Wine is undoubtedly one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Believe it or not, the US alone drinks nearly a billion gallons of wine every year!
Once you discover its hidden secrets for yourself, it’s easy to see why. Let’s go over some of the most popular types of wine and how to best enjoy them the next time you’re entertaining!
Red Wines
Red wines are made from red or black grapes with the skins, stems, and seeds. Some of the most popular red wines include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
- Chianti
- Beaujolais
For a good starter pick, a nice Cabernet offers a sweeter touch that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys sweeter wines.
Conversely, Pinot Noir offers a much dryer finish that’s still perfectly smooth. For a happy medium, go with a Merlot.
Food Pairings
Red wine pairs beautifully with savory dishes. Something meaty like ribs, burgers, or steak pairs well with red wine across the spectrum.
Also, red wine is perfect for most Italian dishes. You can’t go wrong with a nice glass of Merlot with your pizza or pasta!
White Wines
White wines are made from, you guessed it, white grapes. As you’d suspect, these tend to be less sweet and typically more tart, much like their grapes. Some of the most popular white wines to start with include:
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
We recommend starting with a nice Chardonnay, as this is on the sweeter side for white wine. If you know you enjoy a dryer wine, try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio!
Food Pairings
Ideally, the lighter the color, the lighter the dish. White wine pairs well with light dishes including poultry, fish, or salads. It also pairs well with snacks including popcorn or cheese and crackers.
Other Wines
Yes, there are other wines, including Rosé or sparkling wines like champagne. Rosé or Moscato don’t exactly fit into either category with their bright pink color, but they are still made with black grapes like red wine. These tend to be quite sweet, and we recommend pairing them with light dishes and snacks.
Moreover, try pairing your sparking wines with light snacks as well, especially smoked salmon!
How to Find a Wine That You Love
You never know your favorites until you’ve tried them all. There are also plenty of wine-tasting options that you can do in your free time to learn more about the different types of wine and your preferences. Read about wine club membership to learn more!
Enjoy a Glass Today
Now that you know a little more about the different types of wine, you can enjoy a nice glass for yourself today! Wine offers plenty of health benefits and it’s a great social lubricant for all types of wine lovers.
Pour yourself a glass of a fine one tonight and keep reading our blog for our latest food and beverage tips!
Gourmets Food 