Guide to Wine
Wine Varieties
| Guide to White Wine
White wines are a wonderful option for the beginner wine lover, the more advanced wine enthusiast, and the dabbling chef. Lighter in body than red wines, whites nonetheless are complex and highly varied in taste.
The most famous white wine grapes are the Chardonnay  variety from France, but don't hesitate to explore Riesling, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and others. Also, though France is historically synonymous with wine, don't limit yourself. Try whites from California, Australia, South America and wherever! Check out our guide to learn more. |
Guide to Red Wine
Now we're talking. Not only is red wine reputed to lower one's risk for heart disease, but it's also delicious and pairs exquisitely with most foods! And thankfully, with an estimated 40-50 varieties of red wine grapes, you're sure to find the type that will be your new favourite.
While you are free to stick with the standard classics of Chianti and Burgundy, it's a safe bet you might also like a full-bodied Australian Shiraz, a peppery Spanish Rioja or a robust Argentinian Malbec. Read on to find more options.
| Rosé Wines
To make rosé, the skins or red grapes remain in contact with the juice for about 2-3 days and are then discarded. This gives the wine its disctinct color, which can range from a pale orange to nearly purple. It is traditionally delicate and dry, but in the latter half of the 20th, medium to sweet rosés came into fashion. Both flavour palates can be found today.
Blush wines can also be found; these are typically North American varieties but have also been seen in Australia and Italy. The term has thus come to indicate a sweeter pink wine rather than a regional wine. |
Sparkling Wines
Champagne and sparkling wines have significant levels of carbon dioxide in them, which gives them their fizziness. These are traditionally an elegant drink and are perfect for celebrating a special occasion, but why limit yourself? The easiest way to learn more about them is to try, try, try, so how about popping open the bubbly while cleaning the house (it will certainly make it more enjoyable) or watching the big game?
Sparkling wines are usually white or rosé, but sparkling reds can also be found - so now you can show your support of Man U even with your beverage!
| Dessert or Fortified Wines
It's not just a clever name: dessert wines (also known as pudding wines ) usually are sweet and served with dessert. However, you might want to drink them by themselves for the full experience. Consider a Sauternes, a Tokaji Aszú or an ice wine for your next dinner party - be warned, though, that your guests may never want to leave
Fortified wines are wines to which additional alcohol has been added, originally for preservation purposes. This results in a sweeter drubj which can be served either before (such as a fino or amontillado sherry ) or after dinner (try a port or madeira wine). |
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