9 Different Types of Wine and How to Choose the Right One
Pick the best bottle for your next dinner party!
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Is there anything more refreshing than a glass of wine? Whether it's s simple chardonnay, a pour of blushing rosé, or something fun and fruity like a watermelon cooler or white wine spritzer, wine is a welcomed drink at occasions of all kind. It's the ultimate hostess gift to say thank you and there's no better gift for true wine lovers than a wine subscription box. You can even cook with wine! But for most people, the world of wine can be downright intimidating. So how do you shop from all the different types of wine?
Wine is the fermented juice of wine grapes, a variety of grape far different from the snacking grapes found in the grocery store. Wine grapes are tiny with thick skins and many seeds and are either a dark reddish color (black) or light green (white). To put it simply, the black grapes produce red wine and the white grapes produce err... white! Yet, within those two broad categories there are thousands of varieties of grapes that produce specific types of wine. It's the grape's skin that gives red and white wines their unmistakable hue, but there are many other variables that define a certain wine like terroir and a little something called tannins that add bitterness and complexity.
The best way to find out what you like is by hosting a wine tasting. Invite friends over and have each guest bring a different type of wine. Whip up a few easy yet sophisticated snacks like a big, beautiful charcuterie board full of your favorite meats and cheeses! Break out plenty of wine glasses (find out why the right glassware matters for wine) and get tasting! You could even craft some score cards to help everyone keep track of which wines they like best.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon is one of the most popular reds in the world for a reason. It's a dry wine with a rich, full flavor that pairs just as perfectly with a hearty steak dinner as it does with pork and grilled lamb chops. Consider it a safe choice of red wine for dinner parties and gifting.
Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava
The ultimate wine for bottle popping and toasting, sparkling wine is loved for it's, well, sparkle! All of these bottles of bubbly are light and crisp, so what's the difference? Champagne can only be called champagne if it comes from Champagne, France, whereas prosecco hails from Italy and cava is Spanish. When it comes to taste, champagne is light but rich with citrus and toasty notes, prosecco is sweeter and often floral, and Cava is bright and citrusy.
Merlot
Fruitier than cabernet sauvignon and almost just as popular, Merlot is a dry, medium- to full-bodied red wine that's easy to drink. It's not too acidic and not too high in alcohol making it a great beginner red. Plus you can find one at most any price point that suits you. Try using some to make sangria!
Chardonnay
The most popular white wine on the market, chardonnay is made around the world which means it varies from bottle to bottle. Typically dry and medium- to full-bodied, one may be rich, buttery, and oaky and the next crisp with notes of tropical fruit. Pair with meaty fish or shellfish such as shrimp or crab for a fresh summer dinner.
Pinot Noir
Another great option for red wine newbies, pinot noir is one of the lightest reds you'll come across. It's pleasantly drinkable with an earthy flavor and hints of berry and cherry. While people typically reserve red wine for red meat-eating, this easy drinker is delicious with fish and poultry, too!
Pinot Grigio
Expect bright, fresh, clean floral notes from this tasty light-bodied white wine. Second only to Chardonnay in the ranks of white wine popularity, Pinot Grigio varies by grape-growing region but they're characteristically smooth and silky, slightly sweet, and acidic. Pinot grigio is much lighter than chardonnay but feels a touch heavier than sauvignon blanc.
Rosé
Ah, rosé—the pink drink that's synonymous with warm weather sipping. Rosé is made like most red wines, yet it experiences less grape skin contact than reds which gives it a pretty pink hue. Think red fruit flavors like strawberry and raspberry with floral and citrus notes. It's crisp and refreshing and ranges in sweetness. Use leftovers to make a strawberries and rosé sheet cake or pop open a fresh bottle for the occasion!
Riesling
Riesling has a reputation of being a sweet wine, and if sweet is what you crave, you're in the right place. Many rieslings are delicious with salty and spicy foods because their sweetness and acidity balances the flavor. However, not all rieslings lean sweet; there are many dry styles from around the world, so you're bound to find one you enjoy.
Sauvignon Blanc
This food-friendly sipper is perfectly crisp and highly acidic, shining with fresh citrus flavors of lime and grapefruit that are balanced by grassy notes. Like other white wines, sauvignon blanc should be served chilled for the best flavor. Just stick in the fridge mid afternoon and it'll be ready to pour by happy hour!
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