Types

• There are four main types of wine, red, white, rose or blush and champagne. There are many subtypes within these groups, and different areas of the world produce varying varieties due to soil conditions and climates.

Red Wine

• Wine makers make red wine from red grapes, but this is not why the wine is red. During the fermentation process of red wine, the skins of the grapes are left on and this is what causes the striking red color of red wine. Some popular red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo and Zinfandel. Serve red wine with red meats such as beef.

White Wine

• Wine makers usually make white wine from white grapes, although they may make it from red grapes as well. During the fermentation process, white wine grapes are separated from their skins so that no color comes over from the skin, leaving the wine white in color. Expensive white wines are frequently aged in oak barrels while less expensive white wines are soaked in oak chips instead. Some popular white wines include Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Serve white wine with fish and poultry.

Rose or Blush Wine

• Wine makers make rose or blush wine from red grapes but the grape skins are only left on for a short time. This causes the wine to turn a pinkish color instead of the deep red of red wines. Popular rose or blush wines are white merlot and white zinfandel. Despite the name white, these are actually rose or blush wines. Serve rose or blush wine with fish or poultry.

Champagne

• Champagne is a bubbly form of wine that was originally produced in France. Champagne making requires the fermentation process to be interrupted and then restarted. This traps carbon dioxide particles in the bottle. Growers use three kinds of grapes, white Chardonnay, red Pinot Noir and red Pinot Meunier. Champagne can range from very dry (Brut) to dry (Sec) to semi-sweet (Demi-Sec). Serve champagne on special occasions such as holidays or anniversaries.