The Comparison Between Red Wine And White Wine

Many people have a preference to either rich red wine or white wines. The seeds and skin are not usually used when making white wine. The skins are removed and yeast is added so the juice can ferment. People like white wine for its aroma and fruity flavor.

Rich Body and Color in Red Wines

When people visit a winery, they will learn many facts about both red and white wines in the wine tasting room. Dark red and black grapes are used for making red wines. The grapes are crushed with the skins and fermented, usually for one to two weeks. Red wines get their richer flavor by using the dark grapes with their skins, which have natural compounds and give the red wine its body. A natural chemical called Tannins found in the skins of red grapes is the biggest difference between red and white wines. This natural chemical, Tannins, is what gives red wines its rich color and flavors.

Antioxidant Found in Red Wines

An antioxidant called Resveratrol is found in red grapes. This antioxidant is contributed to helping prevent bad cholesterol, avoid blood vessel damage and blood clots. Red wines are made with the skins and the grapes are fermented longer, which gives the red wine more of the antioxidant, Resveratrol.

Calories in Red and White Wines

Many people think that red wines contain a larger amount of calories than white wines. In fact, the difference is very little. Red wines contain about 74 calories in a three to five once glass and white wine contain about 70 calories for the same size glass. White wines usually contain a few less calories but this to can change depending on the wines.

Benefits of Wines

Even with the powerful antioxidant from the red wine skins, researchers are not sure if red wine is healthier than white wine. Just because people believe that red wines will raise good cholesterol levels, help avoid heart diseases, and keep their arteries from being damaged, does not mean that red wine is healthier than white wine.

Researchers have studied the absorption of non-heme iron in people who drink both red and white wine, with controlled meals. It was proven that white wine is absorbed two to three times more effectively in the system than white wines. Red wine has little to no significance of absorption of iron because of the Polyphenols that are found in red wines. Polyphenols prevent the absorption of iron into the body.
People learn many useful facts about wines when visiting a wine tasting room and can choose the wine that best fits their tastes.

How To Tell A Merlot From A Cabernet

Both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are a French red wine that are very similar in some respects but very different in others. The names actually refer to the type of grape used to produce these fine wines and as such they both possess different qualities and flavors. The grapes used for Merlot tend to ripen earlier in the season and are also jucier. Cabernet Sauvignon on the other hand uses a grape that ripens later and exhibits an aroma similar to blackcurrant.

Red wines are simply beautiful. Striking shades of ruby glimmering through the glass delight those who enjoy it. France has traditionally been the top producer of red wines in the world. Two of the absolutely most versatile of reds to have emerged from there are Merlot and Cabernet. Both these wines have enough body to be enjoyed with most hearty meals such as beef, stews, poultry, pork and rich seafood, such as lobster. Yet there are some big differences between them.

Merlots are well known for their fruitiness. Often when you hear Merlots described the first words are the type of fruit taste it has, followed by a variety of other flavors and aromas found in the wine such as oak, earthy, chocolate, smoky and a variety of other adjectives. Merlots offer a variety of types from a light fruity wine that is easy to drink to a much more complex, tannic wine that can easily be paired with beef.

Cabernet tends to be discussed in more complex terms than Merlots. In general Cabernet tends to be a little more tannic, with less sugar than Merlot. Merlot grapes actually ripen earlier than Cabernet, hence the mildness of Merlot wine compared with Cabernet. Also, Cabernet is usually aged longer than Merlot before serving hence the more sophisticated tastes. While there are numerous similarities between the two types of wine, from their aromas and flavors to their food pairings, Cabernet tends to be the more mature of the two, in age, history and taste.

Another wine mystery, which needs to be unveiled, is that of the Beaujolais Nouveau. What is it and why is it so popular in mid-November? Basically, Beaujolais Nouveau is a lightweight, young wine, which is usually fermented for just a few weeks. It hails from the Beaujolais region of France and goes on sale each year on the third Thursday of November. It has a limited shelf-life and is definitely not the wine you want to put away in the back of your wine cellar to let it age. In fact it is best drunk fresh. In the worst years of production, Beaujolais Nouveau is only good for its first couple of months. In good years, it may be drunk up to a year later. In the early twentieth century, Beaujolais was not allowed to be sold before mid-December, but the rules were relaxed to mid-November in 1951. The immaturity of this wine often leads to unfavorable ratings, however it should be noted that Beaujolais Nouveau is very different from other French reds and should not be judged on the same standards. It has practically no tannins and should be served chilled. Beaujolais Nouveau has benefited from marketing in a way that no other wine has.

