“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

 

Great wine is not simply a wine. The sheer art lies in the complete process – the kind of grapes, the fermentation process, the balance of flavors, and the way the ingredients blend together seamlessly to create something truly exquisite. True art, indeed.

But are you familiar with these renowned masterpieces? Do you consider yourself a wine expert and passionate wine connoisseur? Think you know everything there is to know about the styles, texture, flavors? Fear not. Here’s is a guide to different kinds and styles of wines, paving your path to becoming a wine expert:

The Style of Wine

There are hundreds of different styles of wine that take form from the different grape varieties. However, all wines can be grouped into five main categories:

1.     Red Wine

This wine is made with black grapes that range from light, dark, bone-dry to sweet. The level of dryness is quite pertinent in red wines and depends on a certain element of tannicity, which will be discussed in detail ahead.

2.     White Wine

White wines are still wines that are created from green and often black grapes as well. The taste could range from rich, creamy to light yet zesty.

3.     Rosé Wine

This type of wine is produced by skinning the black grapes before they form the rich ruby color. Another way to create rosé wine is by blending a small quantity of red wine with a higher concentration of white wine. They’re available in dry and sweet flavors.

4.     Sparkling Wine

Typically, sparkling wine is more of a modern form of winemaking that involves an additional fermentation process that creates bubbles – hence the term sparkling. Red, white and rosé wine can all be altered to become sparkling wine. They could taste sweet or rich.

5.     Fortified Wine

Fortified wines are a kind of dessert wine that involves the addition of spirits to strengthen its taste and effect.

The Flavors

There are literally thousands of different varieties of wine that range from regions to tastes. Some wines are famous due to its region of origin. Examples are wine such as Chianti Classico or the Chianti Classico Riserva that are created in the oldest vineyards in the Chianti region, Italy, each with varying flavors and ingredients. There is where some of the best red Italian wine originates from.

The primary flavors are the following:

·        Dryness

Dry wine is produced when the grape sugars are utilized completely to ferment into alcohol. In certain cases, some dry wines add to the body, and not to the level of sweetness because they use residual sugar instead.

·        Sweetness

The level of sweetness in the wine remains when most of the sugar is left unfermented. Sweet wines usually have lower levels of alcohol concentration if they are not fortified with additional spirits.

·        High Tannin

Are you aware of the dry sensation you get when you take a sip of certain wines? This is because of the level of tannin in the wine that adds to the dryness and bitterness. Certain wines need to balance out the tannin effect by enhancing the level of sweetness.

·        Spiciness

Wines with a higher concentration of acidity alcohol content are considered to be spicy.

Montemaggio Estate is known for its production of the best Tuscan wines, amidst all the wine loving regions of the world. Wine enthusiasts can relish in the rich aroma and fine taste of their hard work and efforts by visiting the estate. These Italian wines can also be purchased in the comforts of your home by ordering wine online.