Welcome to All About Red Wine
...THE Guide for Those That Want to Learn More About Red Wines
Drinking red wine is one of my passions. The variety and complexity of it is exciting. This also makes it confusing and a little mysterious at the same time.
For years, I tasted wines and shared my favorites with friends. Their excitement to find a great one was the basis for this site.
I am a regular wine lover, just like you. I enjoy tasting with friends, sampling at parties and buying bottles I'm not familiar with -- all in an effort to learn more and discover something new.
All About Red Wine is for all wine lovers. On the pages of this site, you will find a wealth of information, but in a way that is not intimidating. My goal is to arm you with the information you need to select your next bottle with confidence.
Before we begin, take a minute to pour a glass -- red, I hope! -- then sit back and enjoy your journey of discovering new types, regions and much, much more!
Research the Different Types
Even though there are hundreds of types, there are only about 50 or so that are widely grown and distributed. Uncover some new varieties and learn a little more about your favorites.
- All Types: If you are just staring out or want an overview of all the different reds, this is the place to start. Find mini-sections with basic facts about some of the most common reds. Each section has a link to a more in-depth review of each type. Take some time to look around and then start to dig in on the reds that interest you.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This takes you directly to the kings of the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon. You will find a detailed overview of this popular red including common flavors & aromas, its history and top wine tasting regions.
- Merlot: Although everyone considers Cabernet Sauvignon as the most common, Merlot is one of the most grown reds in the world. Discover the qualities of this fruity variety that make it famous. You can also find tips on how to serve Merlot, the best regions for it and food pairing ideas.
- Pinot Noir: Tough to grow, but light and sophisticated is how I describe Pinot Noir. It is a wine makers dream and enemy at the same time. Explore this strawberry laced red including its history, high quality regions and pairing tips.
- Syrah: Big and bold is just one description of Syrah. How is it different from Shiraz? Uncover the truth on the differences between the two and what makes them both so popular.
- Zinfandel: Another big and bold red is Zinfandel. These reds are packed with fruity flavors and hints of spice. Find out more about this red wine including a little about its history and some of my favorites.
- Grenache Wine: This lesser known red is -- surprisingly -- another one of the most grown reds in the world. Learn about its history as a blending grape and it revitalization as a single variety.
- Sweet Reds: The popularity of sweets comes and goes. Many people are looking for higher quality sweets and how they are different from dry reds. Learn some key information on sweet red wine including several terms that help you determine the level of sweetness by reading the label.
Explore Info On Serving, Storing, Stain Removal & More
In addition to the varieties, there are several other red wine related topics covered here. Uncover tips for serving, storing and stain removal. Plan a wine tasting party and more.
- Storage & Serving Tips: What is the proper way to store a bottle for a long time? What about storing an open bottle? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more tips for storing and serving.
- Stain Removal: Red wine stains - what a pain! Not any more - find solutions to remove those pesky stains using some simple household items. In addition, find some other top cleaning solutions to have on hand.
- Party Ideas: Want to know how to have a killer tasting party? In this section, learn how to plan your budget, set up the party and determine the number of bottles you need per person.
- Terms: Ever get confused about certain tasting terms? What are tannins? What is a French AOC? Learn the meaning to common tasting terms so you get the most out of articles and other related information.
Travel to Popular Regions
Although I love tasting reds, my passion for travel might be even stronger. What could be better than going to a region to taste wines? This is the way I learn as much as I can about each one.
Here you can also travel to some of the top tasting regions. What reds do they produce? How long have they been growing wines? How do I get there? How do I get around? Find the answers to these questions and more on the region pages.
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So -- What Exactly is Red Wine?
Reds are made from grapes that are red, purple or blue in color. They get their color when producers leave the dark colored skins on during the wine making process. This is different from whites where the skins are removed before the wine making process begins.
This beverage has been around for thousands of years. Until recently the process to make reds, no matter what grape was used, was always pretty much the same. In the 1940s, wine makers began to experiment with the process to make it. Today, you find a variety of different techniques. This change has lead to the unique combinations of taste, aroma and flavor in each one you try.
Another thing that distinguishes a red from a white it that reds have tannins. This comes from the skin on the grapes. Tannin gives it the ability to age longer than whites. It also allows it to continue to improve during the aging process. The tannin comes across as a dryness in the wine. You can taste this or -- more accurately -- feel this dryness in your mouth when drinking a red.
Your Resource Guide
Use this site as a tool to help you select the wines that are right for you. Learn the basics of each varietal, try out some of the recommendations and then come back to learn more. Also, I welcome your comments, questions and recommendations on your experiences with wine tasting, visiting wineries and anything else related to wine.
Take some time to look around and come back often to learn more. I will continually update the site with new releases, recommendations and other important information. Bookmark this page and come back to visit again soon!
Cheers!
Other Types
Grenache : One of the Most Grown Reds In The World
More Popular
Regions
Rioja in Spain
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