France offers a wide variety of red wines from the different regions of the country. Each wine has its own special aspects just waiting to be discovered. Before dismissing any of them, do a little research to find a highly recommended one, pair it with a suggested food and set aside all preconceptions. Who knows – you might just surprise yourself!

Tips For Choosing The Best Type Of Red Wine

For some of us, picking the right bottle of red wine is as intimidating a task as manning a spaceship to Jupiter. Here are some handy tips which will make choosing red wines a little less onerous.

If the task of choosing the perfect wine was to be described in one word, it would probably be overwhelming. God bless you if you happen to be at one of those chic French eateries, where a snooty serveur called Jacques looks down his equally snooty nose to mumble incomprehensible recommendations. Especially if you happen to be one of the many who have a bewildered look on their face when presented with a snobbish leather-bound wine list that has names too complex to pronounce.

Another factor contributing to the confusion is the sheer volume of things to 'watch out for' when it comes to choosing wines. The acidity, the body, the aroma, the flavor… whatever happened to the basic joy of relishing a delicious meal in peace? We have here a simple list of recommendations, not rules, mind you, which will help you get a head start in the area of choosing the right red wine, with respect to the occasion.

The hallmark of a good wine is determined by its peculiar characteristics. When it comes to choosing the perfect wine, you need to understand what makes that wine special. In other words, you must be able to identify the wine's features to make an informed choice. Let's begin with a quick run-down on wine characteristics, which will put you in a better position to understanding the techniques of selecting the best red wine.

 The Acidity

The acid present in your wine determines its sourness. Low levels of acid make the wine weak in taste, whereas very high levels mean extra sourness. This kind of sourness literally shocks your taste buds very intensely. The best tasting wine is the one that perfectly balances the acidity.

The Body

The body of the wine refers to the alcohol content and sensation the wine leaves in your mouth after you’ve had a sip. A full-bodied wine leaves a strong aftertaste, which is hard to miss. The taste of lighter wines, owing to the scant presence of alcohol, disappears quite quickly.

The Tannin Content

The tannin content of a red wine lends it its characteristic rich bitterness. Tannin is a natural ingredient present in the seeds, skins and stems of the fruit used to make the wine. Tannin levels contribute to the structure and flavor of the wine.

The Bouquet/Aroma

This is another important factor that helps you get a preview of the things to come. Without getting into deeper details, you'll notice distinct aromas as you swirl the wine in your glass. They could be fruity, floral, earthy, even nutty. Doesn't really matter if you can't differentiate, because what matters ultimately is the next characteristic.

The Flavor

The flavor is what a good wine is all about, and this is what ranks above everything else. Having smelled the wine, you more or less get an idea of some of its ingredients, if not all. The flavor of the wine is what should dictate your decision to green-light the purchase. No matter what the wine connoisseurs have to say, your choice as a drinker should reign supreme.

A List Of The Most Prominent Grapes And Their Red Wines

Drinking red wine is one thing but if you want to make the most of your liquid voyage, then you need to understand the types of red wine you’re drinking. Within this article we'll take you through the full spectrum of red wine varieties, describing the specific regions and grape varieties, such as Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel, you can purchase.

When reading the label of any red wine bottle you will find that if only one grape variety is mentioned on the packaging, such as Merlot, this is known as a varietal. Various types of red wine will have different flavours and when you have a varietal wine, the taste will largely dominated by the single grape variety used. Additionally, to help identify that the red wine you're holding is a varietal, the name of the grape of will contain an initial capital letter.

The following is a list of the most prominent grape varieties and their resultant red wines:

  
Syrah

Syrah, as it's known amongst European wine producers, is a perfect accompaniment to hearty meat dishes such as beef, game and stews. Its origins lie in France and the Rhone Valley is a particular stronghold for the Syrah grape variety. However, you will also find California and Australia have a perfect climate for this red grape and are, thus, able to produce many types of red wine.

When sampling a Syrah red wine you'll be captivated by a cacophony of fruity flavours, most notably black fruits such as blackcurrants. Overarching these punchy flavours is a rich aftertaste with roasted meat highlights. This experience is completed by a hard-hitting tannin taste that provides a warm alcoholic finish to the drink.

Syrah is used to make many types of red wine that have an affordable price tag. However, because of its robust nature, it gives any red wine produced from it a deep taste it is also used for many high-end varieties. Indeed, if you enjoy a red wine that has a fantastic longevity and intense flavour then a Syrah is well worth a try.

Merlot

If you're palate is unfamiliar with the refined and complex taste of various types of red wine then Merlot is a great introductory tipple. A perfect accompaniment to almost any type of food, Merlots have a soft texture that sits well with both new drinkers and seasoned red wine enthusiasts.

