blackcurrant. The wines will have a taste of dim pepper and spice. They pair will meat based foods like steak beef, wild game and stews.
Shiraz or syrah are two names for the same variety. Europe vine growers and winemakers only use the name syrah.
Merlot
Merlot grapes are grown in the Bordeaux region of France, the west coast of the United States and Australia. The wine from the merlot grapes will have a black-cherry and herbal flavor. The merlot is known as being easy to drink and serves as a good wine to introduce people to red wine. Merlot will pair well with any food.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in every major wine producing country. Cabernet sauvignon is often blended with merlot. Favors found in cabernet sauvignon have been described as cherry, black cherry, black currant, raspberry and bell pepper. Tobacco is often used to describe older wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with red meats.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir grapes are grown in France, Austria, California, Oregon and Unusual Zealand. A younger pinot noir wine will have flavors like cherry plums, strawberries and raspberry. Fruity characteristics of cherries, plums, raspberries, and strawberries. Older wines will have flavors like chocolate, figs, prunes, truffles and violets. Pinot Noir pairs well with grilled salmon, chicken, and lamb.
