It can be daunting to navigate the vast array of wine options available in stores or restaurants – from the best reds to the best white wine in Singapore – there are seriously many.
With thousands of grape varieties and an even greater number of wines made from them, it can be difficult to know where to start since it is a complex and diverse beverage with a wide variety of flavors, aromas, and textures and that too varying from region to region – i.e., best French wines to Spanish red wines – and we start scratching our head by now.
However, having a basic understanding of the different types of wine, their flavors, and their production methods can assist you in selecting the perfect wine to complement your mood or occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newbie, it’s essential to understand the different types of wines available. From red and white to sparkling and fortified wines, each type has unique characteristics that set it apart from the rest.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of wines and what makes them special.
Categorizing the wines generally
Several categories of wine differ in flavor and are often paired with specific occasions. These categories include:
Red wines are known for their dark fruit flavors, and tannins, and are often paired with food. Oak aging is a common feature of many red wines. Usually, Spanish red wines are pretty popular in reds.
White wines, tend to be tarter and refreshing compared to reds. They often feature aromatic notes such as flowers, citrus, and orchard fruits. White wines are generally lighter in body and alcohol content.
Other styles of wine, such as rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines, are often associated with specific events. Rosé wines are popular during the summer, sparkling wines are often used for special occasions, and fortified wines are commonly enjoyed after a large meal.
Red Wines
Red wine is made from dark-colored grapes, and its color can range from pale red to deep purple. Red wines have a more robust flavor profile than white wines and are often served with meat-based dishes. Among the different types of red wines available, Italian and Spanish red wines have a special place.
6 Most Popular Types of Red Wines to Know
1. Cabernet Sauvignon:
A full-bodied wine with high tannins and flavors of black currant, chocolate, and tobacco. It’s a great pairing for red meat, game, and hearty stews.
2. Merlot:
A softer, medium-bodied wine with flavors of black cherry, plum, and herbs. It pairs well with lighter meat dishes like chicken and pork.
3. Pinot Noir:
A light to medium-bodied wine with fruity flavors like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. It’s an excellent pairing for salmon, duck, and mushroom-based dishes.
4. Syrah/Shiraz:
A full-bodied wine with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and smoke. It’s a great pairing for grilled meat and spicy dishes.
5. Zinfandel:
A full-bodied wine with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and spice. It pairs well with pizza, pasta, and BBQ.
6. Malbec:
A medium to full-bodied wine with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. It’s an excellent pairing for steak and hearty stews.
White Wines
White wine is made from light-colored grapes, and its color can range from pale yellow to golden. White wines have a more delicate flavor profile than red wines and are often served with lighter dishes like seafood, salads, and cheese. The popularity of white wine in Singapore is pretty much on a higher level due to its delicate profile.
4 Most Popular Types of White Wines to Know
1. Chardonnay:
A full-bodied wine with flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla. It pairs well with rich seafood dishes like lobster and scallops.
2. Sauvignon Blanc:
A light-bodied wine with flavors of grapefruit, lime, and green apple. It pairs well with lighter seafood dishes like oysters and sushi.
3. Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris:
A light-bodied wine with flavors of lemon, lime, and pear. It’s an excellent pairing for salads, seafood, and light pasta dishes.
4. Riesling:
A light-bodied wine with flavors of peach, apricot, and honey. It pairs well with spicy dishes and Asian cuisine.
Rosé Wines
Rosé wine is made from red grapes but is left to ferment for a shorter period, giving it its pink hue. Also, the color of the skin is contributed by the involvement of a little bit of skin but a limited involvement of tannins. Rosé wines can range from very dry to sweet and are often served chilled. Raspberry, cherry, and strawberry are some typical flavors you will find among rose wines.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are carbonated wines that are perfect for celebrations or as an aperitif. Just like white wine in Singapore, sparkling wines are also loved by Singaporeans. They can be white or rosé and are made using the traditional method or the tank method. The traditional method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, while the tank method involves a secondary fermentation in a large tank.
Fortified Wines
Fortified wines are wines to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, is added, increasing the alcohol content. Fortified wines can be sweet or dry and are often served as aperitifs or dessert wines.
1. Port:
A sweet fortified wine from Portugal with flavors of cherry, plum, and chocolate. It’s often served as a dessert wine.
2. Sherry:
A dry fortified wine from Spain (containing much higher alcohol than Spanish red wines) with flavors of almond, dried fruit, and oak. It can be served as an aperitif or a dessert wine.
3. Madeira:
A fortified wine from the Madeira Islands with flavors of caramel, nuts, and spice. It’s often served as a dessert wine.
4. Vermouth:
A fortified wine infused with botanicals like herbs, spices, and fruits. It’s often used as a mixer in cocktails.
Organic Wines
Organic wines are wines made from grapes that have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Instead, organic farmers use natural methods to control pests and weeds, such as crop rotation, composting, and introducing beneficial insects.
In order to be certified as organic, a wine must meet strict guidelines set forth by various organizations. These guidelines typically require that no synthetic chemicals be used in the vineyard and that the wine be made without the use of sulfites or other chemical additives. Organic wines are available in all three – red, rose, and white wines in Singapore.
There are many benefits to drinking organic wine. For one, it is better for the environment, as it reduces the number of chemicals that are released into the soil and water. It is also healthier for the consumer, as it eliminates the risk of consuming harmful chemicals that can be found in conventionally grown grapes.
In addition, many people believe that organic wines taste better. This is because the grapes are allowed to ripen naturally, without the use of chemical ripening agents. This can lead to a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, as well as a more authentic expression of the grape varietal and terroir.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of wines available can help you choose the right wine for any occasion and pair it with the perfect food. Whether you’re looking for a glass of robust Spanish red wine to pair with a hearty steak or a light white wine in Singapore to complement a fresh salad, there is a wine out there for every taste preference. So, the next time you’re shopping for wine, consider trying a new type and expanding your palate. Cheers!