Wines are typically classified on the basis of vinification techniques, taste, vintage, or quality of wine produced.
On the basis of taste, wines can be dry, semi dry, semi sweet or the sweet wines. It is the residual sugar that remains unfermented during the fermentation process that defines the sweetness of the wine. These semi sweet red wines typically contain five to six percent of sugar and thirteen to fourteen percent of alcohol content in them.
The semi dry wines are those that are generally sweeter than the semi sweet type of wines. The grapes that contain a large extent of sugar content in them, works on the yeast and breaks it into alcohol. This process will leave behind various sugars that is responsible for providing the wine with the sweetness.
Heavy-bodied, medium-bodied or light-bodied wines
The semi sweet red wines can be heavy-bodied, medium-bodied or light-bodied wines. The full-bodied or heavy-bodied red wines are those with the highest tannin. They typically can have higher levels of alcohol contents in them. The French Bordeaux and the Italian Super Tuscans are good examples of full-bodied red wines. The higher tannin and alcohol content makes them heavier. A medium-bodied red wine, on the other hand, will contain lesser amount of tannin than the full-bodied wines. Merlot, Shiraz and Chianti are examples for medium-bodied wines. A light-bodied wine is one that has the least tannin, something like the Beaujolais Nouveau.
Before making a choice of the wine, always check on the labels to have an idea on the various characteristics of the red wine. Some may describe the wines as fruity, others as dry. So depending on the type of food it has to match with, make the selection.
Pair wine with the right food
Pairing of food with the right red wine is an art. The right combination will add to one’s ability to appreciate the flavor of the wine even more.
For example, the semi sweet red wines can pair well with appetizers or even salads. Delicately flavored fish or chicken dishes can also be accompanied by the semi sweet red wines. These wines are ideal to be enjoyed on a summer afternoon followed by a nibble of lightly flavored cheeses. The semi sweet red wines are also ideal for accompanying one on a picnic, casual meals or as an aperitif.
A mild semi sweet red wine can take the form of a delicious hot spiced wine if you add cloves, cinnamon and brown sugar to it. Whatever be the type of wine, they make an ideal gift for any occasion.
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