Valuing Red Wines
Although there are more than 50 key varieties of red wines, the average person tends to assume that all reds are simply red and the biggest difference between them is in who bottled them. In reality, reds encompass a color spectrum that ranges from light red wine to deep purple wine, with some being almost black. Different varieties also have distinctly different flavors, ranging from a hint of fruit to a touch of tobacco. Such a varied wine is appreciated best by first learning more about it.
Both the color as well as the flavor of wines which are red is a combination of what the variety of the grapes that are used as well as the process that the wine was made through. 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.
Fermentation in the skin does more for red wines than simply creating color. The grape skin contains flavenoids, which are well-known for their antioxidant properties, and it is passed on from skins to liquid during fermentation. As a result, the fuller the body of the wine, the amount of flavenoids will be much higher. Four ounces of a full-bodied red each day helps lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol and reduce clotting. The flavenoids are also thought to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, as well as helping nerve cell formation, which can help prevent the onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Some people seem to have the mistaken belief that the only difference between the red wines and the whites is the color, or that the difference between types of reds is merely what is on the label of the bottle. Such beliefs fail to recognize the subtle variations of color, flavor and aroma that have been perfected by wine makers. In reality, the differences in the wines begin with the grapes and continue through the wine making process. Knowing the subtleties of the variations leads to a much a greater appreciation of them.
There are quite a number of of excellent wines on the market these days. You can find anything from a White Zinfandel to an exquisite red. However why purchase wine when you can create outstanding wines by yourself? There are plenty of resources to turn to when it comes to making wines. All you really need is the right book and directions and you can create any type of that you wish. You will also need to understand what supplies that you need to have if you are going to attempt this task. It is not as hard you believe it will be. For additional information simply go here: Making Wine Without Sugar also Making Peach Wine in addition to Making Wine Without Sugar
Smokes – “Red And White” (Official Music Video)