There are many types of wine, but here are the most common ones, categorized by their color:
- Red Wine
- Typically made from red grapes, though some white grapes with dark skins can also produce red wine.
- Red wines tend to have bolder flavors and higher tannins than white wines. Tannins are phenolic compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that can create a drying sensation on the palate.
- Common red wine grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz/Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec, and Gamay.
White Wine
- Made from white grapes, although some pink-skinned grapes can also be used to make white wine.
- White wines are generally lighter-bodied and have higher acidity than red wines. They tend to have flavors of citrus, tree fruits, and minerals.
- Common white wine grapes include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato.
Rosé Wine
- A pink-colored wine made from red grapes using production methods that limit the contact of the juice with the skins. Rosé wines can range from dry to sweet and from light-bodied to full-bodied.
- Rosé wines are often enjoyed chilled as an apéritif or with lighter fare.
Sparkling Wine
- Wines that contain significant carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles. The most famous example is Champagne, but there are many other sparkling wines produced around the world, such as Cava (Spain), Prosecco (Italy), and Sekt (Germany).
- Sparkling wines can be red, white, or rosé. They can be dry, sweet, or semi-sweet.
- Sparkling wines are often enjoyed as a celebratory drink or paired with appetizers or desserts.