What are some Different Wines and popular kinds?!
What are some Different Wines and popular kinds?
I know there is white wine (is that chardonnay?), red wine and blush, but are there any other kinds? I am completely clueless about wine but I have been tasting different kinds trying to learn about them. Also what are some popular brands of wine. Any information would be helpful but criticism wouldn't be. Feel free to recommend your favorite.
Answers:
I don't know a lot about 'Old World' wines (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), but here's briefly what I know about 'New World' wines (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, USA). Old world wines tend to be named by region, while new world wines tend to be named by the type of grape they are made from. Please forgive any spelling mistakes.
Whites
Sauvignon Blanc (generally fruity and light, light colour, New Zealand is becoming the leader in the Sauvignon market)
Chardonnay (generally a little heavier and more buttery than above, darker yellow, Australian ones are generally good)
Reisling (sweeter wine originally from Germany)
Chablis (don't know much about it, but from France)
Reds
Pinot Noir (Lighter red, complex flavours, but can be diffeicult to get a really good one for a decent price, New Zealand Pinots have been really good recently)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Heavier red, generally good, but better after a few years)
Shiraz (Heavier than Pinot, but with loads of fruit and sometimes spicy flavours, Australian Shiraz is generally good)
Merlot (good banker if you don't know what you are buying, but usually doesn't go much beyond that)
French wines are kind of split into two growing regions - Bordeaux (mainly cab sauv), and Bourgoigne (mainly pinot)
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Red wines come in different types, there's merlot, shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon. Each type is a little different and, of course, each winery will make their wines differently. For example, the wine produced in French oak barrels will be different than that produced in American oak. French oak tends to give the wine more subtle flavouring while American oak is more "in your face".
Also, some wineries will reuse barrels and some will not. The different tastes you can discern come from the barrels mostly, such as vanilla, oak, various berry, tobacco, licquorice, etc.
Also, the percentage of alcohol by volume will determine how sweet the wine is, the less alcohol, the sweeter the wine since the sugars are converted to alcohol during the fermentation stage. Also, the amount of tannins (usually grape skins and seeds) will determine how much of a kick the wine gives as it hits the back of your mouth.
Now, as for buying red wine, experiment a little. I enjoy Columbia Crest Merlot, they have a few varieties, Two Vines is good and cheapish while Grand Estates is a little finer and a few dollars more per bottle.
If you pick up a wine that doesn't taste too good, you can consider using it for cooking (though they say don't cook with any wine you wouldn't drink). As a last resort you can always use for deglazing pans :)
Sorry I can't help on the white, blush wines, I don't really drink those.
Not sure if you are in the US, but I find wines in the $6-8 range that are quite acceptable. I've even found one for $4.95 which starts with a V and can't recall the full name that isn't too bad either, especially after a bottle of $8 wine :)
Go out, pick a bottle and enjoy. :)
I am writing this from Australia but I assume things are much the same in the civilised world.
Find yourself a friendly wine merchant. Explain what you have here and ask for their advice. Let them know your price limit and get some bottles. If you have found a good merchant then they will spend time with you and encourage you and ask what you thought when you go back. If they don't, then you find another merchant and start again. Soon your merchant will be recommending wines to you that you will nearly always like. Invite friends over or share with family. You can have great fun doing this.
You will soon get to know types and styles you like. You can have "Bring a bottle" parties.
Remember though that you must drink responsibly, so that means you never swallow, you must spit it out. Just joking!
You should be careful though, and never drink and drive.
Try some Australian reds and whites - spend a few extra bucks to get quality.
Every now and then try to save up and buy a dearer bottle of wine. If it tastes really, really good then you are hooked and the next thing you will be doing is digging a cellar and organising trips to winery areas.
Enjoy!
Assuming you're over 21, go sign up for a wine class at your local college or wine shop. or look at about.com, etc. The basics are that wine is named by its grape (varietal), age (vintage) and maker. You'll get familiarity with different grapes and whether you like them through practice an trying different ones-try a variety of grapes and price ranges to learn with- have fun!