Red wine is far more diverse than many people realize. There are a number of complex components to each glass and, if you taste several different varieties, the differences will soon become clear. Here’s what you need to know about these wines along with some of the top varieties available.

Grape type

Red wine is made from black-skinned grapes and their juice is colourless. When the grapes are pressed, the skins mix with the juice (also called must) and the result is a reddish-purple liquid. This is the beginning stage of wine-making.

Tannins

Tannins are the compounds found in red wine that give it that bitter taste. When you drink these wines, you will notice that your mouth may feel a little dry. Tannins are found mainly in the skins of the grapes and they also act as a preservative. The higher the tannin of a wine, the longer it will age. After time, the tannins and anthocyanins settle at the bottom of the bottle. This is what the wine sediment consists of. You can remove the sediment by decanting the bottle.

Aging

Red wine is usually aged in new oak barrels so that the flavours and aromas of the wood blend into the wine. It also softens the tannin structure which makes the wine smoother and more pleasant to drink.

Flavour

The aromas and flavours of red wine vary depending on the grapes used and the aging method. Ome have a fruity flavour while others have more of a earthy flavour. The climate in which the grapes are grown also affects the flavour of the wine.

Top red wines

There are six main types of red wine with which you should be familiar. These include Bordeaux, Chianti, Rioja, Syrah, Primitivo and Beaujolais. Bordeaux is made from several types of grapes and popular examples include merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Chianti is usually made from one grape (sangiovese) but a small amount of other grapes can be added. Spain is the thank for Rioja and this wine has a woody flavour. Syrah is a red wine grape that produces deep and dark fruity flavours. Primitivo is often referred to as zinfandel and this wine is known for its high alcohol content. As for Beaujolais, this red wine has a low-tannin value and is very palatable.

Now that you know a bit more about different types of red wine, you can make your choice accordingly! Remember to always consider the food you plan on enjoying before selecting your wine. Red wines are known to have strong flavours so you want to make sure that the wine does not overpower the dish.