Valuing Red Wines

Types of Red Wine : Zinfandel Wine Facts

While the average person may assume that all red wines are the same, the differences actually extend far beyond the label on the bottle. With over 50 main varieties of reds available, the colors can range from light red and ruby red to deep purple. There are even some varieties that are almost black in color. Of course, the flavors are as varied as the hues and can include fruity flavors or flavors that have a hint of tobacco. For the non-expert, the best way to develop an appreciation for red wine is to learn more about it.

The color and flavor of red wines is a combination of the wine making process and the variety of grapes used. Grapes used to make reds range from deep red to purple to blue and the skins are left on during fermentation. The skins contribute to the varieties of color and, along with the grape seed, determine the amount of tannins in the finished product. The longer the skins are left in contact with the fermenting grapes, the deeper the color and the higher the tannin content. Reds with the highest tannin content are considered full-bodied, like Cabernet, while lower tannin content gives medium-bodied Merlot or light-bodied Beaujolais. The fruity reds, which are named because of their flavor not because there is any sweetness, have the lowest tannin content of all the reds.

In addition to creating the variety of colors present in red wines, fermenting grapes in the skin also contributes flavenoids to the wine. The antioxidants, which are found in grape skin and seeds, enter the wine during the fermentation process. As a result, the concentration of flavenoids increases with the body of the wine. Four ounces of red wine per day contributes to heart health by reducing clotting, lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids are also thought to play a part in forming nerve cells that may be key in avoiding the onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Flavenoids also aid in preventing the growth of cancer cells.

The difference between types of red wines extends beyond what is written on the label. The differences, such as subtle variations in color, flavor and aroma, have been perfected by wine makers to make each red as different from another as the reds are from the whites. Those subtle differences begin with the grapes, but they are perfected in the winery. Fully appreciating the differences begins with learning and understanding more about them.

There are quite a number of of outstanding wines on the market these days. You can find anything from a White Zinfandel to a beautiful red. However why purchase wine when you can make excellent wines yourself? There are great deal of resources to turn to when it comes to making wines. All you really need is the right type of book and directions and you can produce any wines that you wish. You will also need to understand which supplies that you need to have if you are going to undertake this job. It is simpler than you think it will be. For more information just go here: Making Wine From Lemons also Making Peach Wine and at Problems In Wine Making

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