Over the years, wine has become the most popular alcoholic beverage. From statements in The Holy Book to accidental discoveries of wine in ancient Egypt, Rome and even Greece, it’s unarguable that this beverage has been around a very long time. But its history is just one of the many things that makes it so special. Besides the delicious taste, wine can also be good for your overall health and it is a great mood booster. Having a glass of wine can resurface emotions, friendships, meals, late evenings, dancing, people. It can offer a sense of comfort, and relief, regardless if you are drinking it at the comfort of your own home or in a fancy restaurant.
As of today, there are plenty of wine types to choose from, including:
Red wine
White wine
Rosé wine
Sparkling wine
Fortified wine
Dessert wine
All of these are excellent wine choices and they all have their own distinctive taste. However, it is undeniable that the best one out there would have to be the red wine. It is made of black grapes without taking their skin off beforehand, together with the stems and seeds. It is known to be the healthiest choice which even your doctor recommends, in moderation of course! To have a better perspective, let’s look at some of the red wine types and which one would be the best pick for you.
Shades of Red: Shiraz vs. Cabernet
If you are a newbie in this field, you probably don’t know that there are different kinds of red, white and even rosé wine. Today, I’d like to talk about all the finest varieties that just the red wine has to offer, and which ones stand out the most.
Shiraz
This red wine type is probably one of the most infamous varieties of dark wines. It is known to be the most planted wine grape in all of Australia, the Rhone Valley in France, and in some regions of the US, as well as in other parts of the world. Thanks to its distinctive taste, Shiraz is the perfect dark wine for various occassions.
Now, let’s see what exactly makes this wine variety so special.
How It Tastes
Their alcohol percentage is somewhere between 13-15% which adds to the very taste of the wine. Another factor that affects the taste is the climate in which the grapes are grown, as well as the age of the wine itself. So, Shiraz grown in a warmer climate tends to have the flavour of blueberry, blackberry or plum, while ones that come from a cooler climate have more of a black currant or dragon fruit taste. But, overall, these kinds of wines are full-bodied and taste heavy but smooth at the same time.
The Colour
These grapes have one of the darkest ruby-like colours, which adds to the taste as well as to the appearance. The colour can fade over time, but the taste only gets better.
What To Serve It With
To fully enjoy the wine, you must pair it with the right kinds of food. Shiraz usually goes best with: grilled beef, grilled veggies, lamb and nicely seasoned BBQ ribs.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Another great competitor in the red wine category is the one-of-a-kind Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a varietal widely known for its astonishing taste and dark hue. People cannot get enough of it. Surprisingly, it was accidentally discovered by breeding a Cabernet Franc grape and a Sauvignon Blanc grape. Now, let’s see why this type of wine is one of the number one choices in the world.
The Grapes and Colour
As opposed to the Shiraz, the Cabernet wine is slightly lighter in colour. Although, it is still a very dark and full-bodied red wine. Its grapes are thick-skinned and blue/blackish.
The Taste
Here, the climate factor also plays a big role in how the wine will taste. Cabernet wines made from cooler climate regions are usually more medium-bodied and lighter than those who were grown out in a warmer climate. The overall taste of this wine is something like: black currant or cherry, accompanied by flavours of vanilla, menthol, green pepper and tobacco.
Best Food Pairings
Just like the Shiraz, this wine is better when paired with the right food. It goes best with: roasted or grilled lamb, aged cheddar cheese, ribs, red meat.
How Do I Pick the Perfect Red Wine?
As you can see, different grapes have different wine tastes to offer. Picking the right wine for your flavour palate can be tough, especially if you are new to the wine world. So, whether you will be hunting for the perfect wine online or in a store, here are some tips to get you on the right track:
Know Your Wines
Educating yourself on the various types of wines out there, how they are made, what affects their taste and why aging matters is very important. This way, you can be certain of your decision which won’t be based solely on your taste buds.
Taste, Taste, Taste
It’s also important not to rush the process. It’s important to taste the wine and enjoy it.
Keep Track of What You’ve Tried
Noting all of the wine kinds you have tasted can help you get a better idea of what you prefer and what you don’t like as much. So, next time, you can choose much faster and better.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Sticking to just white or red wine can limit you. Try out rosé or even champagne.
Get a Second Opinion
Talking to a friend who knows a bit more about the wine world could be a real eye-opener. Next time, consider sharing your thoughts with them and taking on their opinion on wine tasting. They can give you great advice and recommend their favourite wine.
Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you’re celebrating something or you are just in need of a great companion for your alone time, having a glass of the right kind of wine is always a good idea. Whether it is a good Shiraz or a well-aged Cabernet, you can be certain that your day will be a whole lot better. So, the next time you’re hesitating if you should open that old wine bottle that’s been sitting in your cabinet forever, just go for it and indulge.
