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Wine Basics for Beginners: The 4 Basic Types of Wines

For those new to the world of wine, there are actually tons of wine varieties out there. But to avoid overwhelming you, we’ll start with the basics.

As many of you know, wine is a type of fermented juice that typically comes from grapes. Now, the type of grape used for the wine can make a big difference. But aside from the type of grape, other factors also affect the sweetness, body, acidity, and flavours of the wine. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s first cover what you need to know about the basic types of wine. 

1. Red Wine

Red wine is perhaps the most common type of wine. They come from fermented black grapes that have the skin, seed and stems in them. The grape’s skin is typically where the red hue comes from. 

Since red wine is high in tannins, it has a more bitter and dry taste. But if you want a less bitter and dry red wine, go for something a bit older. 

Common variations of red wine include merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir. Red wine is also best served with red meat.

2. White Wine

White wine is a product of the combination of black and white grapes. Unlike red wine, white wines aren’t fermented with the skin, thus the lack of hue. 

White wine has fewer tannins than red wine. And so, it’s got a more acidic taste that gives it more crisp and tart flavours. To bring out these flavours, it’s best to chill the white wine first before drinking.

Common variations of white wine include pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. White wine is best paired with lighter dishes, such as seafood and poultry.

3. Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are often called bubblies due to their carbonated nature. The carbon dioxide in the drink is a natural byproduct of fermenting black and white grapes. 

Champagne is perhaps the most well-known type of sparkling wine. However, there are also other variations, such as prosecco. And a fun fact is that most sparkling wines are named after the region where they are made. 

Sparkling wine is best served with light foods, such as seafood and soft cheeses. And they are also best served in tall, slender glasses to preserve the bubbles.

4. Rosé 

Rosé gets its name from its pink blush hue. However, a common misconception is that rosé gets its colour by mixing red and white wine together. But this is actually a practice not encouraged in the wine industry. Instead, this colour is created by fermenting the black grapes with their skins for just a short period ranging from a few hours to a few days. 

While rosé is typically low in tannins, some rosés can be a bit dry. However, they also carry a light, sweet flavour, making them a great wine for the summer. They are best served with light dishes and snacks, such as chips, fish, and cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s more to learn about wine than meets the eye. These four basic wines are just the start of it all. In reality, there are still so many types of wines out there that you can try and discover for yourself.

Make the right fine wine investments with Cru Wine. We offer fine wine with a modern approach. At Cru Wine, buying wine is made easy and simple with a more enriched experience. Get a bottle or more now!

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