Wines are made in different parts of the world in many types and variations. You can find red wines and white wines including wines from “old world” and wines from the “new world”. Wines from different vineyards got a distinct flavor and composition. The world of wine is vast and through this article you’ll get to know the world of reds.
The red wine is among the main varieties of wine available today, others are white, rose and sparkling. A common misconception we have is that all red wines are made from red grapes; the truth is that the red color is produced from the skins when they are left to ferment with the grape juice. It is clear that the variety of flavors found in wines is great because of the vast number of different red wines available. Many people who are new to wine surely find this remarkable because the ingredients of the wine are minimal.
An essential factor that affects tha taste of the red wine is the type of grape used. The type of grape such as “Cabernet Sauvignon” or “Pinot Noir” used for making the wine is often talked about when buying or discussing on wines.
There are various aspects to grapes that will significantly change the taste of the wine. The acidity can differ widely in grape varieties and will change the taste. Some grapes will have distinctive aromas, such as fruity or floral, this will give those wines the aroma of the grape. Tannin is a term you will hear used a large deal in the red wine world and it greatly changes a wines taste. Thick skins lead to wine with a higher tannin concentration.
Locations where the wine is grown is also vital aside from that of the type of grape used. In the past, it would refer to various regions of France which is considered the “old world”. Now, it can mean the different countries like Australia and South Africa which are part of the “new world”. Area where the vines producing the grape is also vital since some grape varieties grow better in one climate compare to another. Certain combinations can produce exceptional wines like Chenin Blanc grapes in the Loire Valley.
Most people who are about to buy wine will ask this question; which is the best wine? Some wine buyers would think that the country France present the best wine since they are popular in wine production and there’s a good reason to it. France does produce some of greatest wines in the world but then the “new world” offers some stiff competition.
For those who are interested to buy high end wines from the old world, you will often need to wait for the wine to age for a certain period of time. But then, if you buy from the new world, you will most likely wait for a shorter period and you’ll be able to taste them much sooner.
Whether it has been produced in the new world or the old world is significant but again it is not just the location that matters but the one primary factor that affects the taste of the wine is the type of grape used. It is about knowing the way the wine is produced which is same with knowing the location when comparing old world and new world. Old world wines mostly have a lighter and more complex taste while new world wines have simpler, sharper flavors. Moreover, wines coming from the new world mostly tend to have a higher alcohol content about 13-14% compared to the 12% in wines from old world.
The taste of wines can cross borders. The country Argentina which is solidly in the new world does produce many wines in the old world style. The main reason is that when the Spanish (old world) colonised the country they brought their wine making methods with them. Wine experts have been known to be confused by Argentinian wine! Buy wine from Argentina and it will be a wonderful experience.
You must realize that the taste of a wine depends on lots of great factors and it is far too simple to say that one world of wine is better than the other one. Although some people use “new world” somewhat condescendingly, there is little truth in it. Even though, the new world produces red wines which compete well with the old world, what matters most is the predilection of an individual.
The new world has been producing wines for a shorter time compared to the old world. Year by year, the red wine from new world are getting more praises from wine experts and lovers. In a blind wine tasting done 2 years ago, a new wine from New Zealand was given a high score same as the rate given to some of the best wines in France.
New world winemakers are slowly becoming masters with each passing year and they are learning which soils and locations are great for different grapes. Winemaker from France also underwent the same learning process being learned by new world winemakers today. It took them time to discover that Chenin Blanc grows well in the Loire Valley.
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