Wine is truly a historic beverage. For centuries, people have been enjoying the wine, and there’s no secret why. Wine has such a diverse array of styles and flavors that nearly everyone can find at least one variety they like. Floral or fruit aromas, woody essences and even coffee tones are common in wine. While you could simply say that wine comes from fermented grapes, this would be a vast understatement of the process and its product. Each grape has a distinct profile, and the colors of wine range from clear to violet.
Wine prices range from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Expensive bottles tend to strike the fancy of critics, but American consumers tend to prefer less costly wines. Critical tasters may provide some insight into the aroma or finish of a wine, but your own personal taste should be the only guide you follow when selecting a bottle. For example, Zinfandel is among the most popular red wines in the United States, but wine enthusiasts around the globe consider the grape only suitable for blending with others. Save money by experimenting with wines at a lower price point. You may be surprised to find that there is little separating a low-price bottle and one that breaks the bank.
White wines commonly can have colors ranging from clear to straw yellow, but it is not uncommon for young wines to have a slight green hue. The prevailing flavors in white wine are floral and fruit. These flavors come from the grapes themselves, but the oak barrels in which wine ages can have distinct affects on the product. The most popular white wine varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. One in every five wine bottles sold in the United States is a Chardonnay. White wines are chilled to 45 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Red wine colors range from rosy pink to dark burgundy and violet. Red wine boasts flavors such as berries and spice due to the robust grapes that make it. Oak aging red wines enhances their flavor and finish, creating unique tastes. Red wine is becoming increasingly popular because it has cardiovascular health benefits in small quantities and tastes fantastic. Popular red wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Red wine is best served around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other popular wine varieties include blush and sparkling wines. Blush wines are also called rosé. These are made by removing the skin from fermenting red grapes after only a short time of exposure. Blushing pink wines have deep, fruity aromas and range from dry to sweet. They are usually served chilled and pair excellently with food, due to their acidity. White Zinfandel is the most common of blushes, but its production was an accidental discovery during an attempt at creating regular red Zinfandel. Sparkling wines are not limited to just Champagne, but it is certainly the most commonly recognized variety. Carbon dioxide bubbles can result from natural fermentation or artificial infusion. Sparkling wine is most commonly found in white to blush varieties, but there are a few reds to enjoy.
Post written by Sara Woods, who writes for CouponCroc.co.uk. Looking for discounts on groceries? Shop online and save on everything from wine to cheese with the latest codes and vouchers from Coupon Croc.