The famed comedy film Sideways is about a road trip in the wine country of sunny California. Two men taste extensive amounts of red wine while working with major life dramas. It’s a hilarious film that also introduced many people to wine tasting.
But perhaps the greatest thing about Sideways was actually how it inspired many people to become connoisseurs of fine wine! The Internet Movie Database reported the movie generated a lot of its fans to buy Pinot Noir (a dry red wine) and sales significantly increased in the US and UK at the time of and after its release.
If you want to learn more about red wine, but feel clueless as to the entire thing, here’s a quick guide.
Why is Red Wine Red?
Red wine is colored due to the grape skins involved. There are a multitude of grape types, each as diverse and colorful as the next. You have purple, maroon, crimson, light red– the list continues. Each variety brings a unique shade of red to red wine and the various colors you can see in wine stores are an unequivocal result of the many grapes used in worldwide wine-making processes. An individual wine’s color depends largely on what kind of grape was used to make it and the length of time the skin was left in with the juice before being extracted. In blends, the color of the wine is influenced by the percentage of grapes used to make that wine.
What Are The Different Types of Red Wine?
There are several types of red wine but they are usually judged by their “body”. For example, a light-bodied wine is not too demanding on the mouth and taste buds. It complements food that is flavor intensive. A good example of this kind of wine is the French red wine Beaujolais Nouveau. It can go with many meals.
On the other hand, there is the medium-bodied red wine which is a slightly heavier wine (e.g. Shiraz, Merlot, etc.) but not as hefty and as potent as a full-bodied wine like French Bordeaux wines and Italian red wine. Full-bodied wines are denser and have higher alcohol content. No gulping this one down. It is meant to be sipped and enjoyed.
How Is Red Wine Served?
You may have noticed at some parties, tasting events, or formal gatherings that red wine is served in a particular glass. It is said that a wide glass (compared to a slim, tall glass) is the best way to appreciate red wine as it allows the wine to breathe and swirl better. The best temperature to serve red wine is 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve it too hot and the alcohol can be overly emphasized; too cold and it will taste bitter.
Red Wine– What Are The Different Varieties?
There are a range of red wines available from all over the world. There is really no such thing as the best–buy what you like and what is tastiest to you. Many red wines come highly recommended because of their region, such as Californian, Australian, and of course the Finger Lakes. Some of our famous red wines include Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Eventually, you will have the ability to determine exactly what your style of red wine is.
How Healthy Is Red Wine?
These days there are many recent studies saying red wine is actually healthy. There is actual proof that it does the heart good. However, everything in moderation.
So, if you’re looking to spruce up your meals or simply want to develop a healthier diet, red wine or dry red wine may be right for you. To ask which red wine is right for you, visit our winery or call us at (607) 243-7742.