This red grape variety has a major influence in the Bordeaux wine region. However, it's also a major international player, with blooming Merlot crops filling vineyards in Italy, Romania, Chile, California and Australia. Indeed, this grape is the fourth most prolific variety in the world and used to create many types of wine across a plethora of cultures.

Merlot has a fantastic nose and if you take the time to sniff the scents of a red wine made with this grape you’ll pick up a range of fruity notes. Plum is a major note emanating from the wine, as well as a mixture of herbal flavours. Unlike other types of red wine, Merlots generally have a soft taste in the mouth due to their low tannin composition. This makes then a much more rounded wine, but one that can have a gap when passing over the middle of the palate.

Cabernet Sauvignon

When considering types of red wine, the many connoisseurs of this world commonly hail Cabernet Sauvignon as the best. Because of this red wine's oak treatment and blending with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it flows perfectly with unspoilt red meats such as beef.

Found where the soil is perfect for red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown across the world and regularly contributes to a region's best types of red wine. Northern Germany, the Médoc wines of France, California, Australia and Chile all provide the perfect proving ground for this type of red wine.

When sampled in its infancy, a classy Cabernet Sauvignon will reveal a full-bodied taste to the palate. It will also contain a decent amount of polyphenols which create a gripping sensation on the tongue. As this wine matures you’ll discover a much smoother taste. Polyphenols polymerize over time, allowing the once subtle currant notes to permeate through and give a much fruiter taste.

Pinot Noir

The more complex the production process, the more sophisticated and complete a red wine will be. There are a few types of red wine that fit this description and Pinot Noir is one of them. Notoriously difficult to grow, this grape variety creates a smooth wine that is rarely blended.

Because of its subtle and complex flavours this wine is best appreciated with lighter meat dishes; usually ones that contain salmon or chicken. If you're looking for one of the best wines from the Burgundy region of France then look no further than their Pinot Noirs. Beyond this old world producer, California and New Zealand Pinot Noirs are also extremely highly rated.

The main characteristic of a Pinot Noir is its freshness. Unlike a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinot Noir red wine contains soft tannins that create a fruity experience on the palate. Added to that is a hint of subtle flavours such as the tea leaf.

Zinfandel

The Zinfandel is a veritable "jack of all trades" in the wine world. In addition to making a white variety, this grape can also produce a series of heavy red wines. Because of its versatility, the best food pairings for wines made using this grape depending on the heaviness of the product. For Zinfandel red wines you can confidently serve a variety of grilled and barbecued meats.

This grape is only found in California and, thus, represents a major player in this market's types of red wine.

Because the grape can produce a range of wines, you get a real mixture of flavours on the palate. A zesty opening is often followed by the deep, somewhat creamy, texture of berries. A final note of pepper also creates a distinctive drinking experience.

How Many Calories In Red Wine

Most people are aware that alcohol has calories in it. But how many calories in red wine specifically? If you are a real red wine lover you will want to know how many calories it has in it, especially if you are dieting. Red wine can be part of any diet you are on, just so long as you don't drink too much of it!

Actually red wine can have fewer calories in it, but it does depend on the type of wine you are talking about. For example a sweet white wine will be more calorific than red wine, but a dry white will be about the same. This is obvious when you think about it, because of the sweetness.

However you should take this as a general guide rather than a specific figure. Different wines can vary depending on the ingredients and how they are made. Most red wines are more or less the same though, varying from around 85 calories to 95 calories in a glass.

Typically speaking a measure of wine will be around 125ml. It is useful to measure this in a glass rather than assuming you have the right amount, as wine glasses can vary a lot in size. You might think you are drinking 85 calories worth of red wine, but if you have a big wine glass you could be drinking a lot more than that.

For your information rose wine is generally around the same as red wine too, so if you are considering moving on to a rose from time to time you should work on the same amount of calories as a rough guide.

If you want to know how many calories in red wine bottles, you should figure out how many lots of 125ml are in a standard bottle. Most bottles are 750ml, meaning you will get six glasses from it. As you can see it is easy for the calories to add up if you end up drinking two or three glasses throughout the evening. Do the calories depend on the grape variety used to make the red wine?

Actually yes they do. For example a cabernet sauvignon is usually about 90 calories per 125ml glass. In contrast a burgundy is more like 95 calories for the same measure. However there is such a slight difference between the two that you would not ruin your diet if you had a burgundy every now and then instead of a cabernet sauvignon.

It is certainly a good idea to know about the calorific values of wine because it will enable you to plan your diet more effectively. Most people are aware that red wine in moderation is good for you. So when you want to know how many calories in red wine, make sure you refer to the information above and use it to ensure you don't drink more calories than you think you should!