6 Types of Wine: Which One Is Your Match?

Have you ever found yourself trying to decide what wine to drink at a party or a dinner? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common dilemmas that people face while they are shopping and drinking wine. But, with so many options available, it can be hard to choose.

It’s not just red or white.

Wine has long been broken down into six main types: red, white, rosé, sparkling, fortified, and dessert wines. Here is some information on these main types of wines and how to match them with different dishes based on their characteristics:

1. Red Wine

Red wine is the most popular type of wine. The color of the wine comes from red grape skins that are exposed to long hours of heat and sunlight. Red wines are best served cold, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

When ordering red wine at a restaurant, it is best to ask if they have any specific pairings in mind for your dish.

Some red wines have a tannin that is higher in acidity, which makes them harder to drink. For example, Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs have a tannin level that is higher in acidity and difficult to drink on their own. Others are easy-drinking, like Pinot Blancs and Chardonnays.

2. White Wine

White wine is generally light in color and has a slightly sweet taste. The best type of white wine to serve with a meal is one that has less than 18 grams of residual sugar per liter. This means that the wine should be dry, non-sweet, and not contain any added flavors or macerations.

If you are serving cheese with your white wine, then go for a dry, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Although white wines are typically light in color and don’t typically go well with food, there are some exceptions. One type of white wine that goes well with food is fume blanc de blancs or fumé blanc de noirs depending on whether it was made from white grapes or black grapes respectively. The winemaker will add oak chips during fermentation to give the wine extra flavor and complexity when it’s served cold as an aperitif at parties or dishes that call for just white wine.

3. Rosé Wines

Rosé wines are the perfect wine for summer. They come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your outfit or the color scheme of your party. Rosé is also refreshing and light, making it a good option to drink with lighter dishes.

If you’re looking for something refreshing on a hot day, rosé is a perfect choice.

Rosés are one of the most popular types of wine because they taste great with food while still having light colors.

4. Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines are light-bodied, dry, and fruity. They typically have a short finish and a mild aftertaste. These types of wines pair well with seafood, poultry, salads, and desserts.

5. Fortified Wines

Fortified wines are made by adding brandy, wine, or other spirits to the base wine. Some examples of fortified wines are port and vermouth.

6. Dessert Wines

Dessert wines are made from grapes that are sweeter than regular table wine.

They typically have a higher alcohol content and less tannin, which gives them a smooth, sweet taste.

Dessert wines often come in red or white varieties. Red dessert wines are created by blending red table grapes with white dessert grapes, giving them a deep color and richer flavor. White dessert wines are created by blending the juice of white table grapes with the juice of some other grape-like black currants or Concord grapes.