A Few Of The Grapes Used In Making Red and White Wines
- By Harry Price
- Published 11/22/2011
- Wine and Spirits
- Unrated
Everybody knows that wine is made from grapes. But not everybody knows the type of grapes used. There are various kinds of grapes used for making wine. More specifically, there are different grapes used for red and white wine. Read through and learn about a few of the grapes used for making red and white wine.
Grapes that are used for white wine have colors that range from clear to a straw yellow. As time goes by and as oxidation occurs, the colors turn to golden tinged. Here are a few of the grapes used:
1. Chardonnay. This type of grape can be cultivated anywhere in the world in varying climates because it is very adaptable. Wines made from this grape are most popular for its oak flavors. This oak flavor is usually due to the fact that oak barrels are used in fermenting this grape. Sometimes, it can also come from adding oak chips or oak essences to the wine as it is being fermented. Chardonnay is one of the most common grapes used to make Champagne.
2. Riesling. This type of grape is grown in Germany and it is difficult to grow this grape in other regions. Because of its demand for unique growing conditions it is rare to have Rieslings successfully grown outside of Germany. This type of grape produces a light tasting wine. Some wines can be sweet while other can be dry.
3. Sauvignon Blanc. This is the type of grape used to make Bordeaux blanc and other wines that have a
characteristically grassy, acidic and usually dry flavor. Wines made from this grape commonly have an oak flavor too.
Grapes that are used in making red wine have colors that range from red to purple. The more blue or purple the grape, the younger it is. Orange or brick colors denote age. Here are a few of the kinds of grapes used for red wine:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon. This type of grape produces wine that is rich in tannin. It is a type that is grown all over the world. Since not all climates allow this grape to reach full maturity, the flavor or characteristics vary depending where they were harvested. Although the name Cabernet Sauvignon is very popular, it does not guarantee a great tasting wine. These grapes are used to make a variety of wines that differ in quality and price.
2. Merlot. Unlike the Cabernet Sauvignon, this type of grape is low in tannin. Wine made from Merlots are characterized as deep colored and full bodied. The flavor usually has hints of prunes and sometimes chocolate.
3. Pinot Noir. This is a difficult kind to grow. It is rare to find wines that are made from this grape. The wine produced from this grape is paler and lighter. It is also low in tannins. The flavor and aroma varies depending on where the grapes were harvested and also on how they were processed.
4. Syrah. Also known as Shiraz, this grape produces wine that is dark colored, full bodied, and rich in tannins. Wines made from this grape are also known to be lighter and fruitier in flavor.
Grapes that are used for white wine have colors that range from clear to a straw yellow. As time goes by and as oxidation occurs, the colors turn to golden tinged. Here are a few of the grapes used:
1. Chardonnay. This type of grape can be cultivated anywhere in the world in varying climates because it is very adaptable. Wines made from this grape are most popular for its oak flavors. This oak flavor is usually due to the fact that oak barrels are used in fermenting this grape. Sometimes, it can also come from adding oak chips or oak essences to the wine as it is being fermented. Chardonnay is one of the most common grapes used to make Champagne.
2. Riesling. This type of grape is grown in Germany and it is difficult to grow this grape in other regions. Because of its demand for unique growing conditions it is rare to have Rieslings successfully grown outside of Germany. This type of grape produces a light tasting wine. Some wines can be sweet while other can be dry.
3. Sauvignon Blanc. This is the type of grape used to make Bordeaux blanc and other wines that have a
Grapes that are used in making red wine have colors that range from red to purple. The more blue or purple the grape, the younger it is. Orange or brick colors denote age. Here are a few of the kinds of grapes used for red wine:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon. This type of grape produces wine that is rich in tannin. It is a type that is grown all over the world. Since not all climates allow this grape to reach full maturity, the flavor or characteristics vary depending where they were harvested. Although the name Cabernet Sauvignon is very popular, it does not guarantee a great tasting wine. These grapes are used to make a variety of wines that differ in quality and price.
2. Merlot. Unlike the Cabernet Sauvignon, this type of grape is low in tannin. Wine made from Merlots are characterized as deep colored and full bodied. The flavor usually has hints of prunes and sometimes chocolate.
3. Pinot Noir. This is a difficult kind to grow. It is rare to find wines that are made from this grape. The wine produced from this grape is paler and lighter. It is also low in tannins. The flavor and aroma varies depending on where the grapes were harvested and also on how they were processed.
4. Syrah. Also known as Shiraz, this grape produces wine that is dark colored, full bodied, and rich in tannins. Wines made from this grape are also known to be lighter and fruitier in flavor.
Harry Price
Harry Price is a wine lover. His wine collection is stored in an elegant custom wine cellar California. Learn more about wine cellar design by visiting http://www.WineCellarsByCoastalBlog.com/
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